Low Oil Pressure 3UR-FE

[SmokingRocks]

Hey guys.

So we have a 2008 200 series with 100k miles on the clock in the family that is completely stock except for airbags and a trailer brake controller. I've used it to tow a car trailer (8-9k lbs) on more occasions than I can remember and it has done well every time; this last trip however I noticed something interesting.

The oil pressure gauge never surpassed 1/2... ever... not under load at 5 k or at partial load at 3500 rpms. It seems odd to me because I know my 80's would be higher up on the gauge, and I can't say for sure but I could've sworn this gauge use to peg out more. It seemed over the course of a 5 hour haul that the gauge swung between 1/4 and 1/2, I am concerned that the engine is not getting the proper pressure and therefore could be damaging itself.

I am much more familiar with wrenching on the 1FZ-FE so I don't know if this is standard for the 3UR-FE or if I need to look at replacing the oil pump soon, or checking the oil pick up for a clog. Advice?

 

[Markuson]

That's been true on my 08 as well.

Was told its normal by oil Meg guys...but would be interested to hear other's experience as well. I do know that even after an oil change, it's similarly low.

 

[Desert Nomad]

Found a video i took after I installed a transmission shift kit, the oil pressure gauge never moved through hard acceleration until I let off the gas and even then it jumped a hair over 1/2. I'll have a look today as well how it reacts on wot.

 

[Corbet]

I would assume there is a way to put a mechanical gauge on it to see if it's in spec?

 

[gaijin]

I would assume there is a way to put a mechanical gauge on it to see if it's in spec?

Shortly after purchase, when I noticed the oil pressure gauge was always right around 1/4, I took it to the dealer to see what the problem was. They did just what you suggest - they removed the oil pressure sensor and measured the oil pressure directly - it was well within spec. Seeing that, they suspected a bad oil pressure sensor, so put in a new one (under warranty, of course). The oil pressure gauge in the car still read exactly as before - always right around 1/4. From this, the dealer concluded it wasn't a problem, per se, but agreed it just didn't look right and that they would pursue the matter with Toyota. A couple of days later I received a call from the dealer who explained Toyota were having several similar complaints and would I be willing to work with them to solve the issue. I agreed, but never heard anything back. I ask the service guys at the dealer whenever I see them, but there bottom line is that it's normal. They did say, however, if I ever see the gauge needle stop moving altogether that there might be a real problem - well, thanks guys

HTH

 

[Desert Nomad]

If i remember the issue stated back was the gauge would move between 1/4 and 1/2 mark and everyone who checked their cruisers confirmed similar. Tundra owners on the other hand had the gauge move differently even though they had the same motor.

 

[T4Runner]

Even my wife has noted the low seldom moving oil gauge -- clearly Toyota can figure it out.

 

[SmokingRocks]

I know my 14' Tundra 1794 showed a higher reading...