VW Tiguan Oil Pressure Warning Signals Sensor Problems

As someone with moderate experience working on VWs, I had a very similar issue with my 2012 VW Passat TDI. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I encountered, multiple warning lights and the oil pressure warning becoming a constant annoyance. The automotive sensor system in these VW diesels can be tricky. In my case, the oil sensor was giving false readings due to a faulty wiring connection. The temperature sensor was actually fine, but the bad connection was causing incorrect signals to the ECU. The repair was straightforward once diagnosed properly. My mechanic found that the cable connection to the oil pressure sensor had deteriorated, causing intermittent contact. Total cost was 95€ for parts and labor, which included cleaning the connections and replacing the damaged wiring. This definitely needs attention soon, while the car might run, incorrect oil pressure readings could mask real issues that could damage your engine. Before offering more specific advice, could you share: Current mileage on your Tiguan, Are you noticing any unusual engine noise, Have you checked the actual oil level manually, When was your last oil change, What error codes are stored in the system The car diagnostics might reveal if your issue is identical to what I experienced, as these VW diesel engines often share similar sensor configurations.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Tiguan has 133441km on the clock and just had its annual service last month. I manually checked the oil level yesterday and it was at the correct mark. The car diagnostics showed error code P0520 which points to the oil pressure sensor circuit. I havent noticed any unusual engine noises, but the temperature sensor readings on the dash are fluctuating wildly sometimes. Your mention of the wiring issue is particularly helpful, seems like a similar problem to what I am experiencing. Did your mechanic need any special tools to access and repair the sensor connections?

Thanks for those details. Yes, your symptoms sound identical to what I dealt with on my Passat. The P0520 code is exactly what my car diagnostics showed too, and those fluctuating engine temperature readings are a classic sign of electrical connection issues. For accessing the sensor connections, my mechanic only needed basic tools, the main challenge was reaching the wiring harness location. The temp sensor and its wiring are tucked behind some components in these VW engines, but its still a straightforward fix for someone who knows these cars. A key point about my repair: while replacing the whole oil temperature sensor might seem like the obvious solution, the real fix was much simpler. The mechanic cleaned the existing connections, applied dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion, and replaced just the damaged section of the wiring harness. Since your mileage is close to what mine was when this happened (I was at about 140000km), and given the identical error code, I strongly suspect you are dealing with the same wiring issue. The recent service is actually good timing, it rules out basic maintenance problems. Would recommend getting it checked soon though. The repair itself isnt expensive, my total bill including the car diagnostics scan was under 100€. Just make sure whoever works on it is familiar with VW sensor systems.

Thanks for the detailed response. My mechanic was able to get me in today and you were absolutely right, it was the wiring connection to the oil sensor causing the problem. The mechanic found corrosion in the wiring harness connector, similar to what you described. The repair was even cheaper than expected at 75€, which covered cleaning the connections, applying new dielectric grease, and replacing a small section of damaged wiring. All warning lights are now off and the engine temp sensor readings have stabilized. The diagnostic check confirmed the oil pressure sensor itself and temperature sensor were both functioning properly, it really was just the deteriorated wiring causing all those false readings and warnings. After this experience, I will definitely pay more attention to regular checks of sensor connections during maintenance. Really appreciate the advice about getting it looked at quickly. Good to have this resolved before it could cause any real engine problems.