100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

jonasfire4

Audi A3 Oil Sensor Warning: Real Issue vs False Alarm

Hey car folks, having some worrying signals from my 2016 Audi A3 (1.4 TFSI, 105478km). The dashboard is lighting up like a christmas tree with oil pressure warnings and error messages. Engine oil level seems fine after checking manually, so Im suspecting a faulty oil sensor. Had a not-so-great experience with my regular mechanic last time, so hoping to get some insight here before taking it in. Has anyone dealt with similar oil detection issues on their A3? What was the actual problem and repair cost in your case? Bit nervous about getting overcharged for something simple.

4 comment(s)

siegfriedtiger77

Had a similar oil gauge warning situation with my 2019 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI. The engine oil level was correct but the automotive oil pressure sensor kept triggering alerts. The oil signal issue turned out to be a damaged wiring harness connector at the oil pressure sensor. The protective sleeve had worn through, causing intermittent connection issues and false readings. The repair involved replacing the wire harness section and installing a new oil pressure sensor since the original connector was corroded. While not a complex repair, it required careful diagnosis since similar symptoms can point to more serious engine oil pressure problems. The work took about 2 hours to complete. A faulty oil detection system should never be ignored as it monitors critical engine functions. Key checks performed: Oil pressure sensor resistance testing, Wiring continuity check, Connector inspection, System diagnostic scan, Oil pressure mechanical test After repair, all warning lights cleared and the oil monitoring system returned to normal operation. Would recommend having it checked soon to rule out actual oil pressure issues.

jonasfire4 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Your issue sounds exactly like what happened with my A3 last summer with all those sensor warnings. Just wondering how much the repair ended up costing you? The parts werent too pricey for me but labor costs varied quite a bit between shops. Have you had any recurring oil sensor problems since the repair? Mine has been working perfectly after the fix but Id be curious to hear if you needed any follow-up work.

siegfriedtiger77

Since having the issue fixed by my mechanic, the oil monitoring system has worked flawlessly. The car maintenance bill came to 95 Euro which covered fixing a faulty connection in the sensor wiring. The automotive oil sensor readings have been accurate and stable ever since. The repair was straightforward, just needed to address a loose cable and plug connection that was causing the sensor issue. Much simpler than initially feared. No follow-up work has been needed in the 8 months since the fix. The warning lights cleared immediately and haven't returned. For reference, the oil signal warnings were caused by an intermittent connection fault rather than a complete sensor failure, which explains the reasonable repair cost. Regular oil level checks show the sensor readings now match the actual levels perfectly.

jonasfire4 (Author)

Found a reliable mechanic who diagnosed and fixed the issue last week. The faulty oil sensor wiring was repaired for 120 Euro total, including parts and labor. Turns out the oil monitoring system was triggering false alarms due to a damaged connector, just like you mentioned. The mechanic showed me the corroded wiring that was causing the engine oil warnings. They replaced the harness section and tested the oil pressure sensor thoroughly. All warning lights cleared right after the repair. Much better experience than my previous shop visits. They explained the oil detection system issue clearly and completed the work in about 90 minutes. No more christmas tree dashboard since then. The engine oil readings are now stable and accurate. Appreciate the heads up about checking the wiring, saved me from potentially getting sold unnecessary repairs at other shops who might have just replaced the entire sensor unit.

Join the discussion now: