Oil Pump Failed to Start?

[Aldakoopa]

Hi all,

It's been a while since I've been on here. I've been super busy trying to rebuild a house and don't have much time for anything else. I've probably missed out on a lot in the sonic world... lol

Anyway, I went to the bank after work yesterday to deposit my pay and when I came out and started my car to leave, there was a loud engine knock and the oil light was on and the car started dinging like when you leave your keys in the ignition or whatnot.

I turned it off and got out and checked my oil, which was full and hadn't lost a drop, and it is still about 3000 miles until my next oil change, so I figured the only thing it could be is an issue with the oil pump.

I decided I'd try it again and it started up and everything was fine. I have no idea why this would happen, or if it was only a random hiccup (I've had a couple other non-reoccurring issues with my car) or if I should worry that it will get progressively worse.

Has anybody else had a similar issue?

 

[Natesriv]

never...
isn't the pump just mechanical? Good thing you shut it off, when the oil light goes on that's a critical fault

Since then, nothing? If you're still under warranty, it'd be a good idea to see what they think.

If not, places like Meineke have a diagnostic machine, which may shed some light on what happened...and they charge a LOT less than dealership!

Good luck amigo! Post some pics of your house rebuild!

 

[Aldakoopa]

never...
isn't the pump just mechanical? Good thing you shut it off, when the oil light goes on that's a critical fault

Since then, nothing? If you're still under warranty, it'd be a good idea to see what they think.

If not, places like Meineke have a diagnostic machine, which may shed some light on what happened...and they charge a LOT less than dealership!

Good luck amigo! Post some pics of your house rebuild!

I don't know if it's mechanical or if they've gone electric for the oil pump...

The thing is with no issue afterwards it's probably going to be one of those things where they'll just tell me "we couldn't find anything wrong" and give me a bill for their time.

So far, it's only been since yesterday, I've noticed nothing else with the oil.

And I'll make a thread in Off-Topic when I get all my pics together of the progress of the rebuild.

 

[5.0]

I'm pretty sure we have mechanical variable displacement oil pump. The odds of that failing are slim. And if it did fail it wouldn't have corrected itself. If it triggered the oil light take it to the dealer it probably threw a code aswell. Is this a 1.8? They have been known to have a problem with their oil pressure indicator switch.

 

[Blue hedgehog]

I believe the oil pump is variable displacement.

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/for...cussion/5890-nice-description-1-4-ecotec.html

 

[Blue hedgehog]

I'm pretty sure we have mechanical variable displacement oil pump. The odds of that failing are slim. And if it did fail it wouldn't have corrected itself. If it triggered the oil light take it to the dealer it probably threw a code aswell. Is this a 1.8? They have been known to have a problem with their oil pressure indicator switch.

You posted while I was looking up the other tread.
Yes the 1.8 has an issue with the oil press switch. But it would t have caused the knock, only the light.

Besides his garage shows he has the 1.4t

 

[ChrisJ]

Does the 1.4 have some kind of checkvalve that keeps oil from draining back out of the engine into the oil pan?

If it does perhaps it got hung up allowing all oil to drain down, giving the same effect as when you change the oil filter.

 

[Aldakoopa]

You posted while I was looking up the other tread.
Yes the 1.8 has an issue with the oil press switch. But it would t have caused the knock, only the light.

Besides his garage shows he has the 1.4t

^ What he said.

The knock was terrible. I thought maybe there was some diesel truck that was running nearby at first before I looked and saw the light and the car started dinging. I was thinking surely this isn't my car... lol

I'm just looking for any clues whatsoever to what it could be.

 

[Blue hedgehog]

Does the 1.4 have some kind of checkvalve that keeps oil from draining back out of the engine into the oil pan?

If it does perhaps it got hung up allowing all oil to drain down, giving the same effect as when you change the oil filter.

I haven't torn into the 1.4 yet so I don't have a clue. I know older GM (AC Delco) filters had the check valve built in. Using an aftermarket filter on an engine that required the check valve would cause a slight knock on start after sitting for a few hours.

Preloader is the only member that I know of who has taken the 1.4 apart so far. Maybe he will chime in.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hello Aldakoopa,

We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing this concern with your vehicle. We'd be happy to look further into this or reach out to your dealership on your behalf. Please send us a private message referencing this thread if additional assistance is needed.

Best,

Andraya R.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Aldakoopa]

Just wanted to update this. My car showed no codes at all, but it did it twice again yesterday.

I talked to my cousin about it and he said he's heard of a couple of Ford's doing that because the VVT was off on startup.

Every time it happens, if I shut the car off and restart it it's fine again.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Just wanted to update this. My car showed no codes at all, but it did it twice again yesterday.

I talked to my cousin about it and he said he's heard of a couple of Ford's doing that because the VVT was off on startup.

Every time it happens, if I shut the car off and restart it it's fine again.

Hey Aldakoopa,

If you need any assistance getting into the dealership, I would be happy to reach out to them to discuss some possible options regarding your concern. Please reach out to me via PM, and provide your VIN, current mileage, contact info and a preferred dealership so I can better assist. Thanks!

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Aldakoopa]

I have set up an appointment with the dealership, but they're busy and can't take me in until Tuesday next week. They also don't know if they'll have a loaner available. :blankface:

Not sure how much Chevrolet Customer Service can help with that.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

I have set up an appointment with the dealership, but they're busy and can't take me in until Tuesday next week. They also don't know if they'll have a loaner available. :blankface:

Not sure how much Chevrolet Customer Service can help with that.

Hey there,

I would be happy to contact your dealership to possibly discuss a loaner option for you. However, I cannot guarantee anything regarding this, but I will do my best!

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Aldakoopa]

My Sonic is currently getting checked out at the dealership. They gave me a periwinkle Spark as a loaner. It's a little on the small and emasculating side, but at least it's a car to drive for the time being.

 

[Aldakoopa]

The dealership called to let me know what was going on and they still hadn't found the problem yet. They're thinking it's an issue with the valves or cylinder head but they have to tear down the top end to hopefully figure it out.

 

[Aldakoopa]

Got my car back today. Turns out the last time I changed the oil I didn't quite line the new filter up right and when I tightened the cap I crushed the filter, and broke off the plastic legs on the bottom. They eventually worked their way into a check valve and from vibrations would occasionally cause a major obstruction of oil. The dealer removed the pieces, changed my oil and filter at no charge, and made sure it was running ok by taking it on a long trip and back.

My only complaint is that I had to refill the tank of the Spark I was driving, but they burned a half tank of gas completely out of my car. When I got it back it was dead on E with the gas light on. But, for no charge for something that was apparently my fault, I don't have much room to complain.

Anyway, a big thank you to the Chevy Customer Care for what part they played in it here on the forums, to you fellow members who tried to help me with suggestions at first, and especially to my dealer for the awesome service team they have.

 

[Natesriv]

Glad you're 100%

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Got my car back today. Turns out the last time I changed the oil I didn't quite line the new filter up right and when I tightened the cap I crushed the filter, and broke off the plastic legs on the bottom. They eventually worked their way into a check valve and from vibrations would occasionally cause a major obstruction of oil. The dealer removed the pieces, changed my oil and filter at no charge, and made sure it was running ok by taking it on a long trip and back.

My only complaint is that I had to refill the tank of the Spark I was driving, but they burned a half tank of gas completely out of my car. When I got it back it was dead on E with the gas light on. But, for no charge for something that was apparently my fault, I don't have much room to complain.

Anyway, a big thank you to the Chevy Customer Care for what part they played in it here on the forums, to you fellow members who tried to help me with suggestions at first, and especially to my dealer for the awesome service team they have.

Hey Chessie,

You are very welcome! I was happy to assist. I'm pleased to hear about your experience, and you are back on the road enjoying your Sonic. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me in the future if you have any more questions or concerns. Have a great weekend!

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care