2006 Toyota Tundra Oil Pressure gauge

Tiny
MIKEM111
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 TOYOTA TUNDRA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 45,000 MILES
The oil pressure gauge takes 5-8 seconds to move after starting engine then shoots to the middle mark and never moves. I took it to Toyota under warranty. They replaced the sender unit ( near oil filter) and even replaced the entire center pod of the dash. After keeping the vehicle for a week they said that it was “normal". I know that it is not normal. I have only experienced excessive valve/lifter noise on start up 1 time. I am worried that the oil is not circulating quickly enough on start up. What can be done? Thank you
Thursday, April 8th, 2010 AT 11:39 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,331 POSTS
Try a different brand of oil filter. There is an anti-drainback check valve built into the engine or the filter. If it isn't in the engine, you need to use an oil filter with one built in. Some filter manufacturers already have a filter for a different application that will work on your engine so they list it for that application even though the check valve isn't in it. The only symptom is what you described. Oil is circulating at startup, it just has to fill all the passages before pressure will start to build up.

Caradiodoc
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, April 8th, 2010 AT 12:48 PM
Tiny
MIKEM111
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
That was the first thing I did. I currently use Mobil 1 filter. Tried the OEM toyota - no change
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, April 8th, 2010 AT 1:04 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,331 POSTS
You might consider checking a similar car on the dealer's lot so you can prove this is not normal. I suspect no serious engine damage will result in such a short time, but who wants to take the risk? If the check valve is in the base of the oil filter mount, it could be stuck open. A loose or cracked oil pickup tube will also allow oil to drain down. The pump will have to run long enough to catch a prime before it starts to pump oil under pressure. Either of these causes would be uncommon, but so is the symptom.

Caradiodoc
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, April 8th, 2010 AT 5:57 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Instrument Cluster Gauge Oil Pressure Content