Oil Light Sensor Problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

TheMickster · 03-28-2005, 04:03 AM

Hi All. I have a teaser. I drive a Gen 6 2.0GT Celica. It goes great and never gives me any hassle. While it is still going great it has given me a little cause for concern. The low oil level light comes on from time to time. What actually happens is when the car's up to operating temperature the light comes on. Then if I accelerate or just rev the engine the light goes out. There is no smoke, no strange noises, no lack in performance and no strange smells. The oil level is definitely ok, but I don't want to just ignore the light and it means I'm not enjoying driving now. I was thinking it could be a faulty sensor, but I don't like the fact that I can predict when it will come on. Could it be the oil pump or the filter? What would cause this? Any helpful suggestion would be most welcome.

Pineapple · 03-28-2005, 10:25 AM

Hook up a oil pressure gauge to see if oil pressure is within spec. Could be worn oil pump which may due to other engine problem. You sure there is no oil leak? It could also be lose wire on the sensor or broken sensor.

TheMickster · 03-28-2005, 01:59 PM

Oil pressure is ok 'cos the Gen 6 has a seperate oil pressure gauge and light. Oil level is definitely ok and no leak. I was thinking of a faulty sensor, but the predictability of things puts me off this a little - comes on at normal engine operating temp and then goes off if I open the throttle, when the twin cam kicks in. How can I check the pump to rule this out?

CheyenneCelica · 03-28-2005, 03:16 PM

I have the same problem with my 1990 Celica, the light only comes on at low RPM and goes out at the higher RPMs. Eventually after driving for about 15 minutes the light stays on until it's sat for a while

Pineapple · 03-28-2005, 03:44 PM

One thing could be idle too low.
You'll need to remove the oil pump to check. Could be oil you use is too thin and don't produce enough pressure at idle.

TheMickster · 03-29-2005, 04:45 AM

Thanks Pineapple. Oil I've used is good grade and temp in Ireland not great at mo so viscosity should be sweet. I think I'll start by replacing the oil filter, after checking sensor connections. If that doesn't do it oil pump investigation will start. At the same time I'll try and source a replacement sensor at a good price.

CheyenneCelica · 03-29-2005, 08:36 PM

I dont' think it's my Idle being too low, becuase it idles too high. It actually revs normal then raised to about 2,000 RPM then drops to normal and reapeats this many times.

Pineapple · 03-30-2005, 08:27 AM

^Clean your throttle body.

zero5 · 04-03-2005, 12:00 PM

My guage does the same after 10 mins of driving it comes on for about 20 seconds then goes off ,Then it comes on about 30 mins later but then goes out and never comes on again until the car cools off and restarted.If i brake hard or go over a jolting hole or rut in the road this will also turn the warning light off .I had the engine and oil pressure checked and it's fine.The engine only has 74 k on it and the transmission is fully rebuilt I've tried every kind of oil out there and i'm now running Mobil synthetic and it still does the same.I got sick of it and removed the light in the dash .Problem solved.

TheMickster · 04-10-2005, 03:44 PM

The latest is I have disonnected the sensor and shorted the terminal. This hasn't done any damage to the circuitry 'cos I have taken the short out and the behaviour is the same. Currently on the look out for a cheap replacement for the sensor, Toyota are looking £200!! Anyone know where you can get them a lot cheaper?