2001 Audi A4 1.8T Oil Pressure/Sensor

Tiny
2001AUDIA4OWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 AUDI A4
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Hi I have an 2001 Audi A41.8t with 170,000 mi. And it ran perfect for 2 months; it actually ran so well that I would go for a ride and people thought there was no more than 80,000-100,000 miles on it, and it was maintained to standards. Recently the oil sensor light came on, I stopped driving it to work immediately and it was driven no more than 1-2 miles after the light came on, when the engine began making a steady shaking noise and the check engine light came on. I was told oil line problems were common in these models so I had it towed to a trusted garage. He told me the motor isnt getting any oil and everything is probably sludged up. From searching the web I found this was an EXTREMELY common problem and Audi had an extended 8 year warranty/settlement for these cars. He recommends replacing the oil screen because its definitely clogged up, but even if that fixes the problem, there could still be engine damage from it running without oil. Comments and advice are greatly appreciated thanks so much.
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 7:53 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Could be the pick -up screen, engine bearings and the oil pump-check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge to rule it out
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Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
2001AUDIA4OWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks a lot for the reply, but could you make that easier to understand for someone who doesn't know much about engines or mechanical problems?
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Thursday, January 6th, 2011 AT 1:55 AM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
I'd try the clean screen job anyway? And maybe new oil pump if it looks shot/worn? As far as other damage these german cars use high quality steel heat treated for temper and long life. Your engine may be fine. Now if it had locked up that might be a diff story. Really is weird that the oil gels up though? Must be from mixing different stuff?
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Friday, January 7th, 2011 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
2001AUDIA4OWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
He drained the oil and tried unclogging it by soaking it with kerosene and the engine was still noisy. He didn't say anything about the oil pump but do you think he would have checked that already or should I ask about it? To replace the oil screen he said would cost $400-$500, but he can't guarantee that would fix the problem if the engine was damaged. He said I could do this and it would be a gamble or replace the motor. What direction should I go with this?
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Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 1:18 AM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
I still dont get the sludge/blockage thing unless someone used NON detergent oil? I've seen some real messes with that stuff! I mean sludge to me is soft and dissoveable on the other hand hard carbon deposits are much harder to deal with. It sounds as if a critical passage is blocked or the pump has failed. Could be as simple as pump pressure relief valve stuck/failed.
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Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 5:30 AM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
While the oil pan is off the bearings can be checked.I dont know what this expense means to you. You could buy another car and sell this 1 the way it is? I mean the expense of another motor sounds way out of line? (You didn't quote a price+ install?) Especially since you already know what could possibly happen to it again? And next car, do your PROBLEM research BEFORE you buy it!
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Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 5:42 AM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Another thing. If valve cover is removed you should see gunk there. If not you may have a different cause for loss of oil pressure. But here's a pic of your oil pump and screen.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
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Saturday, January 8th, 2011 AT 7:11 AM
Tiny
ALBCOOL2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
How did the kero soaking work out for ya?
Did it at least remedy the low oil pressure?

I have the vw oil sludge problem.
I have heard mixed reviews between Auto-RX, SeaFoam, diesel soaking, kero soaking, ATF and just get rid of it. I cannot seem to find 1 definitive source of truth.
I am about to drop the pan and go the manual cleansing route as I believe that the screen is partially clogged due to sludging.

The community desparately needs a solution for this.
There was a class action lawsuit recently settled, but it only covers you if 10yr/120k miles or under and have perfect documentation.

--sounds like you are looking @ some damage to yours as you had run it dry. I cringe cold starting my 1.8T, cuz it sounds like she is crying before the oils get to her topside.

Looking forward>
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Thursday, January 20th, 2011 AT 10:36 PM

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