Engine - Engine Oil Pressure Too Low
Engine oil pressure too low17 06 06 Dec. 7, 2006, 2013076/1
Condition
Engine Oil Pressure Too Low light is on.
Technical Background
The low engine oil pressure may be caused by a restriction of the oil pump suction line strainer.
Production Solution
Not applicable.
Service
Preliminary diagnosis reveals an actual low engine oil pressure condition. The engine oil level is correct and the oil pressure switch, instrument cluster, wiring harness, etc. are functioning normally.
- Remove cylinder head cover.
- Inspect all camshaft bearings for damage. Remove only one cap at a time.
If no camshaft bearings are damaged, the engine must be repaired as described in the Engine Repair Guidelines section.
If one or more camshaft bearings are damaged, the complete engine must be replaced as described in the Engine Replacement Guidelines section.
NOTE:
- For Canada: Engine replacements require inspection and authorization by the AASM/TFM.
- For USA: Engine replacements require that all camshaft bearing caps be submitted to the Audi Warranty Test Center.
Engine Repair Guidelines
This section applies if none of the camshaft bearings are damaged.
- Inspect the camshaft chain tensioner-adjuster for visible damage on the pads in contact with the chain. Replace the tensioner-adjuster if the pads are damaged.
- Drain the engine oil and remove the oil pan.
- Visually inspect for oil sludge or solid deposits in oil pan, cylinder head cover and around camshafts.
- If oil sludge or heavy oil deposits are not present, visually inspect the engine oil pump suction line strainer for obstructions. Use background lighting if necessary.
- If the engine oil pump suction line strainer is not obstructed, further diagnosis is required to determine the root cause of low engine oil pressure. Repair as necessary. (Always refer to ElsaWeb Repair Manual for additional information.)
- If engine oil pump suction line strainer is restricted by solid particles or oil sludge or heavy oil deposits are found inside the engine, remove as much of these deposits from the engine as possible. Use mechanical methods such as scraping. (Do not leave loose oil deposits or clumps in the engine.)
NOTE:
Only the cylinder head cover and oil pan may be cleaned with chemical products. Do not attempt to clean the engine with chemical flushes or similar products.
- Ensure that crankcase ventilation system port on the cylinder head cover is open and free of restrictions. Methods for cleaning such as hot tank, caustic bath and ultrasonic may be necessary to ensure complete cleaning of this recessed port. If port is restricted and cleaning methods are not available, it may be necessary to replace the cylinder head cover.
- Install cylinder head cover.
- Replace the oil pump suction line (or oil pump for AEB and ATW engines).
- Install oil pan, but leave engine in "service position." The oil pan must later be removed again.
- Replace the oil feed and oil return lines of the turbocharger.
- Visually inspect the interior of oil filter holder through crankcase ventilation system line opening (at top of holder). If excessive oil deposits are found, clean as necessary.
For Engine Codes AEB, ATW
- Replace crankcase ventilation system hoses, pipes and pressure regulating valve depending on engine code. (See Figure 2 and compare to latest illustration on ETKA.)
- Replace O-rings, clamps and miscellaneous fasteners only as necessary.
For Engine Code AMB up to VIN 8E 3 040000, AWM
- Replace crankcase ventilation system hoses, pipes and pressure regulating valve depending on engine code. (See Figure 3 and compare to latest illustration on ETKA.)
- Replace O-rings, clamps and miscellaneous fasteners only as necessary.
For Engine Code AMB from VIN 8E 3 040001
- Replace crankcase ventilation system hoses, pipes and pressure regulating valve depending on engine code. (See Figure 4 and compare to latest illustration on ETKA.)
- Replace O-rings, clamps and miscellaneous fasteners only as necessary.
For Engine Codes AEB, ATW, AWM, AMB up to VIN 8E 3 040000
- Replace crankcase ventilation valve and hoses.
- Replace O-rings, clamps and miscellaneous fasteners only as necessary.
For Vehicles up to MY03, VIN 8E 3 100001
- Inspect and replace brake booster suction jet pump (Figure 6) if clogged.
- Replace O-rings, clamps and miscellaneous fasteners only as necessary.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Fill the engine with fresh oil.
Tip: Always use engine oil that conforms to Audi quality standard VW 502 00.
NOTE: For the following repair steps, the engine must be able to run in neutral on the hoist for an extended period of time, but it is not yet necessary to restore the vehicle to full driving conditions. Ensure engine and transmission are adequately supported.
- With vehicle on hoist, transmission in neutral and wheels raised off the ground, start engine and verify that appropriate engine oil pressure is obtained. (See ElsaWeb Repair Manual for specifications.)
NOTE: Ensure adequate ventilation to engine and unrestricted airflow to coolant radiator.
- Run engine in neutral at approximately 3000 RPM for 30 minutes. (Tool VAG 1788/10 can be used for this purpose.)
NOTE: Do not leave engine running unattended! Monitor engine oil pressure throughout procedure. If engine oil pressure drops, check the oil pump suction line strainer for obstructions.
- During this time, the engine oil must reach a minimum temperature of 90 degrees C (194 degrees F).
- After 30 minutes, turn the engine off.
- While the engine is still hot, immediately drain the engine oil.
- Allow the engine to cool to safely continue with the repair.
- Remove the oil pan and remove/clean any solid oil residue as necessary.
- Inspect the engine oil pump suction line strainer for obstructions. If blocked by solid particles, clean or replace as necessary.
- Install oil pan following ElsaWeb Repair Manual procedures. The oil pan will not be removed again.
- Install a new engine oil filter and fill the engine with fresh oil.
- Restore the engine and the vehicle to full driving conditions.
Tip: Always use engine oil that conforms to Audi quality standard VW 502 00.
Engine Replacement Guidelines
If at least one camshaft bearing is damaged, proceed with the following.
- Replace the complete engine using factory remanufactured parts in accordance with the warranty policy.
NOTE: Before installing a previously used toothed belt exhaust camshaft sprocket on a new engine, visually inspect for fractures and damage, especially in the indexing key area. If fractures or damage is found, replace the sprocket.
- Replace turbocharger.
- Replace oil feed and oil return lines of the turbocharger.
- Replace crankcase ventilation system hoses, pressure regulating valve and suction jet pump as described in the Engine Repair Guidelines section.
- Replace the oil filter holder.
- Replace the engine oil cooler.
- Install new engine oil filter, fill engine with fresh oil and restore the engine and the vehicle to full driving conditions.
Tip: Always use engine oil that conforms to Audi quality standard VW 502 00.
Warranty
All part and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Dept. and service manuals for the latest information.