VW Polo Oil Pressure Warning Signals Engine Crisis

Having dealt with a similar issue on my VW Golf 2018 diesel, I can share some relevant experience. Having worked on several VAG engines, I have some experience with these specific oil pressure problems. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I encountered, the oil pressure warning light, engine noise, and concerning pressure readings despite proper oil levels. In my case, the oil pump had indeed failed, creating insufficient pressure in the engine oil system. The oil pressure gauge readings were consistently low, indicating a serious issue rather than just a faulty sensor. The workshop conducted a thorough diagnostic process: 1. Verified oil pressure using an external gauge 2. Checked the oil pressure sensor readings 3. Inspected the oil pump for damage 4. Tested oil viscosity to rule out contamination The root cause was a defective oil pump that required complete replacement. Total repair cost was 755€, including parts, labor, and fresh oil. To provide more specific guidance for your case, could you share: Current mileage, Type of oil being used, When the noise first started, Whether the warning light is constant or intermittent, Any previous engine work done This information would help determine if your symptoms indicate a similar oil pump failure or possibly a different issue in the oil pressure system. Important: Continuing to drive with low oil pressure can cause severe engine damage, so getting this checked quickly is crucial.

Thanks for your detailed answer. My car shows 84311km and had its last service just 2 months ago. The engine noises started about a week ago, getting progressively louder. The oil pressure warning is mostly appearing during idle and sometimes disappears when revving. Using the manufacturer recommended 5W-30 engine oil. Given the symptoms worsen with low engine bearings noise at idle, I will book an urgent appointment at a workshop tomorrow. Cannot risk severe engine damage from running with low oil pressure. The car never had any previous engine work done, just regular maintenance and oil changes. Looking at your repair costs, I should probably expect a similar range if the oil pump needs replacement.

Thanks for those additional details. The symptoms you describe, especially the warning light behavior at idle and the bearing noise, are nearly identical to what I experienced with my Golf before the repair. The oil pressure sensor readings at idle were particularly concerning in my case, as they indicated the engine oil pressure was dropping below safe levels. The timing is interesting, my pump also failed around 80000km, which seems to be a common threshold for these VAG engines. After my repair, I switched to more frequent oil changes and started monitoring the oil pressure gauge readings more closely. One tip I learned: warming up the engine properly before driving helps maintain consistent oil pressure, especially in colder weather. Looking at your mileage and maintenance history, your issue sounds very similar to my oil pump failure. The progressive worsening of symptoms matches my experience exactly. The repair cost I mentioned (755€) included a complete oil pump assembly and new engine oil, so yes, you should expect something in that range. Make sure the workshop performs a proper oil pressure test to confirm the diagnosis. In my case, they also inspected the oil pickup tube for potential blockages while replacing the pump, which is worth requesting during your repair.

Thank you for sharing those details about your identical oil pressure issues. The fact that my warning light occurs at idle and clears with higher revs matches what you experienced with your pump failure. The timing at 84000km does seem to match the common failure point you mentioned. I will definitely get the oil pressure test done and ask them to check the pickup tube during inspection. Based on the progressive nature of my engine bearings noise and your experience with similar symptoms, I am preparing for a likely oil pump replacement. Will make sure to get it checked tomorrow before any low oil pressure causes more extensive engine damage. The 755€ repair cost you mentioned helps set realistic expectations for the work. Your advice about proper engine warm-up and more frequent oil changes after repair is also valuable for preventing future issues. Thanks again for helping me understand these symptoms better. Having someone share an almost identical case really helps confirm I am making the right call getting this looked at immediately.