Oil Level Sensor issues

[ToyotaVanNut]

Hi, what exactly are these two parts? There is a part on the inside and a part on the side. This is the new oil pan I am about to put on. What do I do with these parts? Should I use anything from the old pan?

Thanks a lot!!

http://i60.tinypic.com/121zdll.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/2ds4uhk.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/f1h3jq.jpg

Thanks so much for any help!!

[ToyotaVanNut]

I believe this is the oil level sensor? Maybe while I'm down here I can install a new oil level sensor? Does anyone know which part number this is?

[Burntboot]

That is indeed the oil level sensor and it is all one part.
That one looks particularly unhappy.
I think the part number is 89491-27020 but you would want to verify that to be sure.
You'll wanna sit down before you look at the price though.

[ToyotaVanNut]

That is indeed the oil level sensor and it is all one part.
That one looks particularly unhappy.
I think the part number is 89491-27020 but you would want to verify that to be sure.
You'll wanna sit down before you look at the price though.

$200?!

I just ordered this one for $2, should I cancel it? I thought I had the correct part #: 9043027001 (tel:9043027001)

[Burntboot]

That part number is just for the gasket.

[Burntboot]

Sadly the sender is van specific, but at least they all (1st and 2nd gen) use the same one.

So looks like its either new at $200+, see if you can find a functional used one or leave the old one in place and become religious about checking the oil.
BB

[llamavan]

Sadly the sender is van specific, but at least they all (1st and 2nd gen) use the same one.

Actually:

2nd gen oil level sensors are all the same.
1985 is unique (and has been NLA for awhile); the 2nd gen sensor won't mount to the 1985 oil pan.
1984 didn't have an oil level sensor (and the 1984 oil pan doesn't even have a port for a sensor).

Gwen

[ToyotaVanNut]

Actually:

2nd gen oil level sensors are all the same.
1985 is unique (and has been NLA for awhile); the 2nd gen sensor won't mount to the 1985 oil pan.
1984 didn't have an oil level sensor (and the 1984 oil pan doesn't even have a port for a sensor).

Gwen

Thank you, Gwen! But what does this mean for my pan?

[llamavan]

You may be stuck using the broken sensor as a plug and regularly checking the oil at the dipstick like the non-vanners do (or are supposed to).

It MAY be possible to mount a 4Y oil pan on a 3Y block. I've been meaning to try this (in order to get an oil level sensor for my '84 LE — although that would only be the start of the project!), but it hasn't risen high enough on my priority list yet.

Questions for you: Is your "new" oil pan from a 1985 van? If so, is your van's old oil level sensor still functional?

Gwen

[Burntboot]

Thanks for the clarification Gwen, I did not know there was a difference.

I looked it up on a Toyota discount site then checked application on Toyo DYI and they list it as being used from 08/83-12/89.
Stupid internet.:no:

So good to have real experts hanging around.
BB

[ToyotaVanNut]

You may be stuck using the broken sensor as a plug and regularly checking the oil at the dipstick like the non-vanners do (or are supposed to).

It MAY be possible to mount a 4Y oil pan on a 3Y block. I've been meaning to try this (in order to get an oil level sensor for my '84 LE — although that would only be the start of the project!), but it hasn't risen high enough on my priority list yet.

Questions for you: Is your "new" oil pan from a 1985 van? If so, is your van's old oil level sensor still functional?

Gwen

What is a 4Y oil pan and a 3Y block?

My "new" oil pan, I am not sure if it is from an 85' van. How would I be able to check on this? Also, is the oil light on the dash the oil level sensor light? I need to know this in order to answer your question. Thank you so much, Gwen!

[ToyotaVanNut]

Thanks for the clarification Gwen, I did not know there was a difference.

I looked it up on a Toyota discount site then checked application on Toyo DYI and they list it as being used from 08/83-12/89.
Stupid internet.:no:

So good to have real experts hanging around.
BB

You are helping me immensely, so thank you, BB!

[Burntboot]

TVN - 3Y and 4Y refer to the different engine variants used in the van, the 3Y is 2000cc, 4Y is 2200cc.
(Both engines belong in the same family but are variations on a theme, many parts will interchange between the two, some will not)
3Y was the 1st generation's engine (up to 85?) 4Y was used in the new and improved 2nd generation van of 86-89.
I have never paid any attention to the first gen so please don't take my info on them as anything more than anecdotal.

From what Gwen is telling us, the 85 uses a different sensor than later models, that being the case I would suspect that determining what is in your used pan might be as simple as seeing if the electrical plug fits onto the sensor (or visually comparing sensors from the old pan to the "new" pan?)

As far as the indicator goes, it all depends on the trim level.
If you have an oil pressure gauge, the the level sensor is attached to the idiot light.
If you don't have an oil pressure gauge then the idiot light does double duty for both level AND pressure.
(at least that is how my 88 was wired (DLX, no tach) I upgraded to an LE instrument cluster to get a tach and had to run a separate wire for the pressure gauge, the idiot light now only indicates oil level)
BB

[originalkwyjibo]

This is not my van but this is what the float sensor on my '88 looks like. Clearly different than yours on the outside. The plug points up instead of out. Here's a link to the TVP thread I found these on:http://toyotavanpeople.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4789
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2527846343_e12f959f3f_b.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/2528705422_f3e3ff573d_b.jpg

[llamavan]

What they said. :whs:

Gwen

[ToyotaVanNut]

So, the new pan is on! We (mostly my friend Richard) installed the pan with the engine in tact and it went on great!

My only question is this: we have two oil level sensors now, one from each pan. The weird thing is, my old sensor never worked (light on the dash always on and off), but it looks perfect compared to the one on the new pan. So, my question is: is there a way to test it before putting it on for good?

Thanks a lot! (This is for a 1985 fuel injected Van LE) :yes:

[Burntboot]

I would suspect that it is the same way as one would test a fuel sender by articulating it through it's range of motion and measuring the resistance with an ohm meter.
It should just be an on/off switch, as opposed to a variable resistance like a fuel sender, but am just guessing here.
Should also be able to plug it into the wiring and do the same thing using the light as your guide.

Don't remember if they are one wire or 2 but if it is a one wire connection, providing a ground wire to the housing would complete the circuit but if it has 2 wires, it should just be plug and play.

[ToyotaVanNut]

I would suspect that it is the same way as one would test a fuel sender by articulating it through it's range of motion and measuring the resistance with an ohm meter.
It should just be an on/off switch, as opposed to a variable resistance like a fuel sender, but am just guessing here.
Should also be able to plug it into the wiring and do the same thing using the light as your guide.

Don't remember if they are one wire or 2 but if it is a one wire connection, providing a ground wire to the housing would complete the circuit but if it has 2 wires, it should just be plug and play.

Thanks so much, BB! Helped a lot! It is two wires, so we'll take a paper clip to it!

[originalkwyjibo]

My '88 service manual has a couple pages that cover testing the various functions of the sensor. The TVP thread I linked to in your other post also has a little info about getting them to work properly. I don't know if the '85 sensor functions the same as '88 though.

[raven]

Hi Van folks,

I have an 84 with 276k on it. She's aged pretty gracefully but there are some issues that have come up.
1) The oil light comes on when the engine has been running for a while, even though the dipstick reads full. The light doesn't stay on consistently, it'll go off when I hit a bump or go around a corner. I'm thinking it's my oil sensor, but have yet to locate where that is...?

2) Found a crack in my radiator after beginning the process of flushing the system and replacing some of the hoses. (As I was replacing the thermostat which was beyond toast) The heat wasn't working in the front at all and the back was minimal. After the flush something broke loose and it started working. But when I was replacing the hoses under the passenger seat I noticed how much debri was in the line... ick! And that's when I found the hairline crack at the top of the radiator.
I've been tracking down a new or slightly used radiator... not an easy thing but my friendly Napa guy found one he says, new $110...I haven't confirmed it's in fact the right radiator. Anyone have any knowledge on where to get the proper unit and how much it should cost?
I intend on replacing all the hoses in the system thanks to your handy pictorial.

[joegri]

hi raven i'm thinkin that your safe for the moment. an oil light will always freak anybody out. you say it comes on when a bump or maybe a hard turn? i'm thinkin the harness that hooks up to the sensor in the pan is floppin around. maybe try locating sensor "left side mid ship on pan" run motor and jiggle wires that plug in there. have somebody inside to confirm light is on off on off. there is alot of heat there and wires become brittle. that could be the problem. for staters thats a good place to start. hope this helps i'm sure some other van ratz will come back with something for you. as a side note the pan sensor is oil temp-pressure and level all in one...if i remember correctly. good luck and tell us what you find out.

[raven]

Hi joe, thanks for the location. It actually goes off when said events occur. I think that sensor should be replaced. and you're right it freaks me out when I see it go on.
I'm pretty sure many of my wires are brittle. I'll test out the wire and see if the on off thing gives me any indication.

R

[technocj]

I have an 85. Radiators for 84-85 are not the same as 86 and up, and I have not been able to find a new one for years.

[JDM VANMAN]

:whs:

There's an 85' sitting in Tumwater pick n pull, if you really need that radiator you would have to pull it and see if it can be recored, that might be you best bet, unless your Tech finds the right one. And if he does please post a part number cause I'm sure there's some other members that'll want it too!!:wnk:

Good luck :thmbup:

[JDM VANMAN]

Sorry for jumping ahead... Maybe see if yours is a good candidate for a recore first:thmbup:

[blakebecker37130]

Hi Van folks,

I have an 84 with 276k on it. She's aged pretty gracefully but there are some issues that have come up.
1) The oil light comes on when the engine has been running for a while, even though the dipstick reads full. The light doesn't stay on consistently, it'll go off when I hit a bump or go around a corner. I'm thinking it's my oil sensor, but have yet to locate where that is...?

2) Found a crack in my radiator after beginning the process of flushing the system and replacing some of the hoses. (As I was replacing the thermostat which was beyond toast) The heat wasn't working in the front at all and the back was minimal. After the flush something broke loose and it started working. But when I was replacing the hoses under the passenger seat I noticed how much debri was in the line... ick! And that's when I found the hairline crack at the top of the radiator.
I've been tracking down a new or slightly used radiator... not an easy thing but my friendly Napa guy found one he says, new $110...I haven't confirmed it's in fact the right radiator. Anyone have any knowledge on where to get the proper unit and how much it should cost?
I intend on replacing all the hoses in the system thanks to your handy pictorial.

I had the same issue with my 89. Turns out it was the levelsensor in the oil pan. It is basically a float switch. The float part of minewas broken and in pieces in the pan. I noticed it when changing the oil pangasket. A new sensor is $$$. I was lucky enough to discover an 89 van during mysalvaging missions. Pulled the sensor (4) 10mm/Philips fasteners hold it in thepan. When removing it pretend you’re playing that old school game operation andmake sure you do not damage the sensor components when extracting it from thepan. It’s not hard to remove/install, I did mine during my last oil change andhave not had an issue since. the picture was found/used from this site
Best regards,
Blake



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/2528705422_f3e3ff573d_b.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiajoCKiLnKAhWHyT4KHQvwC0cQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftoyotavanpeople.com%2Fforum%2Fvie wtopic.php%3Ff%3D2%26t%3D4789&psig=AFQjCNHkksj0bO8b4Wd1h37pJTwULgxlIA&ust=1453402419052879)

[timsrv]

I just wanted to point out there are 2 oil lights on some vans. There's the red idiot light that tells you when oil pressure is low (for vans without oil pressure gauges), then there's the oil level light (pictured above) that's the yellow one that tells you when your crank case is getting low on oil. If you're having an issue with the red idiot light on the cluster, then that's a whole different sensor. If that's the case, assuming you're running 10w30, my 1st recommendation would be switching to 10w40. Tim

[blakebecker37130]

I just wanted to point out there are 2 oil lights on some vans. There's the red idiot light that tells you when oil pressure is low (for vans without oil pressure gauges), then there's the oil level light (pictured above) that's the yellow one that tells you when your crank case is getting low on oil. If you're having an issue with the red idiot light on the cluster, then that's a whole different sensor. If that's the case, assuming you're running 10w30, my 1st recommendation would be switching to 10w40. Tim

Thanks Tim. Are you then refering to the oil pressure sensor below the oil filter?

http://www.joetlc.com/images/8353087705.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjX8dvIlrnKAhXLaT4KHffnB0gQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FOil-Pressure-Switch-Toyota-Camry-Celica-Corolla-Corona-Cressida-MR2-Paseo-Supra-%2F300875072745&psig=AFQjCNETtqs8idIkpxL52DOJiDv8Y8cMrg&ust=1453406308659817)

I also did switch to Mobil1 10w40 during my last oil change, not sure if thats what changed the issue. The sensor float was broken and inop though.

Best regards,
Blake

[timsrv]

Yes, although that one pictured is a bit different in appearance from the van's pressure sensor/sender. Based on what the original poster said, I do believe your post on the level sensor is correct (at least for him). I just wanted to minimize potential confusion for future readers by pointing out there are 2 different oil warning lights (at least on some vans). Tim

BTW, thanks for helping out with your good advice :thmbup:

[blakebecker37130]

Tim, thanks understood. When I aquired my 89 le van late 2015, it was an angy oil consuming/burning machine with check engine light. Now its a happy healthy runner with good smog report and no service lights:clap:.

Best regards,
Blake

[AR74]

I know this is an old thread but instead of starting a new thread I'm gonna ask a ? here . Has anyone unplugged the oil level sensor and just left it unplugged ? I'm wanting to just put a plate and seal it where the sensor mounts on the oil pan but wasn't sure if the oil light would stay on when not having the sensor plugged in ???? My van is down for maintenance right now or I would unplug it and see for myself . Thanks for any input !!!!

[llamavan]

I can't speak to the 2nd gen vans, but I can tell you that on my '85, the wire to the oil level sensor broke (unbeknownst to me) and the dash light did not go on ... until the oil pressure became inadequate. :pissed:

Gwen

[timsrv]

Thanks for searching and posting you question here. I never really got to know this system and I've never had a van with a functional light. The 86 I'm driving now (I've owned since 1998), has this and it's never functioned right (on-off-on-off). I never really saw the point of the system since I check my fluids at regular intervals (I just ignore it). Unless you have a leak here, I'd just unplug it from the harness and leave the sensor there as a plug. There's actually an o-ring like seal inside there and it might be hard to seal it with a plate. Tim

[AR74]

Thanks guys , I would leave the plug their but the plug is actually broken and leaking oil through the plug .

[timsrv]

When you do the job, take a few pics and let us know how it all works out :wave1:. Tim

[AR74]

When you do the job, take a few pics and let us know how it all works out :wave1:. Tim
I'm thinking of just welding in a plate over the hole .

[llamavan]

You could also consider sourcing an '84 oil pan (no oil level sensor, and no port for it).

Gwen

[AR74]

You could also consider sourcing an '84 oil pan (no oil level sensor, and no port for it).

Gwen Thanks a lot , that's exactly what I was wondering !!!!

[Flecker]

So I am assuming my level sensor is on the fritz... is there a way to bypass it to make the oil light go off?

EDIT: Think I found it. In the FSM it shows a test for the level sending unit. If the float is down (low level) there should be no continuity. And if up (at proper level) terminals 1 & 2 should have continuity across them.

My spider sense tells me to tie the 2 wires together so the oil level computer senses a level that is adequate from the pan and should turn the light out on the dash.

Will experiment and report back later gator.

[originalkwyjibo]

That's how one of my vans was when I bought it. There is a small white plug for the harness by the + box. Its bundled into the alternator harness. Just plug in your favorite flavor of appropriately insulated jumper wire and your good to go. Saves the inevitability greasy contortionist show to get to the plug on the sensor. And don't forget to check your oil. Speaking from experience, you never know when a massive oil leak can strike.

[Flecker]

That's how one of my vans was when I bought it. There is a small white plug for the harness by the + box. Its bundled into the alternator harness. Just plug in your favorite flavor of appropriately insulated jumper wire and your good to go. Saves the inevitability greasy contortionist show to get to the plug on the sensor. And don't forget to check your oil. Speaking from experience, you never know when a massive oil leak can strike.


Awesome! And yah, I try to be proactive on maintenance and checking fluids. So that settles that. Bypass it and be done then!

Thank you sir!