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reinhardflame34

VW Touran Oil Warning, Dark Oil Points to TSI Issues

Having trouble with my 2010 VW Touran 1.4 TSI. The oil pressure warning light recently came on in the speedometer cluster. When checking the engine oil, it seems darker than usual and slightly contaminated. Has anyone experienced similar oil pressure warnings combined with dirty engine oil? The car still runs but I am concerned about potential engine damage. Would appreciate hearing about your repair experiences and what the root cause was in your case. What did the workshop diagnose and how much did the repair cost? Planning to take it to a shop soon but want to understand what I might be dealing with.

4 comment(s)

maryweber1

I had a very similar issue with my 2012 VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI. I have some experience working on cars but mainly stick to basic maintenance. The oil pressure warning light combined with contaminated engine oil can indicate serious issues. In my case, the root cause was exceeding the maintenance interval, which led to oil sludge buildup in the engine. Regular oil changes are crucial to prevent this kind of oil contamination. I took it to a workshop where they performed a thorough oil system cleaning, replaced the oil and filter, and checked the oil pressure sensor. The total cost was 165€ for the complete service. The warning light disappeared after the service and the engine has been running smoothly since then. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Current mileage on your Touran, When was the last oil change performed, Are you noticing any unusual engine noises, Does the warning light stay on constantly or flicker This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced with my Tiguan. Oil pressure problems shouldnt be ignored as they can lead to severe engine damage if left unchecked.

reinhardflame34 (Author)

After last service at 127621km, I started noticing this oil pressure warning. The engine oil turns dark quite quickly between changes, even though I stick to the maintenance schedule. Had the oil and filter changed during the regular service just before these symptoms appeared. No unusual engine sounds so far, but the warning light stays on constantly after the engine warms up. My previous VW had similar issues which turned out to be a faulty oil pressure sensor. Good to hear your issue was resolved with an oil system cleaning. Did you notice any improvement in engine performance after the service? Wondering if I should request the same procedure or if I need a more thorough investigation of the oil pressure system.

maryweber1

Thanks for providing those details. Yes, after the oil system cleaning on my Tiguan, I noticed smoother engine operation and better overall performance. The quick darkening of engine oil you mentioned sounds very familiar, I had the same issue before the cleaning service. While a faulty oil pressure sensor is possible like in your previous VW, the constant warning light after warm-up suggests a potential oil pressure issue. The timing right after a service is interesting, sometimes air can get trapped in the system during an oil change, but this usually resolves quickly. Based on my experience, I would recommend: Get the oil pressure actually measured with proper diagnostic equipment, Request an oil system cleaning since regular oil changes alone may not remove all deposits, Have them inspect the oil pump while they are at it My Tiguan showed similar symptoms at around 130000km, and the cleaning service was definitely worth the investment to prevent more serious engine damage. The quick oil contamination between changes often points to internal deposits that need proper cleaning. When the workshop cleans your oil system, make sure they use a good quality cleaning additive. The one they used on my car took about an hour to complete the cleaning cycle.

reinhardflame34 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your repair experience. The systematic oil contamination and constant pressure warning in my Touran does sound similar to your Tiguan case. Your detailed explanation helps me better understand what could be happening. I will book an appointment and specifically request them to: Measure the actual oil pressure with diagnostic tools, Perform a thorough oil system cleaning, Check the oil pump condition, Use quality cleaning additives during the service The relatively low cost of 165€ for the complete service seems reasonable, especially considering the risk of major engine damage if left untreated. Knowing that you got improved performance after the cleaning is encouraging. Will make sure they do a proper cleaning cycle rather than just a basic oil change. Given that my car has similar mileage to when you experienced these issues, and considering the quick oil contamination between services, internal deposits requiring cleaning makes sense as the root cause. Appreciate the detailed advice, it gives me more confidence going into the workshop knowing what to expect and what to request for my oil pressure problems.

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