@Calvine
If it starts after the jump and the battery light doesn’t stay on, then it’s likely a battery issue. You can drive it to a repair shop or parts store without problems. If the battery light remains on, you’ll likely need a tow.
Try jump starting the car, and then take off the jumper cables. If the car dies right after, it’s likely a bad battery or alternator or maybe both! The battery light turning on while the engine runs usually means the alternator isn’t charging the battery. Check the battery cables and terminals too for any corrosion, as that can also lead to starting issues. If your battery is 5 years old, it’s probably time for a replacement anyway.
It’s probably the battery like others have said. And since you’re in the USA, most places are dealing with very cold temperatures right now, which won’t help things at all.
MotorMan said:
It’s probably the battery like others have said. And since you’re in the USA, most places are dealing with very cold temperatures right now, which won’t help things at all.
Yeah. We had the coldest night recorded here last night, which makes sense since it was running fine yesterday.
Just to clarify, you tried to start the car this morning, it wouldn’t start and was out of oil. After adding oil, it started but the warning lights are on now?
RooneyOnWheels said:
Just to clarify, you tried to start the car this morning, it wouldn’t start and was out of oil. After adding oil, it started but the warning lights are on now?
That’s pretty much it The lights were there before I added the oil, but now the engine starts a bit but stutters and the lights flicker.
@Calvine
In the best scenario, the battery and alternator might be failing, causing the starting and stuttering problems.
The stuttering could also be due to a faulty oil pressure switch. It’s possible that it’s detecting an oil pressure issue and cutting power to the fuel pump to prevent damage to the engine. That could explain why it wouldn’t start at first. With no oil, the car detects that and shuts down. Now that there’s oil, it starts but the sensor is still sensing some pressure problem. I’ve seen this happen with my friends’ cars before. If you try pressing on the gas when starting, does the oil pressure light turn off and does it stop stuttering? In those cases, replacing the switch fixed the problem.
The CEL and battery light turning on is normal if the car nearly stalls, but you should focus on the oil pressure light right now.
Unfortunately, your Hyundai Elantra is part of the group of cars known for excessive oil use during that time period. In the worst case, it could mean a serious engine issue. When was the last oil change and how many miles have you put on since?
If the alternator is failing, your car might start with whatever charge is left in the battery, but the alternator won’t keep the battery charged while also powering the accessories, which will keep the battery light on even when it’s running. Since it’s not fully charging the battery, it will be harder to start, especially in cold weather.