Oil level sensor

[BierJager]

Two oil changes ago, our 2016 3.0T showed low oil and I asked about adding some here. I believe most posters said don't add any it's the sensor. I had it changed and the dealer said he didn't see any problem with the oil level and not a big deal. We went 10K miles after that without any further low oil notification.
I had the oil changed again about 4K miles ago ( 6K to go ) and about a week ago, the low oil comes on again. I figured adding 1/2 a quart would not hurt just to see what it would do. Upon startup, the warning came up that the oil level was too high, please reduce oil level. We ignored that and drove another 250 miles or so. It came back shortly thereafter. Today as I'm sitting at the bank in auto-shutoff mode ( car not running ) the oil message turns red and says it's very low on oil.
So I'm thinking it's time to replace the sensor and it should be under warranty at 26K correct? Or will it simply happen again later with a new sensor and I'm better off just getting a dipstick and ignoring it?

[SDV325]

It amazes me these engines do not come with a dipstick. First "mod" i did, always good to check the physical level yourself.

And yes warranty that.

[JonS4]

Agreed you need the dipstick mod for peace of mind but having said that, the oil sensors on both my S4 and on the Q5 3.0T have been relatively accurate. One good thing about two 3.0Ts in the garage, you only need to buy one dipstick!

[SQive]

My second oil-level sensor has failed. The first one under warranty, but this one. . .no such luck.
Get a friggin' dipstick 100%. I did when the first one failed so now, I don't have to panic.
My oil level is fine. Now, I just want to disable the damn thing.
Get yours warrantied, and ask if it has it's own warranty since they are known to fail.

[KDuniverse]

Anyone have a P/N for the dipstick? 2012 3.2 here...

Thanks,

[BierJager]

Anyone have a P/N for the dipstick? 2012 3.2 here...

Thanks,

You beat me to it. Was gonna search the zine for it but if anyone happens to have it handy, please post it up.
My wife is all nervous about the warning light and I told her there's no way it's actually low on oil.
How ridiculous is it this car, which has a warning on it not to overfill it, does not come with a dip stick and instead relies on a sensor.
Also is there any known situation where the ECU will put the car into limp mode, or disable the motor due to this sensor? I thought not, but thought best to ask.

[MSq5]

Two oil changes ago, our 2016 3.0T showed low oil and I asked about adding some here. I believe most posters said don't add any it's the sensor. I had it changed and the dealer said he didn't see any problem with the oil level and not a big deal. We went 10K miles after that without any further low oil notification.
I had the oil changed again about 4K miles ago ( 6K to go ) and about a week ago, the low oil comes on again. I figured adding 1/2 a quart would not hurt just to see what it would do. Upon startup, the warning came up that the oil level was too high, please reduce oil level. We ignored that and drove another 250 miles or so. It came back shortly thereafter. Today as I'm sitting at the bank in auto-shutoff mode ( car not running ) the oil message turns red and says it's very low on oil.
So I'm thinking it's time to replace the sensor and it should be under warranty at 26K correct? Or will it simply happen again later with a new sensor and I'm better off just getting a dipstick and ignoring it?

This is the correct dipstick for the 3.0TFSI engine

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...ck/06e115611h/

[BierJager]

This is the correct dipstick for the 3.0TFSI engine

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...ck/06e115611h/

Thanks!

UPDATE:
The car was low on washer fluid at the same time as the low oil indicator. Last night I bought a gallon at Menards and filled it in the parking lot. As soon as I started the car, low oil indicator is off and has not returned since. No errors this morning with one funny exception. My wife came running to me saying "now I can't get the seat to go forward!" as if to say there's some kind of electrical problem. I quickly discovered a phone charging cable had fallen into the screw drive in the seat track and was FUBAR.
I do find the coincidence between the washer fill and the low oil indication interesting. Perhaps they share a common somewhere. I'm getting the dipstick and skipping the dealer visit.

[BierJager]

It's back on. Apparently coincidental that it went off after I refilled the washer fluid.
Dipstick ordered. I'm not likely to bother scheduling a dealer visit specifically for this problem in order to have it warrantied either.
Just going to get my EPL tune on it and ignore the message until it goes back to dealer for next oil change.

[BierJager]

Dipstick arrived and it shows the oil slightly over filled of course. The oil level warning goes off and on randomly now and I like knowing that I can just check it if I really think it's low. How big a deal is it to be overfilled by about 1/2 a quart? I can't imagine it's a major issue unless somebody confirms otherwise. I have been imagining taking a large syringe and some tubing to suck out some of it through the dipstick tube somehow.

[MSq5]

What is disturbing is that Audi knows that the oil level sensor is erratic and unreliable, yet, they continue to omit an inexpensive $25 dipstick. I was absolutely stunned when, after getting erratic levels, even right after an oil change done personally, I went to the dealer to buy a dipstick and was flatly told "we don't have one - use the MMI oil level."

Well, we know they do have a dipstick. Why they choose to claim they don't remains a mystery. I guess they want us to let them do the oil changes and just hope for the best. And when it gets bad enough, sell and install more sensors that don't read accurately.

For those reading this, just protect yourself and buy the OEM dipstick Audi left out. Yes, there is one.

[SQive]

Did it, done it, dude it.
Now, I want to know how to completely disable that mofo.

[Smittylube]

Vagcom coding I'm sure has that option.

[SQive]

So, does anyone know how to do it, where it is in VCDS?

[BierJager]

What about some sort of pigtail connector that goes in place of the sensor and has a resistor or something to fool the ECU? I know nothing about the sensor or wiring but maybe others here have more knowledge and can share if this is possible.

[Smittylube]

So, does anyone know how to do it, where it is in VCDS?

probably just needs to be set to 0 in the green menu

[Smittylube]

However since it does bus communications when it shorts out it can take down the bus (and they have on the BMW's), so after uncoding might be best to unplug it.



/car/carextdevicelist> oil level gauge uncheck
5.01 shows it

[BierJager]

Guys note above when I said I filled the washer fluid level and then it read just fine for awhile?
And now I find this on youtube - https://youtu.be/SNeu1o0XRY0
This does look like an older model but the hood open sensor switch apparently shares circuitry with the oil level sensor.
If the switch is defective or having a problem it might be the culprit and not the oil level sensor. I opened the hood to add washer fluid and problem was gone when I closed it.
Perhaps there's a relation here. I plan to look into this when I have a chance.

[BierJager]

UPDATE:
Yesterday we hop in the car and the low oil level alarm goes off again after I start it. I leave it running, pop the hood release, hop out and open and close the hood. The message was immediately gone. Oil level sensor shows oil level still full. I plan to find that switch as shown in the vid above and try cleaning it or messing with it, and if this continues, replace it or maybe just shunt it closed.

[Wilbur]

I had this in my 17. Light came on ...added a litre. 5 days and 500 miles later it comes on again so i add a litre and book a service appt.. Its over full and sensor is bad. Sheesh.

[SQive]

Gentlemen, I have confirmed your suspicions about the hood switch being involved. The ol' oil-level sensor light came on again today. I simply popped the hood and closed it and voila! The oil level is perfect. I think we should make a big stink about this with Audi. I mean come on. . .no dipstick, and a common problem with their electronic measurement system. I could see someone running the engine out of oil and it seizing up after crying wolf so often. Audi would say it's not their fault, but I'd be willing to testify in that courtroom. Audi, fix your shit or send everyone a free f'ing dipstick, you dipsticks! -end rant-

[BierJager]

Gentlemen, I have confirmed your suspicions about the hood switch being involved. The ol' oil-level sensor light came on again today. I simply popped the hood and closed it and voila! The oil level is perfect. I think we should make a big stink about this with Audi. I mean come on. . .no dipstick, and a common problem with their electronic measurement system. I could see someone running the engine out of oil and it seizing up after crying wolf so often. Audi would say it's not their fault, but I'd be willing to testify in that courtroom. Audi, fix your shit or send everyone a free f'ing dipstick, you dipsticks! -end rant-

It's particularly aggravating when you consider the relatively insignificant cost of that little switch compared to the potentially expensive damage that could result from relying upon it. But...it's not like it's an ignition switch that turns off the car while you drive or anything.......

[blchandl2]

Is there a P/N# for a dipstick for a 2018 Q5 2.0T?

[Rbb1485]

Is there a P/N# for a dipstick for a 2018 Q5 2.0T?

Did you find a part #? I have a 2016 Q5 2.0T and cannot seem to get a straight answer for a part #

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[blchandl2]

Did you find a part #? I have a 2016 Q5 2.0T and cannot seem to get a straight answer for a part #

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No still looking. I know the one from our Q3 does not work.

[hhiq5]

Interesting thread. Is there a dipstick available for the 2.0? How hard to install?

[choppstixxx]

Did you find a part #? I have a 2016 Q5 2.0T and cannot seem to get a straight answer for a part #

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Back when I had my B8.5 A4 w/the 2.0T, I used this from ECS and it fit perfectly.

[Rbb1485]

No still looking. I know the one from our Q3 does not work.

I'm going to give this one a go....06J-115-611E.....$15 on amazon , not a huge deal if it doesnt work

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[blchandl2]

I'm going to give this one a go....06J-115-611E.....$15 on amazon , not a huge deal if it doesnt work

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Let me know if it works please!

[Rbb1485]

Let me know if it works please!

Hi there, sorry for the late response, but the dip stick mentioned above fits perfectly on my wifes 2016 Q5 2.0T....and the pull handle part fits as well without having to be cut/trimmed or anything.

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