2003 xle 4 cyl, oil light on, fluid leaking

[KTac]

Hi all. I have a 2003 4 cylinder Camry XLE. I was just about to get off the highway on my way home from work today when I heard a pop sound come from the passenger side of the car. The oil light also came on at the same time and stayed on. When I got home I saw that there was fluid running down onto the front passenger side wheel. I'm at a loss as to what type of situation I'm looking at. Any ideas? TIA.

[leakyseals]

Originally Posted by KTac

Hi all. I have a 2003 4 cylinder Camry XLE. I was just about to get off the highway on my way home from work today when I heard a pop sound come from the passenger side of the car. The oil light also came on at the same time and stayed on. When I got home I saw that there was fluid running down onto the front passenger side wheel. I'm at a loss as to what type of situation I'm looking at. Any ideas? TIA.

Go tighten that oil filter!!!! Hurry, give it a clockwise hand twist and top off the oil ASAP, you must be down over 3 quarts!

[HotRod53]

Oil light or maintenence required light? If it truly is an "oil' light, you are dangerously low on oil and it required immediate attention. If it's "maintenance required", that is your 5K reminder that you need an oil change and not critical.

My Pontiac Bonneville had a oil float sensor in the pan, if it got below that, you were in trouble and it lit a light.

+1 on LeakySeals comment, it has to be going somewhere and you better find it quick.

[BlackCamSe]

why on earth wouldnt you pull over when a RED oil light lit up? You may have done some SERIOUS engine damage by continuing to drive it. Dont take this the wrong way but you dont sound very car savy per say. Get it towed to a good mechanic or dealer and have them look at it. DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE with the oil light on.

[KTac]

Thanks all for your input. Yes BlackCamSe, I am not "very car savy per say". I also live 4 blocks from the highway I was already pulling off of when the light came on and figured it would be ok. I'm gonna check the oil filter like leakyseals suggests and see if oil still leaks out after I pour a few quarts in. If not I'll have it towed to a mechanic.

[fatngs]

[Donald E. George]

I would have a serious talk with the person who last changed the oil and filter if the filter gasket or housing failed. Quality oil filters should not fail if installed correctly. In many year of changing my own oil and filter, I have never had an oil filter fail. There are several excellent internet sites that rate oil filters. Regards