Low Engine Oil Pressure Light

I have now started to check the oil with the dipstick every week. It's not hard, but I wonder why car makers don't put in an oil level indicator that would show the oil level like the gas gauge shows the gas level. It would be at least as useful as a tire pressure warning system. I would like to be able to see the oil level at a glance.

 

That would be expensive, maybe trouble prone too?

Gotta say, our Prius dipstick is the hardest to read in my experience. The oil's up and down the thing, the actual level takes some sleuthing.

 

Yes, engine oil dipsticks (and drain plugs, too!) are still curiously simple and primitive, compared to all the other improvements and complications that have found their way into cars in the past century or so. Sensing oil level would be a good deal trickier than sensing fuel level, especially if you want it to work with the engine running, and not running too.

At first, I too felt the Prius dipstick was unreasonably difficult to interpret, when the oil was still colorless, and I hadn't yet learned the level is clear on only one side of the dipstick. It's actually not too bad to read, and a lot easier to insert than some.

 

this. mercedes cars had those and a few people burned engines when they malfunctioned.

 

Guess who almost crapped their pants over this light? Me!
I had learned the hard way that I should check my oil every 1000 miles or 2 weeks. I took it to get an oil change, because I think I jinxed it by doing it myself for the first time in a Prius.
Having blown a Honda Civic motor, I'll be taking it to a shop from now on.

But yes, I had the same issues as some have stated before. Heavy braking at a turn, the car beeps and the dash says something but never knew what it was... because it was unexpected and I thought it was the stability control.

Took it to get changed and the Valvoline lube guy said there was no leaks, but I forgot to ask if there was any shavings. I didn't see any shavings from the dipstick or when opening the oil cap... But it did sound like the engine was idling a lot rougher when I took it in. Might of been psychological because I was paying attention to my engine and not listening to music.

Wish I came across these threads earlier, I didn't have any issues when I got it with 90K, currently at 121K when the oil changed.

 

Careful at those lube joints some like Jiffy Lube show 5 quarts as the capacity of a G2 motor which will leave it 1.5 quarts over filled.
So many overfilled G2 motors at the lube places. g2 motor takes exactly 3.6 quarts with a new oil filter.

Its really important to check the oil soon after an oil change as they may have over filled it. You must leave the car shut off for at least an hour or check it first thing in the morning as all the oil will then have dripped back into the oil pan reflecting the true level.

 

Just editorial, since overfill is overfill:

Owner's manual says 3.9 quarts (US) with filter change.

(Page 314)

 

Well..... changed my oil 26 times so far so yeah its 3.6 quarts. Unless you let it sit for a long time there's quite a bit oif oil stored in the VVT section.

 

I’ve just started this problem and dealer said if the oil is low there is an icon for that. I don’t have an icon lit but the triangle flashed, had a beep and the “Low Engine oil Pressure” statement. Begs the question......is it the equipment (pressure valve) or low oil that’s the problem?

 

Its throwing the red triangle of death (master caution alarm) and says low engine oil pressure so that means your out of engine oil.
Continued driving in that condition is guaranteed engine damage.

Just open the hood and check the oil.

 

Check your dipstick...

 

You don't need me to tell you Ed that you are right but you are☺ I stopped letting them put their oil and brought my Mobil 1 always. I had free oil changes and always got a hassle but insisted what we're they losing they didn't have to use their supply.
That said everyone here is 100% about dealer service oil changes. Things they have done include not putting the oil cap on, underfilled, overfilled. Unfortunately I have to use a service to change because of my health but I have found an awesome company that keep your car right where you can see them work. I always check the level before I go now. My fantastic Gen 2 has 185,942 miles and still going strong. Thank you to all the dedicated posters here I can get an idea if I need to go to a dealer. Most issues have been from low 12v battery that you always tell us to check!