spage

Last night while getting in my '02 Sport to go to work, I noticed a long trail (about 10 feet) or rainbowy fluid on the concrete which, or course, could only mean fuel or oil.

I park on an incline in a parking garage, and in different spots at work, so I just noticed it. It may have been leaking for a while, but I'm not sure. It's directly under the engine by the pan.

Two things have happened recently, 1) I got a full service oil change and lube from Maplewood Toyoa 3 weeks ago to the day, and 2) During a large snow storm last week, I was driving across am unplowed parking lot covered in 15 inches of snow, and drove over a massive speed bump going about 25MPH. I think the front end actually got some air.

Since I don't have a garage, and it's still winter out, I cant get under the truck myself to see if the drain plug is loose, or the oil filter is loose, or if it's something major, like a rear main seal leak. Do you think I should take my rig back to the dealer and ask them to check? Or would they just laugh and charge me a ridiculous amount of money for nothing?

I checked the dipstick with the engine cold, and it only had about an inch of oil on it. There are no markings (at least that I could see) on the stick. Is that good or bad? When warm it was slightly higher, but still seemed low.

Has anyone else had a similar oil issue with their 3rd gen?

Stevo3

Heh, i drove my bros truck to work today, otherwise id let you know about the oil on the dipstick. As for checking if the oil filter is lose, you dont need to be on the ground to check that. If you have the 3.4, reach in the driverside fender area behind the rubber protector. Its on the front side of the coilover. cant miss it.

MTL_4runner

So if the truck is running, does it leave any drops of oil on the ground?
What about if the vehcile is parked and left overnight?

If you're having trouble seeing spots, leave a large sheet of cardboard under there to help.

spage

Oh, it's dripping, alright. I put a white piece of cardboard under there a few minutes ago with the truck off, and there's a drip every minute or so.

MTL_4runner

Ok then if it's too cold for you to work on, then pay to have a garage or the dealer look at it. You never know what might have come loose after a good jarring and it's better safe than sorry, esp if oil pressure is involved.

spage

Thanks, MTL_4runner. That's what I was thinking. I'm off to the stealer. This should be fun.

MTL_4runner

No prob, just let us know what the issue was when you find out.

Tanto

Did you check to make sure the oil drain plug was firmly seated and that the place put the washer back on? It'd probably be a bit embarrasing to take it there only to have them put put a washer on or something and cost you.

MTL_4runner

The dealer did the oil change so if that is the case it sure as heck better be at no charge.

spage

Just got back from the dealer, and that's exactly what the problem was... the drainplug washer was warn out and the stealer didn't replace it last time the oil was changed.

They were the ones that were embarassed. heh. Fixed it for free, drained and filled my oil again, plus washed my car all in 30 minutes, all the while appologizing "for the inconvenience".

Maplewood Toyota here in the Twin Cities is actually a great dealership. I've been there 4 times in the past year and a half and have had zero issues until now. The salesman don't hassle you, service dept. doesn't gouge you, and they give you free bottled water and plasma screen TVs to watch in the waiting room.

Today was a good day.

MTL_4runner

I like to hear when all works out ok.

Tanto

Yippee! Always feels good when it turns out it's nothing major.

aowRS

But they screw up a simple oil change! This stuff continues to boggle my mind. At least they took care of you.

Why not use this issue as the motivation to do your own oil chages? It is very simple, takes less than 20 minutes and you know everything was done correctly.

Andreas