Engine Oil Level Low message only turns on after the car is started and running for about 10 minutes. There is sufficient/correct level of oil in the engine. Is it a bad sensor? Input/help is greatly appreciated.

 

Have you actually checked the oil level?

 

Yes. As I indicated in my post - oil level is sufficient.

 

I would not run the engine until changing the oil & filter with the right quantity of 0w-20 synthetic oil and an OEM filter. After the change, if the warning returns or you hear any unusual engine noise, I'd have it towed to a reputable mechanic for diagnosis.

 

Does the light come on with the car in the run position but without putting your foot on the brake to actually start the engine? If it doesn't do it then, I don't know what might be happening.

 

This /\.

To add: I would change the oil with the engine hot. Let it drain as long as you can to get as much out as can. Use the correct Factory only brand filter, and use a good quality 0w-20 oil. I always bump start without starting a few times to re-prime the oil pressure. Then start, and drive it. See what happens next? Is what I would try 1st if was me.

How many miles on the GS? When was the last Oil change done? Time/Miles ago?

 

I'm not sure why an oil change is being recommended. The owner checked the oil level and has said it is sufficient, so why change the oil? It sounds like the low engine oil sensor is falsely sending a signal that the engine oil is low when it is a known fact the engine oil is not low. Therefore, common sense would suggest the low engine oil sensor most likely needs to be replaced, not the engine oil...

 

To add to this, if it is the slightest bit low on the stick, I'd add a pint to see if that changes anything.

I'd also use an OBDII tool to see if the oil pressure is high enough.

 

Possible oil very dirty and or sludge? Making the sending unit clog and/or stick? Put in a new sending unit then clog it up too, however the 1st went bad. This is not a normal Lexus problem.

I've seen clogged oil filters send oil warning signal also before.

 

I'm betting ItzFilyO's monthly car payment the OP's engine oil level really is too low and the low oil sensor is working correctly and thus triggering the low engine oil message on the instrument cluster appropriately as it is designed to do. The OP said he checked the oil level and it was 'sufficient' - whatever that means! But I have serious doubt the oil level is the correct amount.

Knuckles, I'm with you about adding ¼ or ½ quart of engine oil to see if the 'Engine Oil Level Low' message goes away for good. The OP never said how long ago the engine oil and filter was last changed. Nor did he reveal what kind of place last changed the engine oil and filter.

Some of these oil change places hire low IQ, really stupid, spaced-out weirdpeople that can't be trusted to do anything right. They may have put in one quart short of what is required thinking the car only required 5 or 6 quarts instead of almost 7 quarts, which is required with filter change. The OP may have to add more than just ¼ or ½ quart if some glassy-eyed idiot last changed his oil and only put in 5 or 6 quarts.

 

Check it a few times overnight when it set's to get the true readings. The op has expressed that he feels he checked already and the level is correct.

If it's ok, I would still do the oil and filter with Factory filter and make sure it drains hot oil, and refill the correct amount. I'm still waiting for the last oil change time and miles.

 

Add more oil closer to the top notch, then drive the car and see if this problem goes away. I dump a full 7 quarts when I do an oil change and still doesn't reach the top notch. I believe it's at least a full quart between the two notches on the dipstick.

 

I don't know how the "low oil level" system works. An oil pan float maybe? But if the dip stick reads correctly and there is nothing funny looking with the oil, it would appear to be a system malfuntion.
Does the light stay on? When was your last oil change service?
Will an oil change help? Only 1 way to find out.
You might ping my favorite YT Lexus mechanic, Viktor G
I'm sure you already know this, but make sure to get this sorted.
I find this interesting. Please post your results. Good luck!

 

Oil changes are relatively cheap and should be the first thing done in troubleshooting this issue. As the low oil warning is triggered after the engine oil reaches operating temp (10 minutes), who is to say that the oil isn't contaminated with a little water/antifreeze, fuel or a bad batch/wrong type of oil or a bad/clogged/collapsed filter is the cause. Any experienced mechanic who is made aware of this issue should look at and smell the oil & filter as part of their investigation into this problem to rule them and contamination out.

Further, I'll bet an oil change is cheaper than the sensor and labor to replace it and easier for the OP to do in his own garage/driveway to do.

Also, we don't know how recently and who changed the oil & filter using what products. As the OP didn't mention this has been an ongoing concern, an oil change seems the most reasonable, cheapest, easiest and safest 1st step. If the OP takes it to any shop, I'll bet they recommend an oil change first too.

If it were my car, I wouldn't start the engine before changing the oil & filter if the oil level is correct and wouldn't drive it with a low oil level warning.

https://info.euromotorworks.com/blog...ing-light-mean

 

The OP has a 'Engine Oil Level Low' message, not a low oil pressure warning...