Hi CL

I'm a noob when it comes to cars and i just want to thank everyone for contributing and allowing me to expand my knowledge!
Anyways i have a 2008 lexus is250 awd and i recently got an oil change (2/10/12), the weird thing is that about 3 weeks ago im driving on the highway and the engine oil light randomly comes up for about 5 seconds, then disappears and has yet to come up again. This has happened b4 and only happens when on the highway. So i just changed the oil. Is this something i should worry about and how should i approach it?

 

Sounds like your car is burning oil and the level gets reduced eventually to the point where it's just on the line for triggering the low oil sensor.

I would check your oil more often and add oil as needed - if the light goes on you're already way low.

 

X2 on checking the oil level. Had the same thing happen to my scion a long time ago . it happened because the oil level was low and the oil filter was not on tight enough so the oil was leaking.

 

probably low level. Try to check the level more often. I try to do this at least twice a month.

 

Any time seeing the low oil light cannot be good. Usually those illuminate when oil pressure levels are below threshold. So either you have a faulty oil sending unit or the worse problem...low oil pressure. If you are seeing the light during normal operation, that's not a good thing; when my friend in his Honda saw that light last he threw a rod out the block. We call this light in the "car world" an "idiot light'. If you see it, it's too late...the damage has been done.

Hope/pray for a faulty oil sending unit and get that checked out ASAP!

 

Yep, like others have said, check that oil level on level ground and make sure its filled up. If not, you may need to add some oil. You don't want to be running low on oil and triggering that light!

 

Thank you so much, so i dont need an oil change par say, but just adding mayb a quart or 2 of syn oil? Also i recently read online that most cars newer than 2003 don't need oil changes every 3000 miles, some cars go around 10000. I was wondering if someone had the manual and would be able to inform me the recommended miles before changing oil. But the weird thing is it only comes on when im drivin on the highway and not city... Weird, but ill def check my oil level, thank you!

 

^
You can see your manaul here on the Lexus owners website.
https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex...nual-search.do

For your year, it should be 5000 miles.

 

Thanks! So i guess i'll just add a quart or something, but does it matter if its a different brand of oil?

 

Would this kind of error fall under the 70k/6 year drive train warranty?

 

So i went to the dealership and they want to change my oil with some special dye and have me come back in 1000 miles. Hopefully all is well.