Hi,

I am driving 2002 Hyundai Sonata GLS, V4 Engine, 2-wheel drive. When I am driving the car, within 10 to 15 minutes of driving my car it stalls out "but" well start again very quickly. But when putting it in drive well stall right away. Will only move a few inches and then stall. If I wait awhile it will start and go for about 5 or so minutes and stall all over again.

When the car stalls, the Oil Pressure Indicator light on the dashboard flickers and car the stops. If I wait for 5 minutes and then start and go for 1 or 2 miles, again the Indicator light flickers and car stalls again.

I got a chance to take this to mechanic and he replaced the Oil Filter and it already has a new oil pump on it. Replaced spark plugs and performed maintenance tuneup on it. After doing all these things, I am getting the same stalling problem again. When I talk to mechanic, he said, the engine/motor may need to be replaced to avoid the Indicator light flickering issue. He said, that may costs around $4000. I don't think my car costs that much value. So I am very confused now on what to do with this issue.

I am having very hard time with this issue and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much in Advance!

Thanks!

During all of this did anyone bother to see how much oil pressure this engine actually has?

If the oil pressure is too low from worn bearings and whatever... its going to sut the fuel off as a matter of design.

And you should be able to get a used engine for for less than $4,000 installed... I hope that quoted price was for a freshly remanufactured engine.

I'd take it to another mechanic that has the common sense to check to see how much oil pressure it actually has before replacing things.

This could be as simple as a bad sensor or as complex as a worn out engine.

Thanks Smoothy.. As you said, I will get it other mechanic and see what he is going to tell. It would be great if you can list out what are the things I need to ask him to check?

Thanks!

I'd start by explaining the symptoms... he should be pulling the codes on his own to see wha the computer sees... specifically ask him to mechanically check the oil pressure and specify what it is at idle and at higher rpms (like 2-3K rpms the mormal hiway rpms). There will be two numbers.

If those are low... assuming the oil pump was done right (assuming the mechanic didn't ham-hand the pump or damage the gasket causing a leak after the pump)... you either have a defective replacement pump OR a worn out engine. Both are actually possible.

TX Greasemonkey will likely see this and give something more specific. The advice I gave is generic and applies to all makes and modles with computer engine controls. (My expertise is along GM, Mercedes , Honda and Triumph cars and Harley Davidson Motorcycles.) He will likely have something more Hyundai specific.

I suspect the problem (cause) is ignition related and the oil light coming on is the effect. I would check for codes, by attaching a Hyundai specific scan tool to the 16-pin data link connector under the dash. One or more DTCs or pending codes should be retrieved. This should send you in the right direction. I suspect one or more of the following sensors is the culprit:

. Check/replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor.

. Check/replace the Camshaft Position Sensor.

. Check/replace the Ignition Misfire Sensor. Ignition Misfire Sensors report crankshaft position and misfire occurrence to the PCM (on-board computer). When bad, Hyundais may experience false misfire detection, trouble starting and running, high fuel consumption, excessive hydrocarbons in the oil causing internal engine damage, low power, hesitation, and failed emissions test. Usually, a Check Engine Light will come on.

Your local Hyundai dealer should be able to diagnose and repair the problem in a few minutes. I doubt that the engine needs replacing.