i have a 2002 Audi A6 4.2 with 79,000 miles. The oil warning light came on and upon checking the oil level was down about 1 1/2 quarts. The car has about 5,000 miles since the last oil change. Is oil consumption high?

 

Consumption or leakage? Audis are more prone to oil leaks than to oil consumption. Do you get oil spots on the ground when you park? If so, check your cam seals, cam tensioner seals and valve cover gaskets. If not, the consumption is a bit high for normal driving.

Bob

 

It could also be that it was never properly filled the last oil change. you probably would have noticed a leak by now if that much was out and you park in the same place daily. I believe our 4.2s to take a quart more than some other Audi engines. 8 in fact. Could be wrong, but hope your answer is as simple as that. Are you using synthetic yet?

 

If you were down to 1 1/2 quarts you would have blown your engine long ago. The 4.2L takes 8.5 quarts of oil, more than likely some nit wit didn't fill it right and it has a small leak or the PCV system is all clogged up shoveling it into the intake. I would also check the oil filter area for leaks, sometimes folks don't check the gasket on the filter when they remove it and it stays on the cooler, the new filter goes on and you now have two gaskets smashing into each other causing a leak, however you would have probably noticed a leak like that.