2003 Toyota Corolla oil pressure light flickers then goes to solid after a short period of time. Last time this happened, changed oil and filters and light went away. Now after maybe 1000 miles of driving, symptom is starting up again. Oil level is okay. When I stop the car and turn off the engine, the light goes off and I can drive for a while before it comes back on. Any ideas?

Hi Katherine
when was the last time you had change the engine OIL and FILTER?
what you experience with your car now is due to low oil pressure caused by one of the following.
blocked oil filter or blocked oil suction filter or bad oil pump.
I suggest you start by changing the engine OIL and FILTER.
Good Luck

May need a new oil pressure switch,it's located next to oil filter,remove electrical connector then part.You may have to remove oil filter to remove part.

The flickering light usually indicates low oil pressure particularly at idle.Check oil quantity. How long since serviced and filter replaced. If these all good have your oil pressure tested with a master gauge. Some issues can be oil pickup slugged up or if high miler engine bearings.

Not saying that this is your problem but it might be your oil pump is getting weak or your oil pickup is dirty. I would start by changing the oil and filter.

first get the code that is stored in the computer when the check engine light went on. Most major auto parts stores will read that code out for free. If the oil pressure is truly very low, the engine will be damaged so be careful. Changing the oil pressure switch is a safe move. But if the oil pressure remains low on the new switch you must investigate why. The oil filter could be plugged up, the oil pump could be going bad, or there could be a major internal engine problem. That is why you need the code. It could give a clue as to what is happening in the engine.

you are having a problem with the variable valve timing system which depends on oil pressure to move an actuator which changes the valve timing. this could be because the actuator is clogged or your engine oil pressure is too low. Check the engine oil level first. If the engine has the proper amount of oil, you will need to have the oil pump pressure checked. If that is good, then the variable valve timing actuator should be checked for clogging.

Variable valve timing (vvt-i) works with oil pressure, if your oil is dirty or low it would set this code, if somebody did a big engine job and use too much silicon base gasket that gasket can travel all the way to oct filter and clog it, starving the vvt gear.


solution check the oil level and condition
Low put some to the right level.
dirty and heavy do a couple oil changes, code still there, ask your mechanic to clean the oct filter and check the vvt actuator for debris .

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/flavio_517b938f50183b92

http://www.toyota.com/recall/corolla-matrix.html

a loose connection WILL NOT cause flickering oil light unless your your oil is empty at the same time a connector is loose. This flickering is most likely caused by clogged oil ports or failing oil pump. When this happens there is insufficient oil running through the engine, causing the sensor to activate the light intermittedly. Have this checked immediately to prevent extensive engine damage. Hopefully this helps!!

in reality nothings happen, and your saying what do you need to do so you will not encounter this problem again well honestly you cant depend on life on catalytic so i suggest to do your general tune up like changing spark plug,wires,check timing,fuel filter,oil change the way they should be change so it helps the engine burn near stoichiometry because during the oxidation happening in your catalytic if your engine rich or lean or misfiring it could cause a defective catalytic converter.