oil pressure

2007 HYUNDAI ENTOURAGE
44,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DENTON288
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My 2007 Hyundai Entourage leaked about 3 qts of oil unbekownst to me, the low oil pressure gauge never came on, should it have? I now have internal engine damage.
Feb 16, 2011 at 12:01 AM
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ERNEST CLARK
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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Not always. The oil pressure light doesn't monitor oil level, though it's still related. The engine oil pan actually holds more oil than the engine needs. This is so there's always a supply ready for the pump to pick up. The pressure sensor monitors this pressure produced by the pump. If the oil level dips low enough, the oil pump will suck air and the pressure level will drop. Then the pressure sensor will notify the computer. But exactly at what oil level will produce a significant pressure drop varies.

So at some point the pressure sensor would notice. But maybe 3 quarts wasn't enough.
Feb 16, 2011 at 12:19 AM
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DENTON288
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Common sense would dictate to me that this light would be designed to come on prior to any possibility of engine damage, correct?
Feb 16, 2011 at 12:27 AM
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ERNEST CLARK
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 1,730 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If you're trying to bring a suit against the dealer, then you need to consult a lawyer. I explained the fundamentals of the technology above. If you need other advise I'd be glad to help.
Feb 16, 2011 at 12:43 AM
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