My 82K miles 2002 just started with the low oil pressure light. Short story is cold start, about 30 seconds later after driving 50 yds the light flashed on and off. Another 50 yards and same thing. Turned around (light was off) and came home and parked it. Have not started it since. Prior to this absolutely no oil lights, no engine noise, etc. Mobile 1 & Mann filter was changed about 300 miles ago.

I'm not going to play around here with SeaFoam, MarvelMystery Oil, Diesel flushes, witches brew, holy water or any of that crap. The engine has not been damaged yet and I want to keep it that way for another 60K miles so I am not looking for a cheap quick fix.

I personally did oil changes (Mobile 1) every 7K - 10K miles, but I bought it used at 40K miles. I called Audi, and they had service records from the previous owner. It went from 4,800 miles to 20,000 miles with no oil change so the 8 year extended oil starvation warranty is VOID.

Option 1 - The Audi dealer wants $1500 to pull valve cover and pan, inspect/clean/flush and replace the pump screen (no new oil pump!?!?) and a bunch of hoses, etc.

Option 2 - An indy Audi/VW specialist wants about $700 to inspect and clean pan (not pulling valve cover unless cam noise is heard) and replace the oil pump/screen.

Any recommendations from those who have experienced this? Which way did you go? What are the long term results?

Thanks!

 

Option #3. Drop the oil pan yourself and replace the $40 pick up tube.

The 1.8T is notorious (on the A4) for getting clogged up oil pick up tubes. Its listed under the sludge TSB at audi, the TSB also includes replacement of almost all of the PCV lines/hoses, which calls for 9 hours of labor. Thats why they are trying to charge you so much. Have an indy mechanic change out the pick up tube, change the oil and filter and you're done.

P.S. This is not my opinion, this is what has to be done to fix the oil pressure light, 100% guaranteed.

 

I'm not a 1.8t owner, but didnt the TSB on the sludge issue say it didnt matter what the previous owner did, only what you did?

 

The TSB states in order to get the repair covered by audi, you have to show proof of oil change reciepts every 10k since the day you purchased the vehicle. So if someone before you did nonsence to the vehicle, it wouldn't affect the current owner no.