Drove my car off the ramp mid-oil change. Am I ok to drive it to have it inspected?
Posted by GEEZUS_956@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 63 comments
Was changing my oil. Wasn’t used to ramps so I got off to level the 2020 Toyota 2.5L after draining the oil and replacing the oil filter. The oil cap was off if the details matter. I realized that as I got the check engine light.
Finished it and went for a slow drive in the neighborhood. Everything seems good but I want to make sure and get it checked to at least get rid of the check engine light.
RacingWithMitchell@reddit
If you just left the cap off but it had oil z you probably had a code for vacuum leak through the breather. That would also explain why the CEL went away.
Ok_Meat_5767@reddit
You changed everything EXPECT the new oil?? Ehat
ScaryfatkidGT@reddit
I mean if the ramps didn’t crush anything and/or get stuck under the car you should be fine.
Make sure the drain plug and filter are on and the loi is at the proper level
JCC114@reddit
Upped this cause this is what I thought as well in first read. Turns out he meant he backed off the ramps before adding any oil back in.
ScaryfatkidGT@reddit
Offff that’s different
Was the oil plug back in and how long did it run for? If less than 10 sec it’s probably ok
I once did something similar but I filled the oil back up, just forgot the filter 😅…
BouncingSphinx@reddit
From what I've read from OP's replies, they drained, changed filter, and replaced plug, then backed off the ramps like they were going to check the level and simply forgetting to add the new oil first.
BouncingSphinx@reddit
What do you mean "mid oil change"? Like drained oil, new filter, and drove off with no oil in it?
A few seconds one time likely won't do any major damage, there's still a film of oil on everything. Too long or multiple times, and you're working your way to a new engine.
The vehicle doesn't come off the ramps until the new oil is in and the cap is on.
GEEZUS_956@reddit (OP)
Yes to your question. It was only a few seconds to level the car.
Personal_Chicken_598@reddit
Why not just put it in neutral and let it roll without starting it?
LameBMX@reddit
because ramps should have a bit of a lip.at the top so cars done easily accidently roll back down them.
Personal_Chicken_598@reddit
Yea most only have a stopper lip so you don’t drive off the end
LameBMX@reddit
every manufactured set ive used since the 80's have had a lip to keep one from rolling back down the ramp. when I inherited a hand made wooden set, I added that lip.
go Google them for yourself. the absolute vast majority will have a lip at the ramp side.
ajkd92@reddit
The set I’ve had for ages don’t have a lip on the ramp side, but the top portion isn’t level either…basically you drive up a steeper incline (let’s say 6°) and then the upper portion where you stop is a mild decline (let’s say -1°), so you roll forward down the decline until you’re at the lip at the end.
BouncingSphinx@reddit
So it is a built in lip, in a way.
Either way, it's meant to prevent exactly what you said from happening on its own.
huh_say_what_now_@reddit
It sounds like they don't work on their car much if at alll that's probably why something like this can happen
elirav@reddit
The amount of oil needed is somewhat “known”, like 4 quarts or something. You put 3 and half, get the car down and then finish adding the oil the full mark. There’s no need to level the car to add oil, just to measure, just add most of it while on the ramps and finish once it’s down.
BouncingSphinx@reddit
I think they were thinking to level the car to check the oil, but completely forgot to add the oil in the first place. Pretty sure they weren't taking off the ramps just to add.
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
And you can still get pretty close even with the car on ramps.
BouncingSphinx@reddit
You’re likely fine, just don’t do it again. If you’re really worried, or to have peace of mind, make sure next change to really check the oil as it drains for any hints of glittery substances.
SkiyeBlueFox@reddit
Yeah. Id still do a recheck after pulling off as dipsticks do lie on an angle.
Ig if you absolutely had to get it off the ramps just put it in neutral engine off and roll. (Can you even fucking do that on modern cars actually.... fuck I like keyed cars)
Repulsive-Ad-8558@reddit
You guys are getting dipsticks? (Sad BMW noises)
BouncingSphinx@reddit
My newest personal is a 2013 Honda Odyssey. Never had anything newer.
Work truck is a '25 F-150 and it still has engine oil dipstick at least.
BouncingSphinx@reddit
Yeah, get level to check level. I think that's what OP was going for, but didn't put the oil in first.
Yeah, modern cars can still be in neutral, but getting them into and staying in neutral might take a trick. My '19 F-150 still had a physical shifter, would physically put in neutral. My '25 F-150 still has the same style column shifter, but to stay in neutral you have to shift first and then press the manual mode button to stay in neutral when the door is opened.
SkiyeBlueFox@reddit
That is so wacky.. I really dont get why we moved away from column or stick shifters
BouncingSphinx@reddit
Everything is moving away from physical anything and I hate it. Mack is apparently doing this with their semi trucks. They have air suspension usually on the rear axles. To automatically adjust, they have a leveling valve to add or remove air to the air bags based on how much weight is on the truck. Instead of a physical linkage directly to a valve, they’re apparently moving to a solenoid and a computer operated air valve. I have no clue why that’s any better short of taking repair out of the driver or company mechanic’s hands.
SalaciousStinger@reddit
At least throw a few qts in and top off on the level
EngFarm@reddit
Your truck is fine. A few seconds at idle without oil pressure on an engine that was just running isn't going to wreck it.
Next time you are ready to drain the oil, put the keys in the glove box or cupholder first. That way you'll have to think twice before you can accidentally start it without oil in it.
DIMPLET0N@reddit
I'd only put the keys into the glovebox or cupholder if one or more windows are down. Don't wanna risk the car magically locking itself.
Glittering_Virus_640@reddit
If it was my Toyota id probably just make sure it’s full of oil and send it. Don’t do that again
Moon_Breaker@reddit
Okay but I've seen a guy hang a Toyota motor from a tree with no oil, just running gas into it, and just run it full bore for like 10 mins before he got bored and dumped it in the pond below the tree - which still took another minute to kill it.
Can't trust most things like you can most Yotas.
dlsAW91@reddit
You’re probably ok, everything was still coated in oil, unless you let it drain overnight, but don’t do it again lol
WRXAVICII@reddit
For future reference, just put in all but 1 quart of what is required. Then pull it off the ramps. That way you have enough oil to keep oil pressure and everything lubricated. Then once you're back on level ground you can add the last quart and check your level.
It all comes down to don't run the engine with no oil. That's just asking for trouble.
YBS_H2O@reddit
I wouldn't ever even consider doing this. That being said, you likely did zero damage due to remaining oil film so long as it was just the amount of time it takes to start and back off ramps. Google how long it took some of the cash for clunkers engines to seize while not only being drained of oil but filled with sodium silicate to intentional lock them up.
AgitatedHat5620@reddit
Genuinely baffling. Do you guys not even do a single google search for a how to before doing stuff
Personal_Chicken_598@reddit
You put oil back in the engine before starting it?
GEEZUS_956@reddit (OP)
Started for a few seconds to get off the ramps (empty). Filled in the oil I drained. Drove for a few minutes to check how the car is doing.
GrassGriller@reddit
Why did you do that?
ndergroundratsociety@reddit
Don't do this.
It won't damage it to run empty for a few seconds, but it will cause premature wear, so still don't do this.
Congrats you can cross out 'did half an oil change' on your apprentice bingo card.
Tony-cums@reddit
Wow. That is one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard.
AlaskaGreenTDI@reddit
Next time just put the oil in with it on the ramps and don’t overthink it.
Personal_Chicken_598@reddit
That was dumb and you definitely shortened the life of your engine. But that being said there’s nothing you can do to fix that now so if it’s not making weird noises your probably fine
skylinesora@reddit
You didn’t stop to think that maybe you shouldn’t start your car with no oil in it?
Saying this, If only for a few seconds, no harm
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
There's no point in having it inspected.
ramooage1@reddit
Rebuilt motors take a few seconds for oil to flow. Oil pumps are crank driven (usually) so oil pressure isn't even built for a few.
Relax. Learn your lesson. Don't do it again
Personal_Chicken_598@reddit
They slather the main and rod bearing in special assembly oils when the rebuild the
ramooage1@reddit
I mean yeah I did too. But when you do an oil change there is residual oil left over. I had my engine pulled apart for 3 months and it wAs STILL dripping oil. He'll be fine
Personal_Chicken_598@reddit
Probably will be but I still wouldn’t recommend it
thetrivialstuff@reddit
Next time "lock out tag out" your ignition somehow - maybe hide your key fob underneath the new oil container or similar.
star08273@reddit
no matter how many seconds it felt like your car was running, it was way way too long. i’ve seen engines lock up or spin bearings in 15 seconds
biggunzcdb1@reddit
It was an evap code. From the cap being off. Car must have a crankcase pressure sensor.
Shadow5503@reddit
No damage at all. The film of oil coating the various engine bearings from pulling onto the ramps is sufficient for the few seconds it takes to back down. Hydrodynamic bearings function because of the rotation, not the oil pressure. In the short term they function normally without afresh supply of oil from the oil pump. Google it if you’re having trouble sleeping.
But let’s not make it a habit.
FarewellAndroid@reddit
I’ve done hundreds of oil changes just measuring the quantity I’m dumping in based on manufacturer spec. No dipstick checking needed…
Albert14Pounds@reddit
Ok?
FarewellAndroid@reddit
OP drove the car off the ramp with no oil in it just to use the dipstick to check/fill it on level ground. I’m letting them know that’s unnecessary.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
WTF? Don't do that again.
It's a 4cyl Toyota... thing can't hold but maybe what... 4 to 4.5qts?
If you don't know, look at the index in the back of manual under "capacities" and see.
So dump in 3-4 full quarts, cap it, back it off ramps to level. Stop engine, let it sit for a few minutes. Then finish topping it off. Sheesh.
JCC114@reddit
You are probably fine, but reality is you either destroyed the engine or you didn’t. Getting it “looked at” is just money spent for no reason. If engines not making noise they’re going to assume it’s fine and so should you. If it starts making noise in near future? Well not having it looked out did nit save you anything as you will still need an engine.
Engine light was probably for the 0 oil pressure.
HungryHungryMarmot@reddit
For now, make sure the oil is topped off. It’s unlikely you’ll have a catastrophic failure at this point, but your engine’s condition is unknown.
At the very least, get an oil sample the next time you do an oil change and send it to an oil analysis lab like Blackstone Labs. They can look for different metals in your oil, which can indicate abnormal engine wear (for example, bearings are a specific type of metal). Oil analysis is a good thing to do regardless.
nate2563@reddit
Probably fine only way to know for sure is to do an oil sample and send it in.
Organic-Baker-4156@reddit
What would they check?
brabson1@reddit
Nothing you can do about it now. Make sure it's full and carry on
fmeupfam14@reddit
There's enough film it should be ok.
The CEL may or may not be related to this, get it checked and post the code.
MountainFace2774@reddit
There's a video that I can't find at the moment where a guy is doing a "tutorial" and drains the oil on the ramps. Then, he starts the car, drives off the ramps, and lets the remaining oil drain. He explains his reasoning is because the engine still has plenty of oil film. While that's true, it has zero oil pressure at this point. He is as serious as a heart attack, not shitposting. This post reminded me of that video.
Anyway, don't do that again. It's probably still okay. The engine might only last 500,000 miles instead of 600,000 miles now. But still, don't do that again.
jrileyy229@reddit
It'll be fine