Oil level low, followed by low oil pressure

[kesia]

If it’s gone from “oil level low” to “low oil pressure,” I’d be a bit cautious with it.

The first one can just be low oil, but low pressure is a different story—means the engine might not be getting proper lubrication. I wouldn’t drive it much until you’ve checked it.

First thing I’d do is check the oil level properly (cold engine, on level ground). If it’s low, top it up and see if the warning disappears.

If the level is fine and it’s still showing low pressure, then it could be something like the oil pressure sensor (pretty common), but there’s also a chance it’s something more serious like the pump or pickup.

Hopefully it’s just a sensor, but definitely worth checking sooner rather than later

 

[T6NOMAD]

I have succumbed to the fact that I wont get it out and dont want to risk getting filings into the oil system. So its going to a mechanic to sort out and curse at this.. lol

 

[rudzionek26]

Removing this sensor is not that easy

 

[T6NOMAD]

Removing this sensor is not that easy

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Yeah my mechanic ended up bringing in a removal specialist and it took him about 2 hours to get it out....

I believe a lot of cursing went on there

 

[DXX]

removal specialist

Looks like they don’t teach mechanics that anymore if thats become a separate job!
Good it’s out.

 

[ryan944]

Removing this sensor is not that easy

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Its not a sensor its the oil regulating valve and its the new type - changed mine and it made NO difference.

 

[rudzionek26]

So why after replacing the valve nothing helped, what is damaged that the pressure increased

 

[rudzionek26]

What error did you get on VCDS that made you replace it? Someone must have already replaced mine. What's the new valve type? My car is from 2017.

 

[DXX]

Removing this sensor is not that easy

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I’ve seen plenty of similar cases with marine equipment, the design engineer puts an o ring in to keep it oil tight but it really needs a secondary O ring to keep the water out - red arrow.
Hopefully the new unit was greased well on the area which rusted and seized.

 

[rudzionek26]

I replaced two sensors, green and brown, plus the valve, and the error is still P164D. I inspected the oil pump and it looked fine. I don't know what to do next: the oil pump, filter base, spray nozzles, or head?

 

[ryan944]

Have replaced green and brown sensors twice, regulating valve, new pump and sump cleaned, dpf cleaned, oil filter and oil about 3 times , oil pressure test ok had 2 vw specialist can't fi it. The engine is a CXEB which uses just over 1l of oil every 2k miles but no smoke. By changing the oil to a thicker viscosity holds back the fault which was enough to get it through an auction. The engine was on 101k miles we suspect it needs a new block - which is costly. Obviously after all the money spent could not identify the route cause. I would try 5w-40 or thicker and to see if this works - if yes then would get shot of it ASAP otherwise you could be in for a painful expensive time.

 

[DXX]

I’ve noticed a bit of a trend in people’s response to low oil pressure / level alerts - sensor must be faulty, carry on driving.
That’s not the best assumption to make, park up, get it towed and verify the oil pressure with a gauge.

 

[ryan944]

I’ve noticed a bit of a trend in people’s response to low oil pressure / level alerts - sensor must be faulty, carry on driving.
That’s not the best assumption to make, park up, get it towed and verify the oil pressure with a gauge.

The oil pressure was within the parameters so what else would cause the low pressure sensor to trigger? Bearing in mind what has been replaced with vw parts.

 

[DXX]

The oil pressure was within the parameters so what else would cause the low pressure sensor to trigger? Bearing in mind what has been replaced with vw parts.

Was the oil pressure checked under load or just idling?
Worn bearings?
Has an oil analysis been done?

 

[ryan944]

Was the oil pressure checked under load or just idling?
Worn bearings?
Has an oil analysis been done?

Both - no oil analysis has been carried out - as above 2 vw specialists and a mechanic mate we have spent many hours on this - as had vans and tippers all my life this have been very lucky - this has been a nightmare - after seeing what these engines look like inside after 85k - could well be bearings or new block. Just want to turn the key and drive - not look at a flashing coil light with a scanner permanently plugged in to clear the fault while driving.!

 

[DXX]

could well be bearings or new block

Worn engine bores wouldn’t cause an oil pressure reduction.

 

[The Bear78]

Worn bearing shells might...

 

[DXX]

For £45 I’d do an oil analysis, providing you have enough oil hours and the input data is correct you’ll have a very good indication as to the state of wear.

 

[rudzionek26]

The bearings looked fine on my part. I've now ordered a new oil pump, so I'll see if that improves the pressure. Apparently, the bearing cage and rollers could also be damaged, but that would make the engine noisy. My engine runs quietly and powerfully, with no noise. 04L145208P. This is the original number. I can buy 04L145208I, but with a different letter at the end. Apparently, all you need to do is change the gear and the intake manifold.

 

[DXX]

Apparently, the bearing cage and rollers could also be damaged,

If you did the oil analysis you’d see the alum’ content.