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Low oil Pressure light after Oil Change

Discussion in 'Prime Technical Discussion' started by Kristopher J Gutierrezan1, Jul 26, 2019.

  1. Kristopher J Gutierrezan1

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    When I drive my Prius, everything seemed then the Low oil pressure light came on for about a second, and then went off. This happened a few times. I didn't notice any leak. I didn't notice it coming on after I reset the oil data. Could this have to do with the new oil making its way around the engine? First time I've changed my oil in this.

    Thanks.

     
  2. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Welcome to PC!

    I have never had that happen on any car, so I’d be concerned. I can imagine a brief flicker if you didn’t fill the oil filter (if your Prime is new enough to have a spin-on). Double check the oil level and triple check for leaks. That light should never come on except during the lamp test when you start the car.

    If you’re actually referring to the 2011 in your profile, then you ought to click on the “report” button under your signature line and ask a moderator to move it to the Gen 3 maintenance forum.
     
  3. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    This indicates low oil level. Have you checked your dipstick since filling your oil? When the light comes on briefly, it's probably during a turning maneuver that sloshes the oil away from center, causing the light, then when back on straight driving, the oil centers in the pan and the light goes out.
     
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  4. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    Say What????

    I believe the light is Low Oil Pressure. Which means stop the engine now or ruin it.

    When in doubt--- RTFM.
     
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Standby, Houston...
     
  6. Kristopher J Gutierrezan1

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    I didn't fill the oil filter. I wasn't aware you were supposed to do that. Sorry about putting this in the wrong area. I'll contact the moderator about that.
     
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  7. Kristopher J Gutierrezan1

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    Checked engine oil. Didn't read. I put more in and it still didn't read. I still didn't see any leak so I took it to the closest place. Turns out I put the o-ring in the wrong place. :( Looks good now. Just hope there is no permanent damage. Thanks for the help.
     
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  8. Mark57

    Mark57 2021 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD

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    Glad you figured it out. Good learning experience.
     
  9. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I thought about mentioning the o-ring but you said there were no leaks. The Toyota filters now come with one side of the box covered with an illustration of where to put the o-ring.

    If it was just a brief flash, you should be OK. As long as pressure comes back and oil gets to where it needs to go before you have metal to metal, it'll be OK, but that's a really brief window -- I'd say less than one second depending on rpm and engine load. After that, the wear begins and increases rapidly.
     
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