Is it normal for the oil pressure light to come on briefly at startup?

Tacoma General Discussions
1

I noticed something odd for the first time today. When I started my 22 4-cylinder Tacoma, the oil pressure light flashed on for a second. It really freaked me out because my engine has always been a bit noisy on cold starts, but this was the first time I saw the oil pressure light. The truck has been running like this for a while, but now I’m worried. I also hear a noise from the back of the engine that sounds like a bearing. Is this normal, or should I be concerned?

2

Do you change your oil regularly? What oil do you use, and how cold is it where you are? Some chatter from the engine on startup is normal, especially when it’s cold, but it should last no more than 3-5 seconds ideally.

Does the oil pressure light come on with all the other lights on your dashboard at first? If so, that’s normal. But if the light stays on longer than the other lights, how long does it stay on for?

3

I use Mobil 1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy oil and Toyota oil filters. I used to use Toyota oil, but I found out Mobil makes the same oil at a cheaper price. I drive about 100,000 miles a year and change my oil every 5,000 miles along with the filter. I live in Iowa and work all over the country, so the temperature varies. Usually, when it’s below 20°F, it makes noise for a few minutes until the engine warms up. It’s not too bad, but it’s definitely not quiet. As for the oil pressure light, it appeared on the screen part of the instrument cluster. There was no check engine light or anything else, and the oil light lasted only 2-3 seconds. It’s the first time I’ve seen it. I change all my fluids regularly and don’t follow the Toyota schedule. I change the transmission fluid every 60K, the differential every 80K, the oil every 5K, and probably top off my blinker fluid once a month.

4

It sounds like normal valve wear. It’s pretty common in the 3RZFE 2.7L engine, and my 2008 model has had the same issue for years without any problems. This is especially common in cold weather. I wouldn’t worry about it. If you want, you could have your valves adjusted, but it’s not urgent.