Trafic oil pressure warning loud engine noises

Sounds worrying! Low oil pressure combined with mechanical noises is never good. Before jumping to conclusions about the oil pump, have you considered the oil viscosity? Using the wrong grade of oil, especially if it's too thin, can cause low pressure, particularly when the engine is hot. Also, when was the last oil change? Old, degraded oil loses its lubricating properties. It might be worth checking those before condemning the oil pump. Though, if the noises are very loud, it could also unfortunately point to worn engine bearings due to the lack of proper lubrication.

Thank you for your prompt response! Regarding your suggestions, I performed an oil change approximately 8000 km ago, using the recommended oil type according to the vehicle's handbook. However, I must admit I did not pay much attention to the oil viscosity. Could you elaborate on how the wrong viscosity might cause these symptoms, and is there a straightforward method to verify if the viscosity is indeed the culprit?

Okay, 8000 km on the oil isn't excessively old, so that makes the oil itself less likely, but not impossible if it was poor quality to begin with. Basically, if the oil is too thin (low viscosity), it won't maintain a sufficient film between moving parts, leading to metal-on-metal contact, pressure loss, and those nasty noises you're hearing. Unfortunately, you can't really check the oil viscosity without specialized equipment. Given the symptoms – the warning light AND loud noises – and the fact that you used the 'recommended' oil, it's unfortunately pointing more seriously towards potential oil pump failure or worn engine bearings. Honestly, at this point, I'd strongly advise taking it to a workshop to get a professional diagnosis before you cause any further damage. Continuing to run it could seize the engine completely. Prepare for a potentially hefty bill.

I appreciate your advice. It seems my initial fears were justified. I will heed your advice and take the vehicle to a trusted workshop for a thorough diagnosis. I contacted them already and explained the situation. They suspect oil pump failure as well. Estimate is around 755€ including parts and labor, so fingers crossed. Thank you again for your insightful input.