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Motor oil overfilled by Toyota Service

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by Mweston, Jun 21, 2017.

  1. Jun 21, 2017 at 7:42 PM
    #1
    Mweston

    Mweston [OP] Member

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    Hello,
    About a week ago I had my oil changed in my 2003 Tacoma TRD 6-cylinder Off-Road. It is in pristine condition, only 44,000 original miles, always serviced since 2003 by the Toyota dealer, always on-time or before due.

    I then noticed oil dripping on my level driveway. I brought it back and oil was in the pans underneath the engine. They cleaned off the pans and couldn't find an obvious leak, so they said it was probably oil spillage from the oil change. So, I brought it home.

    Then the "check engine" light came on. On the 2003 model, this usually means there's a problem somewhere. It's not a maintenance reminder light.

    I then checked the oil level on the dipstick, and it's at least a half-inch over the fill dot, maybe a bit more. I've read that over-filling with oil can cause significant problems. I'm suspecting that it was over-filled and some leaked out from somewhere onto the pans underneath, and then on to my driveway. I suspect the "check engine" light may be related to the over-fill of motor oil.

    Has anyone had this issue? What are the usual problems which can occur with over-filling? How much would about a half inch over the fill dot represent in the amount of oil? I've heard some engines are very sensitive to being over-filled with oil. Is this one of them? I have not noticed any frothing of the oil on the dipstick. It is very clean, but clearly over-full. I have not noticed any white smoke nor dark smoke from the tail pipe.

    Thank you.
    Mark
     
    Last edited: Jun 21, 2017
    scottalot and ChadsPride like this.
  2. Jun 21, 2017 at 7:45 PM
    #2
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    Have you gotten the code read for the check engine light? The code will help tell you what you're dealing with, i.e. whether or not it's related to the oil being overfull. Any autoparts store will read the code for you for free, if you post it up here then it'll help narrow down the issue.
     
  3. Jun 21, 2017 at 7:49 PM
    #3
    Bishop84

    Bishop84 Well-Known Member

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    Typically when over filled it wont leak oil, but it will consume it by burning it. Either way it sounds like a shit show.

    I'd expect to see exhaust emission codes. Only temporary though.

    I would consider taking it to an independent shop and send the bill to Toyota, that way they can't disguise any errors.
     
    scocar likes this.
  4. Jun 21, 2017 at 8:01 PM
    #4
    Kyitty

    Kyitty Mr. Beard

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    Had a Toyota dealer put the wrong oil filter on my 2005 Camry SE years ago. Seal broke because it wasn't the right size. Began streaming oil as the motor ran. Thankfully I noticed oil spots trailing in/out of my parking spots that morning. Immediately went to dealer. They admitted their error and did another oil change for free. I got there just as the oil light came on (literally).

    My Tacoma came with Toyota Care (Free services every 5k up to 25k). Guess who did my oil changes....

    Me.
     
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  5. Jun 21, 2017 at 9:36 PM
    #5
    Mweston

    Mweston [OP] Member

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    I haven't had the code read, yet. Are most garages able to read them? I haven't been to an independent garage since 2003.
     
  6. Jun 21, 2017 at 9:37 PM
    #6
    Mweston

    Mweston [OP] Member

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    Oops, sorry. Just read the post as to where to get the code read. Sorry. Mark
     
  7. Jun 21, 2017 at 9:49 PM
    #7
    Mweston

    Mweston [OP] Member

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    I'll see about getting the code read tomorrow. Then I'll post it. I appreciate your help and guidance. Thank you. Mark
     
  8. Jun 21, 2017 at 9:50 PM
    #8
    ABA180

    ABA180 It burns when I pee....

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    This..keep us posted.

    Aside, one good use for the Ultragauge is code reading
     
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  9. Jun 21, 2017 at 9:55 PM
    #9
    Styx586

    Styx586 Well-Known Member

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    When doing oil changes on the 3.4 if you don't remove the "skid plates", you'll get oil on them when changing the filter. My guess is, that was the case when they did your oil change, and the CEL has nothing to do with the oil. Either way you should find out what the code is and go from there.
     
  10. Jun 22, 2017 at 11:59 AM
    #10
    Mweston

    Mweston [OP] Member

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    Hello all,
    The Check Engine code is P0031 HO25 Heated Oxygen Sensor-Control Circuit Low. They think is the actual sensor which needs replacement, but they haven't looked at it, yet. I guess it has something to do with the mixture of fuel and oxygen.

    I had them take out the extra oil, which the Service Manager said amounted to about 1/4 quart. I watched them do it and checked the dipstick.

    So, I guess maybe that this Code has nothing to do with an oil over-fill ?

    Thanks much.
    Mark
     
  11. Jun 22, 2017 at 12:05 PM
    #11
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    I did a quick google search and it seems it P0031 may be a common code with over-filled oil....happened to this guy it looks like anyway:

    https://community.cartalk.com/t/too-much-oil-can-cause-check-engine-light/53845/4
     
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  12. Jun 22, 2017 at 2:46 PM
    #12
    Styx586

    Styx586 Well-Known Member

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  13. Jun 22, 2017 at 3:37 PM
    #13
    ABA180

    ABA180 It burns when I pee....

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    Doesn't seem to..could just be stupid luck.

    I'd clear the code and go on your way. If it comes back again, 02 sensor time..
     
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  14. Jun 22, 2017 at 4:33 PM
    #14
    tomwil

    tomwil Well-Known Member

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    Any chance the O2 sensor got oil soaked and damaged?
     
  15. Jun 22, 2017 at 5:18 PM
    #15
    Styx586

    Styx586 Well-Known Member

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    The O2 sensor is in the exhaust. And the engine was over filled by 1/4qt. So, no.
     
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  16. Jun 22, 2017 at 5:28 PM
    #16
    joeyv141

    joeyv141 Well-Known Member

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    over filling by a half liter on a car engine that uses 5 or more liters will do no harm, when people say it can cause serious problems they are talking about when someone put like 8 liters into a 5 liter engine.
    If the codes says that sensor then get a new sensor.
     
  17. Jun 23, 2017 at 11:22 AM
    #17
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    So pretty much what happened was instead of the 5.5 quarts they put 6 quarts in.

    When I am being lazy I tend to do that as well because that 1/2 quart of oil seems to never get used or it gets dumped on the floor in the kitchen
     
  18. Jun 23, 2017 at 11:33 AM
    #18
    92PathSE

    92PathSE Well Known "member"

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    A friend once overfilled his 01 3.4L by about 5 quarts. No lights. Lots of smoke though!

    OP, assuming there's no damage to the wiring, get a new sensor.
     
  19. Jun 23, 2017 at 11:40 AM
    #19
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

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  20. Jun 23, 2017 at 3:37 PM
    #20
    TOMB

    TOMB Well-Known Member

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    Changed all drain plugs to Dimple Magnetic plugs UNI filter on air pump
    Happened to my 2013 4lt access 4x4. Free serv Toyota care filled 1 1/2 In over the full line drained and refilled my self. Next time i informed the serv mngr he indicated that I should have returned so the tech could make the adjustment I said no one screw up a visit on my truck is the only chance.itold him this time to make sure the tech does it directly. That oil change serv was the last free serv and the truck hasn't been back , I now do my own serv
    TOMB
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2017

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