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peterbeck32

VW Atlas Oil Pressure Warning, Serious Engine Concerns

Having serious issues with my 2023 VW Atlas. The oil pressure warning lamp keeps coming on while driving, accompanied by concerning mechanical noises from the engine. The oil pressure gauge shows concerning low readings. Already checked the oil level which appears normal. Suspecting low oil pressure but want to understand the potential root causes before heading to a workshop. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms? Particularly interested in what was diagnosed and how it was resolved. Also wondering about typical repair costs in case its the oil pump failure or if its just a faulty oil pressure sensor. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

6 comment(s)

erwinhahn5

I experienced similar issues with my 2021 VW Tiguan. With some automotive repair experience, I can share what happened in my case. The symptoms were nearly identical, oil pressure warning light, unusual engine noises, and low pressure readings despite normal oil levels. After monitoring the oil pressure with diagnostic tools, my workshop confirmed a defective oil pump was causing the low oil pressure issue. The repair involved: Complete oil pump replacement, New oil filter installation, Full synthetic oil change, System pressure testing Total cost came to 755€ including parts and labor. The repair prevented potential severe engine damage, as continuous low oil pressure can seriously harm engine components. Given your symptoms, this could be similar to my case, but several factors can cause low oil pressure: Clogged oil filter, Oil pump failure, Oil viscosity issues, Internal oil leakage, Faulty pressure sensor To provide more specific guidance, could you share: Current mileage, Last oil change date, Type of oil currently used, When the symptoms first appeared, Any recent maintenance work Most importantly, limit driving until diagnosed, as low oil pressure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

peterbeck32 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed reply. I should add that my vehicle has 42024km on the odometer and just had its annual service last month where they used the manufacturer-recommended synthetic oil. The oil pressure sensor theory makes sense, especially since the engine oil level is correct and the oil viscosity matches factory specs. The timing of these symptoms right after the service makes me wonder if there could be an oil leakage issue or if the new oil filter was properly installed. Based on your experience, would you recommend having the oil pressure gauge and sensor tested first before diving into more extensive repairs? The engine noises do concern me, but I want to rule out simpler issues before replacing the oil pump.

erwinhahn5

Thanks for those additional details. Looking at your situation compared to my experience with the Tiguan, there are some key differences worth noting. The timing of your symptoms appearing right after service raises a red flag that wasnt present in my case. When my oil pump failed, it was gradual and not connected to any recent maintenance. In your case, I strongly suspect the recent service could be related. The three most likely scenarios based on post-service timing: 1. The oil filter might be either clogged or improperly installed, restricting proper oil flow 2. An oil pressure sensor connection could have been disturbed during service 3. Potential internal oil leakage from improperly tightened components Before proceeding with major repairs, I would recommend: 1. Having the oil pressure tested with a mechanical gauge to verify the readings 2. Inspecting the oil filter installation 3. Checking for any visible oil leaks around areas worked on during service My Tiguan repair was expensive at 755€, but your issue might be much simpler. The mechanical noises are concerning, but unlike my case, your timing suggests a service-related cause rather than pump failure. Consider taking it back to the service center first, as this could be covered under their work warranty if related to the recent maintenance.

peterbeck32 (Author)

Appreciate your thorough analysis. The service-related timing definitely seems significant compared to your Tiguan experience. I will contact the service center tomorrow to have them check these specific issues. Starting with testing the oil pressure sensor and inspecting the oil filter installation makes perfect sense before exploring more complex repairs. The mechanical gauge test should give us clear data about whether we are dealing with actual low oil pressure or just faulty sensor readings. The cost breakdown you provided helps set realistic expectations. While 755€ for an oil pump replacement would be significant, hopefully we can identify and fix a simpler service-related issue. Will definitely limit driving until this is properly diagnosed to prevent any potential engine damage. If the service center finds the oil filter clogged or incorrectly installed from the recent maintenance, that would explain both the timing and symptoms. Will update once I have more information after they inspect it.

Eskila

My car gave a low oil pressure warning, and it sounded like a tractor. My 1.2 TSI Jetta was very quiet, but then it sounded like a tractor. Afterwards, I turned off the ignition, started it again, and there was no sound or warning. I've driven 50 kilometers, and there's no problem now. Should I go to the service?

(Translated from Turkish)

CarlyMechanic

Quotation:

@Eskila wrote on

My car gave a low oil pressure warning, and it sounded like a tractor. My 1.2 TSI Jetta was very quiet, but then it sounded like a tractor. Afterwards, I turned off the ignition, started it again, and there was no sound or warning. I've driven 50 kilometers, and there's no problem now. Should I go to the service?

Yes, you should definitely have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. The low oil pressure warning and unusual engine noise are serious indicators that something might be wrong. Even though the issue seems to have temporarily resolved itself, it could still lead to significant engine damage if not addressed. It's better to be safe and have a professional inspect it to ensure everything is functioning properly. Let me know how it goes or if you have any further questions.

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