Pressure gauge suddenly not reading

[landarcht]

I just had my regular oil change at a trusted mechanic I've been going to for years.
While driving around, I noticed the gauge just sits idle and not reading. When I turned on the engine, it doesn't spike up like other gauge needles.
Is this something that needs immediate attention or can it wait? Is this fairly a simple fix as a sensor connector?
I'm on a road trip and won't get back home for another week.

 

[badlander]

A) Check oil level immediately - even if you do trust your mechanic!
B) Check the sender wire to make sure it hasn't been disconnected some how.
C) Good Luck. I hope you get it figured out. I'd be pretty uncomfortable driving my truck not knowing what was going on with the oil pressure.

 

[bigredmachine]

check the oil level, check the connector and look at the condition of the wire where the connector is could be the wire is getting corroded. if you have oil and the connector seems fine just go for a new sender, it should be around 45 for the dealer and its easy to install.

 

[CurbsEnthusiasm]

These are basic sending units. When I purchased my 100 the sending unit was bad. Takes all but 5-10 min to replace.

 

[2001LC]

I'd not run engine until cause found.

 

[landarcht]

Thanks guys, the oil level is just fine. Where's the sender or connector? Is it easily located?
Can I still drive until I get get back home? Relying on the oil llamp to go on instead should anything goes wrong..?

 

[tampacruiser95]

Oil pressure is the indicator your engines parts are getting lube needed to function properly. Oil level is one thing, oil pressure is another. An indicator you aren't getting pressure is if your engine is suddenly louder (parts hitting against each other without lube). Oil sending unit wiring is most likely culprit.

 

[landarcht]

Just unplugged the wire and checked the wire by grounding it, still no reading, so does this mean the wire is good and just bad sender?

 

[landarcht]

Just found something weird not sure if this is related to the gauge issue, as soon as I insert the ignition key (before cranking) I noticed there a very low whizzing a bit and all the gauge needle seems to vibrate a bit prior to starting the engine, then all is working as normal, except the oil pressure gauge. Is this related to electrical? Timing is just awful since I'm on a road trip and on a Christmas weekend...
I'm now looking for a trustworthy Cruiser mechanic in the San Jose area...trying to avoid dealer if I can.

 

[nissanh]

Try grounding it. The gauge should go all the way up. This confirms a good connection. You can also open the sending unit and adjust the unit. I did this to a hilux and it started working. You have to open the tabs around the sender unit to open the sending unit. As far as I remember there is no gasket or leaky substance. You can put it back together.

 

[landarcht]

I did try grounding it, gauge does go up.

 

[landarcht]

Correction, the gauge does NOT go up.

 

[nissanh]

OK. Did you keep the igniton at ON position when you ground the wire? How is the wire connection at the plastic clip? Try inserting a sawing needle through e rubber insulator on the wire about few inches from the wire clip and ground the needle and look for any response from the oil pressure needle. The gauges in a Toyota seems to work for life. Probably a broken wire.
To make sure the oil is circulating, try checking the oil level when the engine is running. If you see the level is low (assuming you have oil to max when the engine is off) you got the oil running through the engine.

 

[landarcht]

Just checked the oil per your description, the oil is at full with engine off and does seem to be a bit lower once I turned on the engine.
I already drove the car from LA to San Jose area yesterday, everything seems fine with no abnormalities.
Found a seemingly reliable mechanic for Toyota, I will take the car in as soon as they return from holiday break.

 

[landarcht]

Found an honest and reliable Toyota/Lexus specialist in San Jose area who thoroughly checked the car and replaced the pressure sender unit and the gauge is now in working order. He expedited the part from closest dealer and was able to take care of the problem within 24 hours.
Glad this is resolved.