SQ5 Oil Pressure Warning Signals Engine Risk Alert

Had the exact same issue on my S4 B8 with the 3.0T engine. The low oil pressure warning combined with engine noise is a serious problem that requires immediate attention, do not drive the car further. The oil pressure sensor failed first on mine, giving false readings, but the noise pointed to a failing oil pump. The oil pump shows wear over time and can develop internal damage, leading to insufficient oil pressure throughout the engine. When the pump fails, engine bearings get inadequate lubrication, causing the concerning noise. This defect threatens catastrophic engine damage if not addressed quickly. Had to have the oil pump replaced along with some scored bearings. The repair prevented complete engine failure, which would have been much more costly. Common signs that confirmed the diagnosis: Low oil pressure warning stays on at idle, Engine makes knocking/ticking sounds, Oil pressure remains low even with correct oil level, Oil pressure sensor readings are erratic Would strongly advise having it towed to a shop specializing in Audi engines. They need to diagnose if its just the oil pressure sensor or the oil pump itself. The repair requires dropping the oil pan and accessing the front timing cover.

Thanks for such a detailed response about the oil pump failure symptoms. Had mine fixed last month and completely agree with your assessment. The ticking sound was exactly what I heard too. After replacing the oil pump and doing a full inspection, they also found a partially clogged oil filter that contributed to the low oil pressure issues. Curious what your total repair cost was? Mine came to around 2200 Euro including labor, but prices seem to vary quite a bit. Have you noticed any other issues coming up since getting it fixed?

Since having my S4 repaired at the shop, the engine oil pressure issue has been completely resolved. The failing oil pump was indeed the root cause, and the replacement cost me 755 Euro including labor. The repair has proven to be effective, with no oil leakage or pressure problems in the months since. The mechanic performed a thorough inspection of the entire lubrication system during the repair. The oil viscosity and pressure readings are now consistently normal, and those concerning engine noises have completely disappeared. No additional issues have surfaced after the repair. Would recommend checking oil pressure readings regularly as preventive maintenance, even after such repairs. The early warning signs of oil pump failure can sometimes be subtle, so keeping an eye on these indicators helps avoid more serious engine damage.

Thanks for the input. Just wanted to share how my repair experience went. Finally got the car back from the shop last week and thought Id share the outcome. Called for a tow rather than risking the drive. Smart move since the mechanic confirmed the oil pump was severely worn and the oil pressure gauge readings were dangerously low. They found metal particles in the oil pan, suggesting some bearing wear had already started. The total repair hit about 2200 Euro. They replaced the oil pump, cleaned the entire oil system, and installed a new oil filter since the old one was partially clogged. The engine now runs whisper quiet with perfect oil pressure readings at all RPMs. One tip from my experience, noticed the oil pressure had been slightly lower than normal for a few weeks before the failure, but ignored it since the car seemed fine. Would have caught this earlier if Id paid attention to that warning sign. The repair took 3 days but saved me from catastrophic engine failure. Worth every penny considering what a new engine would have cost.