ssis300

iTrader: (2)

Does anyone know what triggers this? Doing many searches on here, it appears that the IS350 has ~6.5 quarts of oil at capacity. What does that have to drop to before the warning is triggered? Many folks are saying that they get the warning and oil level is fine - and I am confused about those. When I checked the dipstick, the level was not registering on the stick. Granted, my 5K oil service at Lexus is due in about 2ish weeks, but I was curious as to if anyone knows this. Also, I must note that the light came on about 10 minutes after a cold start (with about a 1-minute warmup) and then went off after about 30 seconds. I drove straight to Auto Zone and added 1 quart of Castorl 5W-20 (which is what Lex of Austin told me they use).

Thanks for anyone's help!

nielsio

Haven't had this issue, indeed the IS350's easily take 6.5 quartes. Part that scares me is where you said the oil level was not registering on the dip stick. That would mean the oil level is extremely low in there. When you added the quart of oil did you check the dipstick again, car was already warmed up so shouldn't take long for it to get to the proper levels. Have it checked asap.

ssis300

iTrader: (2)

1 quart put me in normal range.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Yeah, running low like that can cause permanent damages to the bearing surfaces and anything with metal-to-metal contact. Think of the low-oil sensor as a float, like the fuel tank sender unit. It measures the fluid level; and once too low of a level, it'll throw a warning light.

Keo

iTrader: (9)

I drop 5qt mobile1 full syn 5w30 start the car for level dip check. Received a warning of low oil. Physically check the level and its on the 1st dot level. So anything under that will trigger your low oil warning. TeeHee!

5gears-IS

iTrader: (5)

I think I read somewhere that it is triggered when you are under 1 quart of oil. It does not mean you have ZERO oil, it's just a warning that hey I am low 1 quart. of course we all freak out when we see anything light up low oil

Just top top it off as soon as you see the warning and you will eventually know how low you were for it to give you the warning.

These engines are designed to consume some oil (so I was also told).