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View Full Version : Please Help Low Oil Light - 2.0 TDI 170 2007



ThePhoenix
01-02-2013, 10:38 PM
Hi


I have been reading through all the posts regarding oil-level indicator problems, in preparation of my weekend investigation into the cause of mine permanently being on over the last four days.
Most of the posts here seem to suggest that a failure starts as an intermittent thing and ends up as a permanent fault. The suggestion is also that on physically checking the oil level the indicator goes away for a while (60 miles?), as the act of opening the bonnet resets the sensing system.


My fault has neither of these attributes. Whilst driving to work four days ago the yellow oil can accompanied with the word ‘Low’ popped up and it has not gone out since. It returns instantly the car is started. I even topped up the oil a little even though it needed none, just to see if there was an effect.


My question is this: does this instant fail behavior suggest anything particular for example a fuse, broken wire, loose connection, or is it perfectly possible for the sensor to fail in this way and the bonnet reset system to not have any effect? Any advice gratefully received.


BTW I should mention this for completeness, although I am sure it is not connected, my coolant level indicator is showing randomly and mainly in cold weather. I am almost certain that this is due to the probes becoming oxidised as they dried out when the cam-belt was recently changed. That and the fact that I used distilled water during the refilling (possibly fewer ions to conduct electricity than what was present in whatever Audi used at the initial fill?) In any case I’ll be attending to this too at the weekend.

NHN
02-02-2013, 10:44 AM
Check the sump sensor connector for any corrosion, grime, clean it out & retest, if no go then next course of action is to change the oil sensor on sump & scratch the coolant prongs a fair bit inside the bowl with a screwdriver, this usually works.

ThePhoenix
02-02-2013, 10:55 PM
Thanks for taking the time NHN.

I took a slightly different approach to the coolant sensor than you suggested and for others reference here's what I did:

Removed the header tank - particularly easy, 2 screws and 2 pipe clips. Having given it a good clean I blocked of the lower exit and filled it with kettle descaler. Left it 20 mins then gave the electrodes a brush with an old tooth brush. They came up a treat. I guess the same effect could be achieved with some vinegar. All working well now.

On the oil sensor Murphy's law struck; after 4 days of being lit the warning light did not come on this morning when I went to investigate. I have done nothing with this, but once (if) it returns, i will be taking your advice and giving the connector a good clean and see how we go.

Once again thanks for the advice.

b1gmcc
26-02-2013, 04:57 PM
Hi i had same issue on my 2007 a4 2.0 170 bhp low oil light on (orange) oil was new and full ( MAKE SURE IT IS FULL) !!! easy order to fix
1: look at fuse 5 10amp make sure not blown( or goin bad / brown inside replace with good one)
2:open bonnet sray degreaser all around bonnet lach and use small swrewdriver and paper cloth clean ALL dirt an muck off even push lach into closed possion to get to other areas when fully cleaned spray with some sillicon lube or penatrating spray wd40 all latch( i came to the thought that maybe the latch contact links in with the sensors earth circuit ) there for dirt wont let it contact breakin the loop.
If not cured it
3: dissconect batt poss and neg for 20 mins to force computer into reboot
4: take out oil level sensor clean with elec contact spray replace and make sure plug wire is free from dirt.
5: STILL ON new sensor
6: make sure no fault codes on VAG-COM or AUDI £££$$$