Low Oil Level Warning Light on but level OK - Anything else to check

[new2vwa]

Hi, Just over the weekend I got the yellow Low Engine Oil Warning Lamp showing. Having had the unfortunate oil balance shaft failure not long ago (which cos big ££) I am pretty nervous about the fault lights!!

Anyway I quickly checked the level on the dipstick which was reading right up at the max (I havent put oil in the car since the oil pump failure 5 months ago) so the level appears fine. After a couple of hrs letting engine cool and rechecking (after reseating the oil cap which I read somewhere somethimes made a difference) the light had went out and was OK the following day. However on way to work yesterday after a couple of miles light came back on so went straight home and again checked levels on dipstick which was OK. I took it to local mechanic who done the previous repair - he gave it a good check but the whole time it was there the light didnt come on, so I took car back and he's said if it came back on to bring it back to him when the light is showing. So on way in to work today not far reaching work the light has come on!!

Is there any other checks or things that could be failing 'behind the scenes' that could indicate another more major fault - (again thinking back to the old pump balance shaft issue!!). Or is there and scans that can pinpoint the problem - I'm not sure if my mechanic would have have access to the main dealer type diagnostic equipment, and dont really want to spend money fixing bits which are not the issue - am thinking the oil level sensor, but since I see there is a seperate warning light for faulty oil sensor which isnt on I'm presuming the sensor isnt faulty?...

Any advice from anyone experiencing similar issues?....

Cheers

[apole]

Hi,

I'd be getting a VCDS scan first to see if there is anything relevant in there.

What is your location as there maybe a local member with VCDS that could do this for you.

Failing that, plenty of people advertise on ebay that can do the scan from £10 upwards.

A generic OBD scan won't have anywhere near as much information, if any.

Good luck.

[new2vwa]

Hi,

would the VCDS Scan show if sensor faulty - am hoping it IS just that but would have thought I'd get the Oil Sensor Warning light on in the display?

I work in Belfast but would be happy to drive reasonable distance if there was any local members able to do it - though driving the car at all makes me nervous these days!!. Will also do a quick check on ebay, thanks for the advice...

[Guest 2]

Where abouts in Belfast? I might be up again on Saturday, currently in Londonderry this week.

[new2vwa]

Hi Chris,

I work in Belfast Mon-Fri but live in 25miles away. If you were likely to be there I could meet up if you thought the diagnostics would pinpoint the issue, but wouldnt want you coming out of your way or anything!!

In the meantime I've searched a few more threads and one mentioned an apparent link with the bonnet opening which appears to 'reset' the indicator, for a while (30-40 miles) at least. This seems to tally with my issue, ie the oil light came on thismorning and was still on when I parked up at work. When starting the car at home time the warning light came on immediately, but when I stopped, turned off and popped the bonnet to check level (I also reseated the oil filler cap) when I turned ignition one again the light had gone off and didn't come back on for the 25 miles home.

Not sure how to progress this one - if a diag check is still recommended then yes happy to take up your offer Chris!! - but am happy to wait if you are ever in Belfast direction through the week?..PM me if you want to arrange a meet and thanks for the offer!!

[Guest 2]

Well a fault scan is always a good place to start. I'll send you a PM shortly

[Tinnycan]

Had this problem on the A4 and it turned out to be the pick up oil filter in the sump. It was blocked with carbon deposits. Replaced the part for €15 and car is still going well and no lights flicking now I believe. Maybe it could be a faulty oil switch ?.