claraschulz1
Q7 Oil Pressure Warning Points to Sludge Risk
4 comment(s)
claraschulz1 (Author)
Thanks for sharing those details. Had almost identical problems with my Audi Q7 last winter. The oil pressure warning light started flashing out of nowhere, and my oil filter was completely clogged. Ended up needing a full system clean due to oil sludge buildup. Can you share what the total repair cost was for your case? Also curious if you had any recurring issues since the fix. My engine oil has stayed clean after the service, but I now check it much more frequently to catch any early warning signs of engine damage.
ludwigflame55
Glad to provide an update on my Q5 situation. Since having the work done, the oil contamination issue has been completely resolved. The total repair came to 165 Euro, which covered the system flush, new filter, and cleaning service. This turned out to be a good investment considering the potential engine damage we prevented. The oil color has remained normal with no signs of darkening or contamination for over a year now. Regular oil checks show clean, amber-colored oil, which indicates the oil additives are working as intended. The oil pressure warning hasnt returned since the service. One key lesson learned was not to exceed the maintenance intervals. The original oil contamination developed because I stretched the service timing too far. Now I stick to a strict schedule and use high-quality oil additives recommended by the manufacturer to maintain proper engine protection. Would definitely suggest staying on top of those regular checks like youre doing. Early detection of oil issues can prevent costly engine damage down the road.
claraschulz1 (Author)
After that helpful advice, I wanted to share how my situation was resolved. Took my Q7 to a different mechanic who properly diagnosed the problem. The repair bill hit 950 Euro for a complete oil system service including cleaning out severe sludge buildup and replacing several worn components. The oil pressure warning disappeared immediately after the service. The fresh oil maintained its proper amber color without any signs of contamination. Most importantly, the engine now runs smoother and quieter than before. The mechanic found that my oil leak around the valve cover had been allowing contamination into the system. They fixed the leak and showed me the correct oil level checking procedure to monitor between services. Regular checks over the last 6 months have shown no oil issues. I now follow a strict maintenance schedule and use only manufacturer-approved oil additives. The experience taught me not to ignore warning signs or try stretching service intervals. Catching oil problems early definitely saved me from major engine damage.
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ludwigflame55
I experienced similar issues with my 2016 Audi Q5 2.0T. The oil pressure warning appeared after exceeding the maintenance interval by 5000km. Initial inspection revealed significant oil contamination and early signs of oil sludge formation. The root cause was a clogged oil filter combined with degraded oil properties. These symptoms often indicate potential engine damage if left unaddressed. The repair required: 1. Complete oil system flush 2. New oil filter replacement 3. Oil pressure sensor verification 4. Cleaning of oil passages to prevent sludge buildup This was classified as a serious issue requiring immediate attention, as continuous operation could lead to permanent engine damage. The darkened oil typically indicates excessive contamination, which matches your symptoms. Recommend immediate inspection of: Oil filter condition, Oil pressure sensor functionality, Engine oil analysis, Oil passage blockage check Running the engine with low oil pressure risks severe mechanical damage. These warning lights should not be ignored, especially considering your mileage. The repair process took 2 days in total, but prevented more extensive engine damage that could have developed.