Audi Oil warning light keeps coming on

[sonykand]

Last 2 days the oil warning light keeps coming on. I've checked the oil level and that's fine. Also the tappets have startiing making a noise when idling. The noise gets less, or at least, you can't hear it when speeding up. Any idea what the problem could be. And because I've driven it last 2 days with this problem, will there be any lasting damage? I've parked it up now, until I've got some advice.

I've got a Audi A6 1.8Ti Petrol - 98 Model.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[kenney]

sounds to me ur engine is low on oil pressure,the first thing to try is change ur oil and (FILTER) if it continues then you are going to have to check the pressure, dont drive it before u get it sorted out or u will maybe end up needing a new engine

[lonky]

If you have inadvertantly filled up or topped up with the wrong grade of oil, this can be the result.
it is easy to pick up a can of 0-w30, rather than 10/40 which the ADR engine should take.

rub the oil on the dipstick between your fingers, and try the same with some 10/40. though only a rough guide it is possible to notice the difference.
If oil change does not fix it then it is either a oil pressure relief valve stuck open or more lighly a worn oil pump.
Driving for any distance on low oil pressure is a route to a new engine !

[toff]

Does anybody know what oil the S6 V8 engine should use please?

I couldn't find any info in the manual and there are mixed views on the web as to what should be used!

It's on long-service life. Any help appreciated!

Alex.

[sonykand]

If you have inadvertantly filled up or topped up with the wrong grade of oil, this can be the result.
it is easy to pick up a can of 0-w30, rather than 10/40 which the ADR engine should take.

rub the oil on the dipstick between your fingers, and try the same with some 10/40. though only a rough guide it is possible to notice the difference.
If oil change does not fix it then it is either a oil pressure relief valve stuck open or more lighly a worn oil pump.
Driving for any distance on low oil pressure is a route to a new engine !

Thanks for the advice. I have done an oil & filter change, and used the grade of oil you advised 10/40. At first the oil pressure light went off. However after about 30 minutes driving it came on again. As soon as I switch the engine off, and start it up again, it stays off. Then after a few minutes it comes on, then goes off and keeps doing it intermittently. I had the oil pump changed last year, and since then it's done about 10,000 miles. Would appreciate any other replies as to what could be causing this problem.

[toff]

Before changing the oil, did you mix-in some oil flush with the old oil?

I don't know how likely it is, but if there's burnt oil causing a clog somwhere, the flush could help to dispearse it.

- Alex.

[sonykand]

Before changing the oil, did you mix-in some oil flush with the old oil?

I don't know how likely it is, but if there's burnt oil causing a clog somwhere, the flush could help to dispearse it.

- Alex.

No, I didn't. I just did a complete oil & filter change. When you say oil flush, is that the same as doing an engine flush?

[lonky]

I cheap thing to check is the oil pressure sensor, incase it has gone soft. I had this happen in the past.

New sensors are only about £3 from http://www.gsfcarparts.com/ so it's worth a try.

Sensor is on nearside, to rear of intake above the oil filter.

If that does not work, I am afraid it is a pump related issue.

Could be the syphon pipe has worked loose. I think that this could be checked relativly easily by dropping the sump, but having not done that on the ADR engine, not 100% sure.

[toff]

No, I didn't. I just did a complete oil & filter change. When you say oil flush, is that the same as doing an engine flush?

Hi,

Nope, it's a treatment you pour in with the old oil:




1) Check the dip-stick to make sure the oil level is the middle of the cross-hatched area.

i. Providing your oil is at the correct level, add the engine flush.
ii. If you've got too much oil in, drain some unitl it's at the right level.

2) Leave your car to tick-over for 15 minutes to circulate the treatment. Wynns say "let the car fast-idle" but unless you fancy sitting there holding the accelerator to achieve 2,000 rpm, just let it idle!

NB: You musn't drive the car with the engine flush in the system!

3) After 15 mins turn-off the engine and drain the oil immediately (use thick rubber gloves!) Be patient and wait until there are just intermittent drips of oil still coming out of the sump.

4) Change the filter & refill with new oil!

Hope that helps.

-Alex.