Pontiac Repair: Oil gage light, 2002 pontiac sunfire, low oil pressure

Question
Why does my oil light come on when I'm stopped at a stop sign? Checked oil and it's full. 2002 pontiac sunfire 2.2 engine, automatic transmission, 4 door. 276000 kms

Answer
Hi Barb:

This is not a good thing. That lamp means the engine has low oil pressure. It could be something as simple and the swithc is bad and turning the lamp on but I doubt it. With as many miles as you have on this I'm thinking the engine is worn out. whne the engine is hot and at a stop light the oil pressure is to low and it it turning the lamp on. Have the oil pressure tested whne the engine is hot and my guess is it's going to be on the low side. You can try a heavier grade of motor oil like a 15-40 but  that is just a band aid. If indeed in has low oild pressure it' going to have to come apart and be repaired. good luck :)