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heinzdragon1

Oil Pressure Light and Dark Oil

I've got a perplexing issue with my 2004 Toyota 4Runner diesel. The warning light within the speedometer is on, and the oil pressure warning lamp is active. My vehicle has 54845 km on it. The engine oil is darker than usual. Could this mean imminent engine damage, or would a simple oil change fix it?

4 comment(s)

kurteagle5

I experienced something similar with my 4Runner. The oil pressure light can be alarming. Did you check the condition of your oil filter along with the oil itself? In my case, the filter was excessively clogged, restricting flow and triggering the warning. Also, how long has it been since your last oil change? Think of it like a marathon runner whose shoes are tied too tight; eventually, they'll feel the strain. A neglected filter can similarly strangle your engine's performance.

heinzdragon1 (Author)

Was the discoloration of your engine oil also a prominent feature in your case? Did the issue resolve itself solely with the replacement of the oil and filter, or were there any other complications that needed further work?

kurteagle5

The oil's color was noticeably darker than usual, almost like used coffee grounds instead of a vibrant amber. Replacing the oil and filter resolved the immediate issue. However, given the symptoms, I'd strongly advise a visit to a reputable workshop for a thorough inspection. It’s like addressing a surface wound while possibly ignoring an underlying fracture. Peace of mind is worth its weight in gold, especially concerning engine health.

heinzdragon1 (Author)

Following your recommendation, I visited my mechanic. The root cause was exceeding the maintenance interval, which led to oil contamination and a clogged filter. An oil and filter change, costing 165€, fixed the problem. Your analogy of the marathon runner was remarkably apt.

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