Oil light and tapping

Good afternoon everyone.

A buddy of mine has a 2005 4.0L. It's been sitting for a little bit maybe a few weeks, and while taking it for a drive today, it drove fine for about 6 miles and he said out of no where the red oil can light came on and heard an audible tapping. He was only up the street from his house so he coasted home. He shut it off, checked the oil dipstick and it was fine. Started it back up, no light, idled maybe 25-30 seconds, and the light came on and he heard the tapping again, then shit it off and called me.

I asked him what oil filter was on it and he said he has used Fram and STP in the past, and has a Purlator on there now. I told him to go get a Toyota filter and change the oil and let me know what happens.

The truck was in body shop for some front end damage from a hit but it was only minor cosmetic.

Let me know what you think it could be. I'll update once I hear back after the oil change.

Thanks guys.

 

That means there is low oil pressure and he should NOT continue to start the truck. He needs to identify the problem which could mean a tow to the shop. Unless he has mechanical knowledge, (I'm assuming not because of this post) a professional needs to take a look at the truck. Cross your fingers and hope he didn't damage anything by running it with low oil pressure.

 

Good to know. I'm pretty mechanical, but have never heard of any issues like this before with Tacomas.

I'll pass the info on.

 

It's rare, but the oil pumps have been known to prematurely fail on early 2nd gens.