Why does my oil light come on all the time?

[Outback]

My oil light comes on, sometimes only 1000 miles after an oil change! It doesn't use oil to make a difference, maybe .5 quart or so between 3K mile changes

It's just annoying me to death What gives? I check the oil regularly. Anyone else have this problem?

Jody.

 

[cruiserdan]

Hi Jody,

I assume you are talking about your 93 FZJ80? The light indicates a low oil level in the oil pan. If you are sure that your oil level is correct you may have a failing sensor.
The part number is 89491-60010 and it lists for $312.23. It is also possible that the wires leading to it may have a problem.

Dan.

 

[Outback]

CruiserDan,

How far down does the oil have to get to "normally" actuate the oil light?

I'll check into the wires as soon as I can though...

Jody.

 

[cruiserdan]

Some say about a quart low, I've filled mine a quart low during an oil change to see if mine would come on and it did not. I have had it come on during an extreme nose-down descent in the Rio Puerco. (spooky steep). I guess it could vary from engine to engine. I would guess anywhere between 1 to 2 quarts low at the max. If the level were close to low, some sudden movements (like a fast turn) would flash the light momentarily.

 

[landtank]

Have you checked the level while the light is on? Just to be sure you don't have an oil return issue.

 

[landtoy80]

The oil sensor float on the Toyota Previa van needed to be replaced, at least that is what the used car dealer said. The low oil light was on. I removed it and it has a float that slides on a shaft. It would get stuck on the shaft. I sanded the shaft with fine sand paper till the float would slide on the shaft. Cleaned it up and installed. Worked fine after that.
I would assume that the floats are about the same on the Previa and 1FZ, C-Dan???

 

[cruiserdan]

Kurt,

The part numbers are different but the function is the same. Your fix would certainly be worth a try before the billfold comes out.