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sarah_guenther41
VW Taos Oil Pressure Warning Signals Engine Trouble
4 comment(s)
sarah_guenther41 (Author)
My 2022 Taos has 47043km on the odometer and had its last service 3 months ago. The engine sounds continue to be concerning, with a distinct knocking noise especially during cold starts. After checking the dipstick, oil level appears normal but has that concerning dark color mentioned before. The oil pressure warning light now comes on more frequently, particularly after driving for about 15-20 minutes. No obvious oil leak is visible underneath the car, but the warning symptoms seem to be getting worse. Since posting, I also noticed slight engine vibration at idle. Already scheduled a diagnostic appointment to prevent potential engine damage. Really wondering if anyone dealt with similar symptoms and can share their repair outcomes.
robert_himmel5
I had almost identical symptoms on my VW T-Cross. The knocking during cold starts and increased frequency of warning lights matches exactly what I experienced. In my case, the dark oil color and engine vibration were clear signs of oil contamination, even though the level was correct. The diagnostic revealed metal particles in the oil, which explained the pressure warnings. The repair involved: Complete oil system flush, New oil filter installation, Premium synthetic oil change, Cleaning of the oil pickup tube Total repair cost was around 450€, but it prevented more serious engine damage. The knocking noise disappeared immediately after the service, and the warning lights never came back. Since your mileage is similar to what mine was, the symptoms strongly suggest a clogged oil filter or contaminated oil passages. The service intervals on these engines are quite strict, even small deviations can cause issues. My suggestion would be to ask the workshop to: 1. Check oil pressure with a mechanical gauge 2. Inspect the oil filter for metal debris 3. Test the oil pressure sensor 4. Examine oil quality under bright light This way they can determine if its just contaminated oil or if there are more serious underlying issues requiring attention.
sarah_guenther41 (Author)
Thanks for all the feedback. I wanted to give a quick update since my initial post. Took the Taos to the shop yesterday and the diagnosis confirmed what many suggested, significant oil contamination was causing the pressure issues. The mechanic found metal particles in the oil filter and some sludge buildup in the oil passages. They performed a complete oil system flush, installed a new oil filter, and used high-grade synthetic oil. Also cleaned the oil pickup tube which was partially clogged. Total repair came to 475€ but definitely worth it. The engine already sounds much better, no more knocking during cold starts and the oil pressure warning light has stayed off. The vibration at idle is completely gone too. Really glad I addressed this quickly before it led to major engine damage. Will definitely stick to a stricter oil change schedule going forward. Having fresh, clean oil and a properly functioning oil filter makes a huge difference in engine performance and longevity.
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robert_himmel5
Based on my experience with a 2020 VW T-Cross with a similar engine setup, those oil pressure warnings need immediate attention. The dark oil color you mentioned was exactly what I noticed on mine, and it turned out I had exceeded the maintenance interval by several months. After taking it to the workshop, they found the oil had started forming sludge due to irregular oil changes. The fix involved a complete oil change, new filter, and they added special oil additives to help clean the remaining deposits. Total cost was 165€, and it resolved both the warning light and the engine noise. For your Taos, we need more specific information to provide better guidance: Current mileage, Last oil change date, Type of oil currently used, Do you notice any oil leak under the car, Is the warning light constant or intermittent Regular maintenance is crucial, waiting too long between oil changes can lead to serious engine damage. Would definitely recommend getting it checked soon, as oil pressure issues can escalate quickly if left unaddressed. This is coming from someone with moderate experience in basic car maintenance, mainly dealing with routine service issues and basic troubleshooting over several years of VW ownership.