Oil light and engine rattling at idle

[jn1984]

A friend gave me a 2012 Sonic 1.8l. At idle the oil light comes on and there is a rattle in the top of the engine. It goes away at RPM over 1500. I know it's a mechanical oil pump. Could the pump be failing or is it more likely something like the pickup screen is partially clogged. It's full on oil. I know it's had oil changes but they were never on time.

 

[Kschloer]

There is a bulletin write up regarding the oil filter type Hengts vs U??? The Hengst has a non-return valve at the bottom of the oil cooler reservoir that if not seated properly you'll loose oil pressure to motor. I know, this happened to me with a 1.4 turbo. I actually measured the pressure at the sensor location. Make absolutely certain that valve seat is clean as a whistle before placing the filter in. The valve in the Hengst has a small spring loaded check valve with 3 prongs that break and can lodge in the seat. Oil pressure was reduced to 6 psi after warm up when not seated to 38 psi when seated. You can by these check valves online if prongs are missing.

 

[Kschloer]

Also make certain the oil filter is the correct filter for the oil cooler.

 

[jn1984]

Thanks for the information. I'm going to do an oil change this weekend and check the valve.