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Sign of oil pump issue?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by Jack McCarthy, May 8, 2025 at 6:57 PM.

  1. May 8, 2025 at 6:57 PM
    #1
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy [OP] Working remotely from the local pub

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    Guys, I’m driving home on the highway and I noticed my oil pressure isn’t going above the 1/2 way mark. More like 3/8 and I can’t seem to get it higher than that cruising at 70 mph or going 30-40 on the back roads. At the light when idling it’s at the typical 1/4 mark. When I parked, I put it in neutral and revved it; still not above 3/8.

    Is there an issue here?

    I can’t check the oil level since it’s currently pouring outside. Will do that when it lets up.
     
  2. May 8, 2025 at 7:24 PM
    #2
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy [OP] Working remotely from the local pub

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    From some of the other threads, I should be at 1/2 mark by 2000 rpm. Not good; not good at all.

    I think I’ll change the oil after work tomorrow to make sure the filter isn’t somehow clogged. Weird. I only changed the filter and oil a few months ago and it’s clean and at the correct level.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  3. May 8, 2025 at 7:30 PM
    #3
    shifty`

    shifty` In South Dakota Trouble ain't hard to find

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    The pressure gauges on this gen of Tundra aren’t exactly notorious for accuracy. Quite the opposite….

    to the point we have TSBs on the topic and Toyota has superseded the part about 12 times already.

    stop panicking. Replace the sensor.
     
    Jack McCarthy[OP] likes this.
  4. May 8, 2025 at 7:32 PM
    #4
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy [OP] Working remotely from the local pub

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    So it could possibly be the gauge? What’s the proper method to measure oil pressure?
     
  5. May 8, 2025 at 7:32 PM
    #5
    shifty`

    shifty` In South Dakota Trouble ain't hard to find

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    See edited reply.
     
  6. May 9, 2025 at 4:42 AM
    #6
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy [OP] Working remotely from the local pub

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    Back to normal today. Something is apparently intermittent. Guess I can hold off on the oil change till I check out the sensor.
     
    FrenchToasty likes this.
  7. May 9, 2025 at 7:07 AM
    #7
    BubbaW

    BubbaW Blessed 2 B above Ground

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    Unfortunately not much to check with the sensor given it either has continuity or it doesn't.

    I have one of the supposedly super duper new sensors you can have. Only has about 1 hr of use.
    With it installed, my gauge showed @ 2K rpm the line just below very top line and at idle it showed almost halfway.

    I went back to original which showed 1/2 way @ 2K rpm and 1/4 @ idle, which I like.
    Be glad to send the new one to ya since it'll never be on my 04 again.

    Oil Pressure Gauge.jpg
     
  8. May 9, 2025 at 10:27 AM
    #8
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy [OP] Working remotely from the local pub

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    Thanks, but I think I’d like mine to be how it was originally or is that not possible with the updated sensor?
     
    BubbaW[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. May 9, 2025 at 11:14 AM
    #9
    BubbaW

    BubbaW Blessed 2 B above Ground

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    As far as I know it is what it is. It’s only one conductor and what ever resistance reading the sensor is putting out with engine running is sent to combination meter….no adjustment on our end.
     
    Jack McCarthy[OP] likes this.
  10. May 9, 2025 at 11:37 AM
    #10
    Jack McCarthy

    Jack McCarthy [OP] Working remotely from the local pub

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    That may help with low oil pressure but it’s not so great if pressure is higher than expected since it’s now already near the maximum on the gauge.
     

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