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2020 Toyota Tundra — oil level drops between services with no puddle

DetailLearner158Community StarterJan 14, 20262020 Toyota Tundra SR5Philadelphia
I started measuring the oil level every few hundred miles and it is definitely falling between changes. There is no obvious puddle and I do not notice smoke. How would you document and diagnose this instead of guessing?
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13 replies

TorqueMomCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Two 2020 Toyota Tundras can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Save the big job until that test fails. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
RoadTripWrench299Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 14, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Two 2020 Toyota Tundras can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. On “oil level drops between services with no,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.
DetailLearner158Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
I went back under the 2020 Toyota Tundra and it only happens after a heat soak, not on a cold start. Not driving it hard until I know more.
CleanDad31Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2020 Toyota Tundra, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “oil level drops between services with no,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Was this after sitting overnight? Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
HybridHauler726Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, capture voltage while the 2020 Toyota Tundra is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. This is from a 2020 Toyota Tundra in Philadelphia. That's the whole play. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
NewCarFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2020 Toyota Tundra, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Just my two cents from doing this recently. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
DetailLearner158Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
It did oil level drops between services with no twice this week, both times after sitting. No change in mileage feel. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
DetailLearner158Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 15, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 2020 Toyota Tundra again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
FlatSixSeller408Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 16, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Two 2020 Toyota Tundras can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Save the big job until that test fails. On “oil level drops between services with no,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
DetailLearner158Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 16, 2026permalink
Tried a second charger / second scan and the story on the 2020 Toyota Tundra didn't change. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
DetailLearner158Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 16, 2026permalink
I went back under the 2020 Toyota Tundra and it only happens after a heat soak, not on a cold start. Checking again after work.
V8Mom154Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 16, 2026permalink
I'd push back a little: If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2020 Toyota Tundra, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. I'll update if anything new shows up.
DieselGal547Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 16, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2020 Toyota Tundra does it — then decide on parts. That's the branch I'd chase this week. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
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