Oil light on, please help! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

drimran · 03-26-2004, 06:26 PM

Hi, I have a 91 celica with 201k miles on it. The car runs great, but yesterday, my oil light went on while I was breaking.

I checked the oil and it was full. I had just changed it 2k miles ago. Today, when I brake or stop at a light, the light comes on (on low rpms). When I press on the gas, the light goes off.

Any advice? Thanks for any help.
Could it be the oil pump? if so how much does that cost?

lloydjv · 03-27-2004, 09:45 AM

Although it's difficult to rule it out, the oil pump is just a driven gear, and theoretically the last thing to go. The oil light is coming on either because of low oil pressure or there may possibly be a short in the wire that leads to the oil sending unit, or the oil sending unit, or switch itself is bad. I don't know which model engine you have, but I would assume it is 5sfe. The oil switch is screwed into the head on the front side of the engine below the number 4 plug(dist side). Perhaps the connector is loose, or shorting, or the switch is leaking.

Otherwise, the low pressure may be caused by an improper filter(maybe), obstructions or sludge in the oil passages or valve area, or worst of all, worn main bearings.

I found out the hard way rolling down the highway at 70 mph. My oil light came on, I pulled over, and that was it. Had to rebuild the block.

If you can't make a determination by looking, I would recommend you have it professionally diagnosed.

KENNETHK · 03-27-2004, 10:13 AM

My camry's oil light came on and i took it to a toyota dealership and they diagnosed the problem.In my case it seems the vsv had to be changed.
HTH.
Regards,
KENNETHK

drimran · 03-28-2004, 01:13 PM

Thanks for your help guys. I am going to take it to the dealer tomorrow and have them look at it. I'll post their answer once I find out.
By the way, what is a 'VSV'?

Thanks again

carheadz · 03-28-2004, 05:18 PM

It might be your oil pressure switch.

drimran · 03-29-2004, 06:33 PM

Thanks for your help guys. The problem turned out to be a bad cable/sensor. The oil pressure was fine. The repair cost ended up being approx $180.00. I was just relieved the engine was fine!!