Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light On?

1995 TOYOTA COROLLA
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TIMOTHY.SILAS
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Hello my name is Tim and i'm from Alabama i currently have a 1995 Toyota Corolla with 220,000 miles and just recently got it out of the shop.Items that were repaired are: timing chain,waterpump,brand new fuel tank, and driver side door handles(inside&out).I noticed while driving my car the Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light was flickering on and off and there were also long periods at times when it did not flicker untill i hit a bump in the road or stomped my brakes.I stopped and checked the oil several times and it showed to be full on the dip-stick.After doing this i parked my car for a few minutes and as i began to crank my car back up the Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light flickered again briefly but as i traveled down the road it started the flickering again as before.Could this be serious or just a bad bulb or and open circuit in the electrical system?
Nov 9, 2008 at 9:57 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Check the oil pressure sending unit electrical connector -if okay check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge-if normal replace the OPSU-abnormal-could be the oil pump/engine bearings-etc This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/high-or-low-engine-oil-pressure

Please run down this guide and report back.
Nov 9, 2008 at 10:09 PM
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TIMOTHY.SILAS
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What is a OPSU?
Nov 11, 2008 at 1:00 PM
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RASMATAZ
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OPSU

Oil Pressure Sending Unit-
Nov 11, 2008 at 5:31 PM
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LUCYLAWLESS40
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1994 Toyota Corolla

I have a 1994 Toyota Corolla. The check engine and oil light both came on. I would like to know what's wrong with my car?
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM (Merged)
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MHPAUTOS
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HI there,

Start with a scan to reads the set fault codes that the check engine light are indication, and check the engine oil level and get an oil pressure test don with a mechanical gauge as this will give a true indication of actual oil pressure, this may just be low oil or a faulty switch, start here.

mark (mhpautos)
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM (Merged)
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GRUMPYONE
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Oil light is on when engine is low rpms.

Removing the oil fill cap while the engine is running results in considerable oil spray so I suspect that the oil pressure switch is failing.

Dipstick is above the low mark.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi and thanks for using 2carpros.com

Often times, the oil sending switch will start to leak resulting in lowering the pressure indication. With that in mind, that is the first thing I would check and replace.

Here is a link that discusses oil pressure issues. It discusses different causes including the switch. Take a look through it and let me know if it helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/high-or-low-engine-oil-pressure

Also, the oil mist when you removed the oil cap is normal.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM (Merged)
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GRUMPYONE
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Yeah. When I got home and turned the engine off I waited about five minutes to check the oil level and it was fine. My mistake was to take the oil filler cap off prior to restarting the engine. By the time I got out of the car I got sprayed.

Now that I know that it's the sender, I'll let the future owner deal with it. I'll be going back to my old 1982 Honda Civic as soon as I get a carburetor issue solved and be free of things like "check engine" lights etc.

And thank you for the quick reply!
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Happy to help. Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Take care,
Joe
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM (Merged)
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BANNANAMAN34
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my oil prssure warning light has been appearing intermittently for the last 2 months. when the car is warmed up, the light sometimes goes away with accelleration but turns on while braking or just sometimes stays on all together. the light has been more frequent in the last few weeks. all fluids have been checked and are just fine. my car doesn't burn or leak oil. i think i'm dealing with a sensor issue but does this problem jeapordize the actual oil pressure in the engine? what's my fix?
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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If you don't hear any type of engine knocking noises replace the oil pressure switch
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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If you still have a light after replacing sender, replace oil pump.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM (Merged)
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NEON
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red oil warning light comes on only when at stop light with low idle.
if i give car just a little gas, the light goes off.
this just started 2 days ago.
i got a new oil filter and oil change today and it made no difference.
should i just increase the idle speed?
the car is a 1992 toyota corolla with 146,000 miles.
appreciate any advice. thanks.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM (Merged)
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FIXITMR
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might be the sensor. the light being on does not mean NO oil pressure just below whatever the sensor THINKS it should be. if in doubt/worry you can actually test pressure with a mechanical gauge. or just replace sensor or use heavier oil or an additive like LUCAS oil stabilizer. or IF idle is manually adjustable just crank it up a little till light goes out.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM (Merged)
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BOYA21
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hi i have a toyota corolla 92, the oil light never comes on even if its low on oil
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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WRENCHTECH
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That would be because that is not what the light is put there for. It's not an oil level light. It's an OIL PRESSURE light. It's an emergency warning to tell you to immediately shut the engine down if you were to lose oil pressure for any reason. You have to manually check your oil level. If that light ever comes on, it's a dire EMERGENCY and the car has to be shut down immediately
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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MHPAUTOS
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On light at all, even with just ignition on? proberbly a blown globe, the dash need to come out to replace it.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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It could also be a disconnected oil pressure switch connector or wire.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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CINDEEH
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My oil light started coming on, when the car is warmed up and in idle. When I accelerate the light goes off. I just had the oil/filter changed and did not correct the problem.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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Replace the oil sender, if problem persists, have oil pressure checked with mechanical gauge, if low it is most likely the oil pump.
These pumps have a pressure release spring, which over time can fail.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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TOYMADNESS
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Engine Mechanical problem
1991 Toyota Corolla 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 180k miles

Just purchased a 1991 Toyota. After driving it about 10+ miles the oil pressure light begins to flicker...after about 30 miles stays on!

Oil level is good...oil beginning to look dark!
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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Oil pressure sender is on block behind AC/Alt. bracket.
It has a one wire black spade connector

You will have to remove the brackets to unscrew the oil pressure sender, screw in a mechanical gauge and measure oil pressure, if low then possible bad oil pump, clogged oil galley, or main bearing issue.
Remove valve cover and inspect top of head, if there is significant sludge build up, the oil pump pressure release spring may not be working bypassing oil to engine and dumping it into oil pan, or main bearing issue.

If oil pressure from mechanical gauge is OK then replace oil pressure sender.

If bearing problem, then get a used engine from a 90-92 Toyota Corolla/Geo Prizm and replace the engine.

You can usually get a good used 4AFE for $300.
Make sure engine was from running car.
I have done this on several Toyota's and it is a good alternative to a reman'd engine, which will probably cost you $1600-2000.

Also make sure you get same engine i.e. Toyota made two 4AFE engines, one with EGR (CA. only) and one without (called Federal/Canada).
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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CAKEMOUTH
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Engine Mechanical problem
1991 Toyota Corolla Engine Size unknown Front Wheel Drive Manual 187.00 miles
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My oil light comes on when I'm braking or at a stop, but goes off if I'm accelerating or driving at an average speed. I've checked my oil level, and it's fine. I'm not due for an oil change for another 2,000 miles. Could you please tell me what's going on? The engine is otherwise just fine.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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MASTERTECHTIM
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double check your oil level, a little bit of a low engine idle can cause this. the oil light sender switch could be out of calibration and needs replacement. i would not panic over it if you have oil in the engine.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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2CARPRO JACK
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might also want to have the oil pressure checked with a manual gauge to be sure it is good
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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When the oil pressure checks out normal-test the oil pressure sending unit circuit if okay-replace the sending unit

If the light continues to come On-there's an engine internal problem -such as oil pump/engine bearings/oil galleries/sludge in the lubrication system.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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WTHOMAS
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My oil light will not go off
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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The oil pressure sender is behind the alt/AC bracket on block, a one wire connection. Either the wire is loose, the sender is bad, or you have low oil pressure.
Check oil pressure with mechanical gauge, if OK, then sender or wiring to it.

Get this fixed ASAP, if you do have low oil pressure, you will damage the engine beyond repair.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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COROLLALVR
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It is extremely hot weather and I was running the A/C (which is not cooling much, needs refrigerant). Stopped for gas, then oil light came on and stayed on. Oil level fine, no trace of milkiness. Looked like a couple of tiny bubbles in the oil on the dipstick. Put in 1/4 quart oil anyway, light stayed on. Coolant level okay, did not run hot. I replaced the head gasket after it blew violently at 165,000 miles. Lately, it seems to need to build strength very briefly when it starts. Some coolant disappeared over time. There is no white smoke. If I put my hand over the tailpipe, there is a hint of steam, always has been. It has had failing sensors due to age. And it has been a few years since I did a tune-up or a block seal to keep it running well. I have not had the oil pressure checked. This is sudden. Please help me because I dearly love my car.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Hi,

You need to have the oil pressre tested first. There are a few possibilities :
1. Faulty oil pressure switch.
2. Clogged oil pump strainer in oil sump. You need to drop the oil pan to check.
3. Oil pump weak, pressure test would confirm this but you need to check for clogging first.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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COROLLALVR
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Oil had leaked at the sensor and corrupted it plus the old wires. So it was like you said. Thanks.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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ANDYBRANDY1990
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oil light came on sometimes when car idles. All fluids full oil just changed care drives like a dream light is annoying. I disconnected thelead wire to the switch. will this do damage?
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:31 PM (Merged)
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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[quote:be778314bb="andybrandy1990"]Electrical problem
1990 Toyota Corolla 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 74000 miles

oil light came on sometimes when car idles. All fluids full oil just changed care drives like a dream light is annoying. I disconnected thelead wire to the switch. will this do damage?[/quote:be778314bb]

Hello,

The flickering could be just the oil switch going bad or just a loose connection. The only damage it will do is not let you know when the oil is low or your oil pressure drops out.

I would highly recommend having you oil pressure checked.

.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:32 PM (Merged)
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ADBIGELOW
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My check engine oil light now turns on when I brake or when in neutral coasting. All fluids are full, and the car is running fine and has been for three weeks.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:32 PM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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Checking and replacing the oil pressure switch would be my 1st step
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:32 PM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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To add to the excellent advice BMRFIXIT gave:

The oil pressure switch is located on block behind alternator, a one wire connector. I would also remove it and measure oil pressure with a mechanical gauge, if low then oil pump, or excessive clearence in bearings.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:32 PM (Merged)
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SHAWN1975
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1990 toyota corolla. what would cause my the oil light to stay on? the dipstck is reading full.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:32 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge,if normal replace the oil pressure switch. If abnormal could mean oil pump and/or engine bearing.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:32 PM (Merged)
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PITCHER24AL
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my oil light stays on when my engine gets up to temp and goes of when i hit the gas and comes back on when i let off the gas. what is the problem?
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:32 PM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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Check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge to verify it has low oil pressure.
This is done by removing the oil pressure sender and screwing in an adapter in its place connected to a mechanical gauge.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:32 PM (Merged)
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