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OliFox

VW Golf's Oil Pressure Crisis, Knocking Engine Alert

My Golf hybrid started acting up today, the oil pressure warning came on and the engine is making concerning knocks and clunks. Oil pressure gauge shows very low readings. Car runs a bit rough too. Its a 2014 model with 44939km on the clock. Last service was done 3 months ago but I dont trust that shop anymore after some issues. Anyone dealt with similar oil pressure problems? Could use some advice on both the likely cause and recommendations for getting it properly fixed.

Summary of the thread

A 2014 VW Golf hybrid experienced an oil pressure warning and engine knocking, indicating potential oil pump failure. The symptoms included low oil pressure readings and rough engine performance. A similar case suggested that a failed oil pump could cause insufficient lubrication and metal particles clogging the oil filter. The recommended solution involved replacing the oil pump, flushing the oil system, and inspecting engine bearings. Proper diagnosis and repair by a qualified specialist were advised to prevent severe engine damage.

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4 comment(s)

charles_smith2

Having experienced similar symptoms on my 2017 Passat GTE hybrid, I can confirm this is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. When my oil pressure warning appeared alongside engine knocking, it turned out to be a failed oil pump causing insufficient oil circulation to engine bearings. The symptoms match closely, low readings on the oil pressure gauge combined with rough running typically indicate the engine isnt getting proper lubrication. In my case, metal particles from the failing pump had also partially clogged the oil filter, further reducing flow. The repair required replacing the oil pump assembly, oil filter, and performing a complete oil system flush to remove any metal debris. The mechanic also inspected engine bearings for damage since low oil pressure can quickly cause major engine damage. These symptoms should not be ignored or driven with, have the car transported to a reputable shop. Oil pressure issues can destroy an engine within minutes of operation. The fact this happened shortly after service suggests possible issues with either parts quality or installation during that service. Rather than risk catastrophic engine failure, proper diagnosis and repair by a qualified hybrid specialist is essential, especially given the complexity of hybrid powertrains.

OliFox (community.author)

Thanks for the detailed breakdown of the oil pressure issue you experienced. The symptoms do sound exactly like what my Golf is going through. Really helpful to know about the potential oil pump failure and clogged filter situation. Just wondering, can you remember roughly how much the full repair ended up costing you? Also curious if youve had any other oil leakage or pressure problems since getting it fixed. Im particularly concerned about the engine bearings given the knocking sounds. Planning to get my car towed rather than risk driving it based on your warning about how quickly low oil pressure can wreck things.

charles_smith2

After getting the oil pressure issue properly diagnosed and repaired, I can confirm my car has been running perfectly for over a year now. The repair involved replacing the faulty oil pump, which was causing inconsistent oil pressure and improper engine lubrication. Total cost came to 755€ for parts and labor. The mechanic performed a thorough inspection of the engine bearings and thankfully caught the issue before any significant bearing damage occurred. They also did a complete oil system flush to ensure no debris from the oil pump failure remained in the system. Smart decision to have your Golf towed, running an engine with low oil pressure can cause catastrophic damage very quickly. Since the repair, I havent experienced any oil leakage, pressure sensor alerts, or unusual engine noises. The new oil pump restored proper oil viscosity flow throughout the engine. Regular oil pressure checks are now part of my maintenance routine to catch any potential issues early. Your symptoms definitely point toward oil pump failure, which matches what I experienced. Getting it fixed properly the first time is worth every cent to prevent major engine damage.

OliFox (community.author)

I took the car to a certified hybrid specialist after reading the advice here. So glad I did, turns out it was indeed a failing oil pump just like suggested. They found metal particles in the oil filter which explained the clogged oil flow and pressure issues. The repair cost came to 890€ including a new oil pump, system flush, oil filter replacement and full synthetic oil change. They thoroughly checked the engine bearings and luckily found no significant damage since I caught it early and had it towed in. Its been running perfectly for the past few weeks, no more knocking sounds or oil pressure warnings. Oil viscosity readings are now consistently normal. Really relieved I didnt try driving it and risk total engine failure. The shop also showed me exactly what went wrong with the old pump and gave some preventive maintenance tips. Way better experience than my last mechanic. Sometimes paying more for proper diagnosis and repair at a specialist shop really pays off in the long run.

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