Hi,

This might come across as far too vague for this forum, and a generally lame topic, but I haven't been very mechanically inclined.

A few weeks ago I purchased a 2002 Audi A6 Quattro 3.0L DOHC Tiptronic V6-2976 with 200, 000 K from a private seller. Unfortunately, the manual, which was supposed to come with it, hasn't been provided. I'm still hoping for that, or at least an electronic version for the meantime. I knew that it had been leaking some oil, but was told by my usual mechanic that that's to be expected in an older vehicle and should fix if it becomes necessary down the road. The yellow low oil pressure light came on the other day, and after checking the oil it is filled. I took it to a shop, not Audi specialists, who said that it's likely that this is caused by the leaking oil. Crank and cam seals are leaking, so he recommends replacing. Timing belt was replaced within the last year, but he recommended replacing that, and various other parts, at the same time anyway, and will need an oil pressure switch. Unfortunately, fixing the oil leaks is very labour intensive, as one has to remove the bumper and get into the timing belt area. Under the engine there is a fair amount of oil and it is smelly when the car is hot. Since they couldn't see exactly where the leaks were from, they suggested a dye put into the oil to help pinpoint the location.

They did a light diagnostic, but an Audi dealership recommends a full diagnostic (and I guess they have better equipment).

I know of a private mechanic who works on a lot of Audis would do the job for me for a fairly reasonable price (he changed the timing belt for the person who I bought the car from), but I am concerned about not using a dealership and that he would not be able to fix the car until late next week.

Anyway, I was wondering how safe it usually is to drive the car at all when the oil pressure light goes on -- been told it really depends if it's the oil pump or more of a sensor issue, and that it should be okay as long as I monitor the oil level and lightly use it until I get it repaired. Also, where can one buy the owners manual? Is there an e-version that will suffice for now?

Another thing: One large non-Audi specialist auto centre, plus the private mechanic, told me that parts replacement are not that expensive, and it's really down to labour costs (opening up that engine by taking off the bumper etc.), whereas an Audi dealership mechanic told me that parts are very expensive for the things that would be best to be replaced when they open up the engine.

I knew that having an Audi would entail higher maintenance/ parts costs than most other vehicles, but I hope I can have it maintained without costing me a fortune.

Greg

 

So basically my usual mechanic is telling me not to bother with the oil pressure problems since the expense of everything that needs to be done to fix the issue is just not worth it, and when it gets colder the light will go off on its own. And I guess he thinks that if I fix those it'll just lead to more problems. SO he says just drive it, watch the oil levels, and have some fun with the car and avoid falling in love with it. He is always trying to save me money, and looking out for my families best interests, but Canadian Tire felt that if I don't deal with it fairly soon, then it could lead to much more expensive problems. I love the Audi, and of course I want to take good care of it so that I can have some years with it. One person quoted me about 1000 dollars to do most of the repairs, but my mechanic is saying thousands to replace the crank and cam seals, possibly the oil pump, and maybe redo the timing belt which isn't that old, but because you're having to open it up anyway, might as well. The car apparently is actually in extremely good shape apart from a minor leak which may be causing the low oil pressure light to come on.

EDIT: SO I spoke to another service centre that deals with a lot of Audis, and he suggests taking it to a detailing shop to shampoo any oil off the bottom so that they can better tell where the oil leak is, then they do their own half-hour diagnosis before considering going "inside" the engine. It makes sense to me not to be really invasive yet in case the leak may be more easily sealed. Too bad they're booked up til the end of next week, else I'd do it tomorrow.