Low oil pressure after a 20km drive?

OLUWASEUN AKERELE

MEMBER
2004 TOYOTA CAMRY
2.4L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
280,000 MILES

I’m having trouble with my oil pressure. I service my car once in 40 days. Oil change and filter change. I had an oil check warning light last Sunday and I parked immediately. The mechanic suggested an oil change and metal change which he did. However, after driving the car for 25km the oil check light came on again. I had to park the car for about 15 minutes. Start it again and the light went off. Drove it for another 20km and it came on again. Repeated the same process again and the light went off. I suspected the oil sensor switch. I had it changed but my car oil pressure keeps getting low after long drives.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi,

As the oil heats up, it things a bit. That could be the cause if there is excessive play in the engine bearings. That is a possibility with the number of miles on it.

Here is what I suggest. We need to confirm if it is an electrical issue or if the engine is actually low on pressure. What you need to do is get a mechanical oil pressure gauge and screw it in where the electric one is now.

Do this when the engine is cold and then allow the engine to reach operating temperature to a point where it would turn on the light. See what the pressure is at that point.

I attached the manufacturer's oil pressure specifications below. If you don't have an oil pressure gauge, often times a parts store will lend one to you.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

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Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 AT 11:56 PM

OLUWASEUN AKERELE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The oil pressure is normal when idle. When at operation temperature it’s okay. However the pressure reduces drastically after 15-20km drive at optimum operation.

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Sunday, December 4th, 2022 AT 10:25 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi,

So, the vehicle can run all day and not have a pressure issue, but if you drive it, that is when it occurs. Is that correct?

If that is the case, we need to check the pressure with a mechanical gauge. I suggest that because what is happening doesn't make sense unless the engine is overheating when driving only.

Is that something you feel comfortable performing?

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, December 5th, 2022 AT 1:13 PM