Oil pressure gauge - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

saiklon · 04-01-2005, 01:52 AM

Hi,

I seem to be having low oil pressure when the engine has warmed up. When I first start up the car (AE92 hatchback with 4A-GE engine), the oil pressure gauge goes to half way - which seems fine to me. However after the engine has warmed up and the car is idling e.g. in a traffic jam, the oil pressure gauge will go as low as 1/6th of full scale. Is it normal for the pressure to go this low when the engine is hot?

Thanks.

89TCGTS · 04-01-2005, 08:54 AM

i would tell you the normality of the oil gauge, but mine doesn't work....It used to work and i don't think it ever went that low.....that could be bad...i think i would get it checked out, because my brother had a Trans Am and the oil pressure started going down, and he blewhis motor

Hemi3TC · 04-01-2005, 10:30 AM

If your car has al lot of miles on it, it is probably normal since the bearing clearances are larger. Especially if you do not change your oil and filter regularly. Also check your oil level. If it is normal and you have no visible leaks and your engine is running well. Try using a thicker grade of oil like 15W-50.

Hemi3TC

MistaSergio · 04-01-2005, 11:08 AM

you have to look at the oil pressure when you're moving and driving. when in idle - its okay for it to be anywhere bewteen the L mark and the first following mark.
While driving however, it should rise pass what appears the be the middle mark.

Now if it doesn't go above the L mark while driving - THEN you have a problem - that could mean no pressure - or the gauge could be wacked out. Also - check your oil level if it doesn't rise above the middle mark, it could not be showing pressure because of the oil being low [use the dipstick to check that]

toyotaspeed90 · 04-01-2005, 12:33 PM

um..... check to see if you're low on oil..... my 4ag (which was beat up in japan or mistreated) in the corolla has oil pressure issues as well...... basically your oil pressure is lower at idle when warmed up because your engine is turning slower, meaning the oil pump is moving slower as well.... when you rev your pressure will rise..... when you are low on oil it's even harder to build pressure at idle

saiklon · 04-02-2005, 06:28 AM

Thanks for all your responses.

Yeah, the gauge does rise to the middle when the car is not at idle. So I guess there's no problem to worry about. I once had a car break a piston due to low oil pressure - the mechanic who had replaced the oil pump told me not to worry about the check engine light and just drive. So I'm now extra careful about oil pressure.

toyotaspeed90 · 04-02-2005, 12:07 PM

still.... check your oil level

browner · 04-02-2005, 12:54 PM

I just started driving my AE92 a couple of weeks ago and my oil pressure gauge was low at idle.I have a rebuilt JDM 4AGE so i was pissed when my oil pressure was low. After looking over everything the oil pressure was normal.Never trust any gauge, if you think you have a problem get it looked at A.S.A.P.