99 Avalon oil warning light - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

shmooglassa · 01-09-2008, 04:37 PM

I Have a 99 Avalon with 83,000 miles. The oil warning light came on after the car stalled while driving. Service department says the lower block must be replaced for the small sum of $6300.00. Since that is more than the car is worth and it seems to be running ok for now would appreciate any advice on what to do next. Thanks

Qslim · 01-09-2008, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shmooglassa

I Have a 99 Avalon with 83,000 miles. The oil warning light came on after the car stalled while driving. Service department says the lower block must be replaced for the small sum of $6300.00. Since that is more than the car is worth and it seems to be running ok for now would appreciate any advice on what to do next. Thanks

Okay, you said that the oil light came on after the car stalled.... The oil light will always be on if the engine isn't running. Did you mean to say that the oil light came on first? Is it still on now? FYI, if the oil light EVER comes on, stop the engine immediately. If the oil level is fine, then have it towed to a shop. No oil pressure will do serious damage. $$$

cexsiman · 01-09-2008, 11:01 PM

the lower block needs to be replaced? are they saying that your block is cracked? if so, you can get a used engine for 1200 +/- and i cant imagine that they would want more than 1000 to install it = ~2200.

and plus you said it is running ok now? are you leaking oil/coolant/anything? try parking in a 'clean' spot and taking notice of any new leaks or spots on the ground.

do you remember what the conditions were like when the light first came on? were you driving in extreme cold/heat/deep puddles/ off roading/ racing?

shmooglassa · 01-10-2008, 04:48 AM

there are no leaks and the car has never needed oil top off between oil changes. There was no warning before stalling that first time. I was driving down a city street at about 30mph. The car just went dead so I drifted to a parking space and restarted the car. Half a block later the oil light came on. I pulled over to check level, it was ok.Now the light comes on and off at times after the car warms up. Took it to toyota and they said it was loosing pressure due to " excess clearence to rod and main bearings requiring replacement of short block assembly and suggested among other things the 6300 repair bill which I declined. Also said to up the oil weight and trade it in on a cold day since the oil would be thicker. Driving home from the dealer the car ran fine the light was on for a while but then went off for the last 3 miles. It is now in driveway.

Heavy_D · 01-11-2008, 01:16 AM

you could just have a faulty sensor o a bad oil pump, should give those a try b4 doing a motor swap

***toyomoho*** · 01-12-2008, 03:32 PM

Find out what the real oil pressure is by having someone remove the oil pressure sensor and installing a pressure gauge.

parimento1 · 01-12-2008, 03:43 PM

check for possible sludge damage

shmooglassa · 01-12-2008, 05:33 PM

Thank you to all who responded. An update. Today tried the higher weight oil 20w50 and
replaced the filter. Drove the car and no oil light. I guess the service fellow was correct and the engine is showing wear. From some suggestions on the internet the higher weight oil will help increase the oil pressure since it seals around the excess clearence to the bearings. Then proceeded to drive the car to the dealer and traded it for a 2008 Avalon. Trade in $3500 not far below Kelly value in fair condition. Lesson learned, change the oil often. Look foward to finding tips in the future on the 08.