Yellow warning indicator - Check Oil Level

[nick.king]

I did a search for this problem and found https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...heck+oil+level

Mine is a similar problem where I was driving to Nottingham from Somersal when the "check oil level" light came on, I stopped as soon as I could (max 2 miles) and checked the oil. It was slightly down from max but not empty (was checked approx 5 days prior and was on max), I topped it up and carried on with my journey.

When the engine was cold I checked the oil level and it was at maximum but everytime I start the engine the yellow warning indicator comes on, I get a beep and the message "check oil level", it stays on for 5 seconds then goes off. I get this everytime I start the engine, it doesn't come on at all during my journey.

The car is a VW Passat 1.9tdi 130 estate (2003).

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,

Nick.

[chim_lad]

Nick,

My light came on about 2 weeks ago so I topped it up - ending up with a 1 litre top up! Light still on so mechanic repaced the oil pressure guage (£9.00) to no avail - light still on.
Took it to VW as brake warning signal came on twice in 2 days telling me to STOP.
Thought it would be a sensor somewhere else - been told by VW that the wiring has corroded in the pasenge side footwell and after wanting nearly £500 to repair, agreed to do it for £400.
Not very happy but they have me by the short and curlies as I don't have the time at the moment to speak to local auto electrician.
Would suggest looking at footwell as this is a common prob with water settling and affecting vehicle electrics.

Good luck

[Crasher]

When you open the bonnet, does the bonnet open warning light on the dash come on? If not, the bonnet switch is probably faulty. The bonnet switch is connected to the central convince unit and the dash, if the dash doesn’t know the bonnet has been opened, it does not think the oil level has been checked. Disconnecting the battery will reset it but that can cause other problems so I recommend a new bonnet switch but it can also be a corroded wire in the foot well.

[chim_lad]

Thanks for the advice although I am at the mercy of VW now.
many thanks all the same.

[nick.king]

When you open the bonnet, does the bonnet open warning light on the dash come on? If not, the bonnet switch is probably faulty. The bonnet switch is connected to the central convince unit and the dash, if the dash doesn’t know the bonnet has been opened, it does not think the oil level has been checked. Disconnecting the battery will reset it but that can cause other problems so I recommend a new bonnet switch but it can also be a corroded wire in the foot well.

Hi, yes the light comes on to say the bonnet is open. Still get the check oil level light coming on every morning although the oil level is at maximum. I'm taking it into an independant at the end of the month (payday!) so I'll see what they say.

If anyone else has any ideas please let me know.

Thanks,

Nick.

[Crasher]

Probably a faulty sump sender then.

[nick.king]

Probably a faulty sump sender then.

Hopefully that doesn't cost me much

I plan on swapping it for a newer model or something bigger (but still a VW).

[Crasher]

I can’t remember how much sensors are (my home PC is dismantled and I am using the wife’s lap top) but they are not too expensive. What I would suggest is you avoid a pattern senor as I have tried several and they have all been poor quality, insist on a genuine VAG part and as the oil will have to be dropped to change the sensor, have a new filter at the same time.

[nick.king]

When you open the bonnet, does the bonnet open warning light on the dash come on? If not, the bonnet switch is probably faulty. The bonnet switch is connected to the central convince unit and the dash, if the dash doesn’t know the bonnet has been opened, it does not think the oil level has been checked. Disconnecting the battery will reset it but that can cause other problems so I recommend a new bonnet switch but it can also be a corroded wire in the foot well.

Apologies, I really should check these things before replying.

The light does NOT come on when opening the bonnet, I'm sure it used to before I had the radiator and cam belt replaced a few months ago.

Is the bonnet switch easy to change/check without the need to take it into a garage?

I assume once the car realises the bonnet was opened the check oil level light will reset.

Thanks,

Nick.

[Crasher]

It may be that the switch is faulty, it is very easy to replace and cheap. If the dash doesn’t see the bonnet has been opened, it will not turn out the light. Disconnecting the battery will also perform the same function but that can cause its own problems.