I think I got a big problem

[gonefishie]

I drive a 02 Tundra with the 4.8L engine, regular oil/filter change. It's now got 60 or 70 something thousand miles. My commute is about 20 minutes, 7 miles long. This morning, about half way I went over a railroad track a little faster then normal. After that I noticed the check engine light came on for the firt time ever. I came to a stop light about a 1/4 mile after the r.r track and noticed the oil pressure gauge had dropped to about 10%. Normally, the guauge would reads way higher at idle rpm. It went up only when engine was at higher rpm. I continued to finish the rest of the drive. Should I limp to the shop or better call a tow truck?

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: I think I got a big problem

Check the oil and do a visual inspection under the engine.
W/O oil pressure I wouldn't drive it at all.
Even if it's a faulty reading, better safe than sorry.
Good luck.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: I think I got a big problem

Just went out and checked the oil level, it's full, no leak anywhere. Started up and gauge went up to normal reading at idle. I revved it up to highway speed rpm for about 10 seconds. Back to idle and gauge dropped below normal again but higher then it was earlier this morning. Engine runs smooth, no knock, ping or anything abnormal, check engine light remains on. Is it possible that I could have jarred something loose? Called 4 different dealers for quote on oil pump replacement and was quoted from $1500 to $2500. Ouch....big f...ing ouch! One guy said 9 hrs labor and another said 15 hrs labor. It seems a lot of dealers are out to rip people off.

 

[bustermin]

Re: I think I got a big problem

Take it to Auto Zone, they will plug into your computer and pull the codes for free (they can even clear the codes for you and turn the light off). it could be a simple as a loose fuel cap. as far as the oil pressure, I had a truck once, that whenever it was time for an oil change the oil pressure would drop, once i changed the oil it was fine, i guess it was a sensitive gauge.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: I think I got a big problem

My '05 Tundra with same engine has read low on oil pressure at idle since it was new. About 10% of gauge. Goes up to about 50% of gauge at highway speeds. The dealer service department checked it and said this was normal. These types of gauges don't read actual pressure, just indicate relative readings. I wasn't too happy with this explanation at first, but four years later, have had no problem.
You may not have a big problem, but I would sure keep an eye on it until I was sure it was OK. Toyota, Honda, etc. make good cars but they really sock it to you in the service department.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: I think I got a big problem

As already said first go and get the trouble code and go from there.

 

[NoKlu]

Re: I think I got a big problem

Some of the newer oil gauges are just a switch that is off or on. You might just have a loose wire to it but definitely get it checked out.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: I think I got a big problem

Toyota has known problems with the oil pressure gauges on the 4.8L engines. Not sure if its the gauge or the sender. Was driving a friend's 04 Sequoia and it dropped so low I thought I had lost all the oil. Dealer repaired under warranty.

 

[gss036]

Re: I think I got a big problem

As far a clearing the code, all you need to do is disconnect the ground wire on the battery and let it sit about 5 minutes and it will reset. Check the connections, chances are you have a loose wire/fitting not making good contact.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: I think I got a big problem

Well, I dodged the bullet this time. Reseated the oil gauge sender connector and it's doing better now. The check engine code is for bank 2 sensor 1 oxygen sensor. Apparently, the 2 front sensors have a 7 years/90000 miles warranty. I'm at 85000 miles and the 7 years aniversary is 9/30/09. If exhaust manifolds need to be replace because the sensors are fused to it, they'll cover that too. Now that's what I call standing behind your product.