Where should the oil needle be?

[cnd]

I recently got a used 2015 LC200. I'm not sure if the oil meter means level or pressure - either way - I'm wondering if my needle is too low?

Is that normal?
I do notice it goes up (to about half way) when I'm using engine-braking (lower gears down hills).

Where's it supposed to be? (and what's it measuring?)

 

[KLF]

This is one of the most popular questions we get here. What you see is normal. It usually hovers around the 1/4 mark during most driving once warmed up. Supposedly it is measuring (indicating) oil pressure. I wish it was more accurate, with units.

At least it's better than the OP gauge in my Miata, which is totally driven by the engine ECU, showing phony readings to make you feel better.

 

[rscoleman]

It will be toward L at idle after warm up. It will move up from there based on rpm. I only see it close to middle if running above 2250 rpm. Either way it is better than my T100 at warm idle it will be on the L, 1/4 up to 2500rpm, 1/3 to 3500rpm and 1/2 above 3500rpm. However after 26 years I just kind of ignore it.

 

[wingnutted]

@cnd I've had the exact same question when I picked up my 2013 LC. Yours looks 100% normal!

 

[Tex68w]

Yep, it's disappointing.

 

[cnd]

Thanks heaps everyone - a weight off my mind!

I guess, now I know it's pressure, that very low would be bad (possible lack of oil?) and very high would also be bad (possible blockages?).

I expect it's smart enough to beep or flash or otherwise draw my attention if it's abnormal? Has anyone ever experienced what actually happens? (and yes, I searched the forum and google this time before asking... but I do admit that I'm only 500 pages [half way!] in through reading my manual ...)

 

[wingnutted]

Fortunately I have not experienced a low oil situation, so unsure what the behavior in that case would be. Would be interested in know as well.

 

[bloc]

I don't see a specific light in the owner's manual, but for decades toyotas have had clear indicators if oil pressure is too low to operate. I'm assuming there is something built into the MFI or dash to let us know if that occurs on these.

I'm not sure about all years but I do know many 5.7L 200s have an oil level sensor in the upper oil pan.. in fact I believe this is one difference between our 5.7 and that from a tundra/sequoia. These engines are well designed enough that that's the only realistic cause of low oil pressure anyway.