Hyundai Sonata Check Oil Level ➕ Add Engine Oil
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Is the oil pressure warning light displayed on your Hyundai Sonata dashboard? Learn how to fix the problem by checking the engine oil level and adding oil to your Hyundai Sonata.
This guide will teach you how to check the engine oil level and add oil to a Hyundai. The procedure is based on a Hyundai Sonata, but it is the same for all Hyundai models, including Accent, Elantra, Santa Fe, etc.
Symptoms:
- Oil pressure warning light
- Loss of engine performance
- Engine overheat
- Burning oil smell
- Clunking or Knocking sound
What You Will Need:
- Engine Oil: OEM recommended oil viscosity, one quart. Typical: 5W-30 full synthetic.
- A rag or shop towel
- Engine oil fill funnel
How to Check and Add Engine Oil
This will show you how to check and properly add engine oil for a Hyundai Sonata. However, this procedure applies to other models as well.
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- Open the driver’s side door and locate the hood release handle.
(Typically along with the left side kick panel or under the dash below the steering wheel) - Pull the release handle until you hear a pop. This will tell you that the hood is released. TIP: there should be tension on the handle from the hood cable for the hood release to be pulled. If you cannot feel any tension and you do not hear a pop when you pull the release handle, you may be able to take a pair of needle-nose pliers and pull on the cable itself just behind the hood release handle. If this does not pop your hood, you may need your hood cable replaced.
- Once the hood is released, walk to the front of the vehicle and feel for the second hood release handle to raise your hood. Once the hood is raised, hood shocks may hold your hood up and out of the way. Or there may be a prop rod you will need to place on the underside of the hood. If the hood goes up with little effort and does not try to slam down when you begin to pull your hand away, you most likely have hood shocks. If your hood does not stay up on its own, there is a prop rod that holds your hood up. This can be easily located by checking the perimeters of your engine bay. Usually along the front, just about the grille, or with one of the fenders.
- Now, you can locate your engine oil dipstick. In this case, the oil dipstick was orange before the engine. To prevent the dipstick from bending, place your hand on top of it and pull it straight up until it is completely removed.
- Now that the dipstick is out remove the oil, reinsert it into the dipstick hole, and remove it again for a more accurate oil level reading.
- While holding the dipstick horizontally to the ground, check the level by seeing where the oil is relative to the indicator dots. The dot further up the dipstick towards the top indicates that the oil is full and does not need to be filled. However, the dot towards the end of the dipstick indicates that the oil is at the bottom of the operating range, and you will need to refill it ASAP. TIP: If your oil is between the two dots, your engine oil is at a normal range. However, oil is recommended, so the reading is near the top indicator dot.
- If you need to add engine oil, look for the engine oil fill cap at the top of your engine. This is typically indicated with the word “oil” or the engine oil viscosity printed on the cap, such as 5W-30.
- Turn counterclockwise until the cap is free, and you can place it aside.
- Now that you have purchased the correct oil viscosity and know where to add the oil place the engine oil funnel in the fill hole and add the necessary amount to achieve the optimum engine oil level.
- Remove the engine oil funnel, replace the oil fill cap, and confirm your engine oil level reading on the dipstick. Replace the engine oil dipstick once the engine oil fill level is achieved. Wipe any dripped or spilled engine oil on your engine bay clean, lower the prop rod, and close the hood securely.
(Typically along with the left side kick panel or under the dash below the steering wheel)
TIP: there should be tension on the handle from the hood cable for the hood release to be pulled. If you cannot feel any tension and you do not hear a pop when you pull the release handle, you may be able to take a pair of needle-nose pliers and pull on the cable itself just behind the hood release handle. If this does not pop your hood, you may need your hood cable replaced.
Common Causes
What can cause the Hyundai oil light to come on?
- External and Internal engine oil leaks
- Incorrect oil viscosity causes the oil to burn off and out of the exhaust.
- Going too long between oil changes
- Minor/Major engine damage (i.e., bad PCV valve, blown head gasket)
Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Hyundai.
Two different oil warnings, two different responses
The yellow or amber oil can symbol, usually alongside a message asking you to check the oil level, means the level sensor has seen the oil drop. Topping up is exactly the right response and this guide covers it.
The red oil pressure warning is a different thing entirely and must never be treated as a top up. It means the engine is not receiving oil at pressure, which can be a failed pump, a blocked pickup or worn bearings. Adding oil to a system that is not circulating it will not help. Switch the engine off as soon as you are somewhere safe and have it looked at, because the damage from running an engine without oil pressure is measured in minutes rather than miles.
