Oil light coming on Options

[bradshaw75]

I've been driving my 94 Celica St the last couple of weeks and at random times the oil light will come on for a split second and then go away.

It has also flickered on and off rapidly on some occasions. Is this just an oil level light going off?

I assumed this is common since these engines burn oil quite regularly but I'm thinking it could also be a loose connection or faulty sensor.

Does anyone know what causes this light to come on?

[RabidTRD]

^ the 7a says to us 5w30.. so thats what I use.. plus with the mileage on mine I use high mileage oil (basically just has slick50 in it). The 7a is known to use oil once the miles get racked up.. doesnt really seem to matter how hard you get on it or not.. I would suggest trying an oil change and keeping track of the miles you put on it from then on. Its a 7a, so its notorious for using oil, not burning it of, just using it.

That is from FACTORY. ANY Japanese car with over 100k miles NEEDS 10w30. As your engine ages, things wear out inside and the thicker oil is designed to balance that. Your oil will thin out faster in an old car and that's also why it's a good idea to use full synthetic and keep using it. Synthetic doesn't break down like normal oil does under stress and high tempt. (I've proven this with my oil PSI gauge)

The 7a takes 10w-30. Its literally on the oil fill cap.

It is "using" that oil, by burning it. The rings gunk up and pass oil, thus burning it. It also is known for its leaking, my 7a had to be checked every 2 weeks when I first got it, usually would need a quart in between oil changes. After 2 years, it would require 1 quart a week, or it would leak and burn it all out.

On topic

If you light is oil, your oil is low or out. Usually by the time that light is on, or flickering...their is high potential for damage. Best pull over, and walk to a gas station. Obviouslly check oil after its settled back into the pan.

^ This. Thank you.

the 7a may use the oil by burning it, but not to the point where there is a cloud of blue smoke out the exhaust anytime you get on it. Mine is completely original and it says 5w30 on the oil cap.. could b something that was changed during the change from OBDI to OBDII, but i kno for a fact that my 7a says 5w on the cap

Burning off oil doesn't mean you're burning it into the cylinders... 7a's get HOT. So do most four cylinder engines. You need a thicker oil to balance that. It's simply the heat that the engine gets to that thins the oil and causes it to be less effective.

Old Japanese cars (especially Honda's) have seals that wear out. Oil mixes with gas inside your engine and it causes the oil to get really thin. I've noticed that even with high mileage oil, the oil will drop 10 to 20psi before an oil change is "due" with the kind of driving I do. That's not a good drop and when it does get that thin, it's time to change it, regardless of if it's before your "3,000 mile change point" or not.

I've changed every seal accept for the rear main seal in my engine to stop leaks and use fully synthetic oil and am at the 2,800 mile point with only a 4psi drop.

/rant
Brad, put in 10w30. The 7A leaks, burns, and runs hot. This oil will best balance it with that many miles. Next oil change, I'd also suggest to run some "Gunk" oil flush through the system before changing the oil. This will loosen up any sludge or deposits that have built up and knock them out at your next oil change. (that being said, it's usually good to do the next change at 1500 miles to get all the crap out. I usually recommend a cheap oil to "flush" it with and then a good oil after the 1500 miles)

Also, check your oil often. Check it after the engine has sat for 10 to 15 mins. The oil will settle and you'll get a good reading on the dipstick. My 5S even with all the seals replaced, still has the notorious valve seat leak in cylinder four. I am down to losing a half court every 3k miles, but it's still good to check at least once a month or before any long trips.

This post has been edited by RabidTRD: Jan 31, 2012 - 1:06 PM