instrument cluster idiot light help

[tdunham]

I have a '95 Camry 2.2L and one of the lights on the instrument cluster came on yesterday. The idiot light is below the speedometer between the battery and brake lights and looks like a watering can with a drop coming out of it. Is this oil or water? Oil and water levels look fine.

Also, just got the car from the shop the day before so I suppose it's possible they jostled or broke the sensor.

To complicate things the timing belt broke today! But that's probably a coincidence.

[southpawz]

That is your oil idiot light....better check into what is going on.

Oil light come on before or after the timing belt broke?

[tdunham]

Thanks Southpawz. The oil light came on late yesterday so I pulled into a service station and put a quart in right away. On the way home it flickered on and off mostly but remained steady occasionally as well.
I did not check the oil level before adding the oil so I may have overfilled the oil (which I know can be a bad thing).

[toyomoho]

A quart low of oil should not cause the light to come on. As you are replacing the belt, might check the pump. See if it at least turns smoothly.

Maybe just an oil pressure switch gone bad. Loose sensor wire. The switch should go on below 4.3psi or if the sensor wire gets grounded. Other possible causes are oil pump relief valve problem and plugged oil pump screen.

Just what type of service was done?

Car oil pressure normally 4.3+psi at idle, 36-71psi at 3K rpm.

[Mike Gerber]

This can be very serious (major engine problems caused by a bad oil pump or worn engine main bearings) or it can be relativley minor (like a bad oil pressure sensor). You don't mention how many miles are on the car.

Start diagnosing the problem by having someone remove the oil pressure sensor from the engine block and temporarily install a mechanical oil pressure gage. Then take actual pressure readings. This will determine if it's a major or a minor problem. Go from there.

Good luck.

Mike

[tdunham]

The car was brought in for a checkup on the rack and pinion and brakes. They stated that they tightened the rack.

Removed the timing belt. The teeth were completely gone in one area. (Everything looked great under there otherwise).

The oil pump spins freely with no slop or play and has some tension to it. I don't know how to measure for pressure but did a physical check on the oil pressure switch attached to the head and it appears to be ok.
The engine is overdue for an oil change. Could the filter be causing a low pressure situation as well? Also, should I try to use an engine flush before this oil change to see if that helps?
I suppose I should replace the oil pressure switch as well.

[tdunham]

Thanks Mike. I'm going to locate an oil pressure guage and let you know how it goes!

[92_Gen3_5SFE_LE]

the oil light isnt meant to signify low oil. It is meant to warn about low oil pressure, now having low amounts of oil can also tlead to low oil pressure too.