Frankdorn

iTrader: (7)

I know its about time for an oil change, but when I went around a curve (kinda quick), my little oil lamp in the dash came on. So I says to myself I says, "better check the oil!"

So I pull in the driveway, pull the dipstick, wipe, push the dipstick back in, and pull... ...bone dry.

My oil light in the dash is not lit... Not sure what to think here. No knocking/ticking when it runs. No leaks in the garage that I noticed. No blue smoke in the exhaust. The car's now parked till my oil change at Lexus on Thursday. I'm nervous to even drive it there!!

Trav7414

That's scary. When was your last time you got your oil changed? You better change it better driving any where with that car my friend or at least put in some oil and check it again making sure the level is good enough before driving again..

GSJake

iTrader: (21)

That is scarry.. no blueish smoke when you hit the throttle?? It has to be either leaking, burning, or it was not filled properly at the last change?

Debonair

Check it again when its cold / been sitting. The oil takes a little time to settle to the bottom after being ran, you might not be as low as you think. Either way change the oil and then monitor how much you are losing. How long has it been since the last oil change?

MrG4Life

iTrader: (14)

^^Agreed^^

But seriously when was your last oil change OP

Frankdorn

iTrader: (7)

Last oil change was about 2,500 miles ago...

Quick VR-4

iTrader: (2)

I am assuming you do not change your own oil. If not, did you verify the oil level for yourself after the change 2,500 miles ago?

Frankdorn

iTrader: (7)

I didn't, but in hindsight, I wish I would've to possibly rule that out. It was changed at Lexus, but even they make mistakes. The 2,500 miles I've driven are over the span of about 6 months, so maybe a shorted oil-fill with a tiny leak over time... ??

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

If the dipstick is bone dry, you losing about 2-3 quartz of oil. As for the oil light, it only comes on when the oil pressure is at 3 psi (most cars) which is very narrow minded on how it was designed. Or if the oil sending sensor is defective it would also turn on the light.

3UZFTE

My 430 holds 6.5 qts, I'd assume the 400 is similar. I think 3 qts might be a bit much to lose, but 2 might be safe to say, I am thinking more like 1-1.5. Was the light red or orange? There are 2 oil lights, one to check the level, and the other is pressure. I don't think your having an oil pressure problem as there is no knocking, which <3psi would cause. I have a 92' LS4 when I was about .5 quarts low, the oil level light was on. Maybe my thinking is a bit off, but just like to get the wheels turning I guess. Lexus should do a good job of diag'ing the oil leak, it would say valve covers, upper/lower pans, do you notice any oil spots in the driveway?

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

6.5 qt is overfilling iirc. overfilling can cause a blowout in seals, causing you to lose oil.

op: have you checked your pcv valve? if it's broken you will be losing quite a bit of oil.

raytseng

Lot of speculation here.
I'd agree with some of the others in the get more info first camp.

Put in more oil, and now keep a sharp eye on it to see if it it is decreasing, then go from there.

Debonair

6.5 is definitely too much oil.

I think a clogged PCV can cause consumption along with other issues, a broken one can affect drivability and emissions but I am not sure about consumption.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

Ouch!!!!! Sounds like my case not too long ago!

denut-L

iTrader: (11)

GL