Oil level sensor going out on me?

**collegedude10** · 08-28-2008 01:44 AM

the low oil light came on twice the past three days. all i did was check the oil level and then the light would go away. What can it be? I noticed its happen when i have pushed the car, put it in Sport mode, or drive manual and engine break to about 4k rpms. could the dipstick be coming lose a little bit and setting of the low engine light.

this happened before about a month ago. changed the oil, was not clumpy or anything abnormal, and went away.

should i change the oil level sensor? if so where would i get one and how hard is it to change? get a new dipstick?

is the sensor by the dipstick?

**collegedude10** · 08-30-2008 02:08 AM

anyone?....

**old guy** · 08-30-2008 05:39 AM

first you need to determine what warning you are getting. There is a "Low oil" warning that indicates you need to add oil. Then there is the red "low oil pressure" warning that indicates a lack of pressure. This one is serious and could be an indication of sludge, bad oil pump, etc. Then there is a third warning for the "oil level sensor" which indicates a problem with the sender unit. The sender unit is located on the bottom of the oil pan. It is the rectangular part with the wires connected to it. I believe it cost around $90. Which light are you getting?

Here is what the sender unit looks like. Part number 1J0 907 660 B. If you replace it be sure to get a new "O" ring with the unit (part # 038 103 196). Just drain the oil, unplug sensor, remove three bolts, replace unit, done! Also be aware that the sensor changed between the '02 3.0 (Ch#8E-2-400000) and '03 3.0 (Ch#8E-3-000001) The '03 uses sender # 1J0 907 660 C which is the same as the one for the 1.8T. Check your chassis number before ordering.

**Pr0n** · 08-30-2008 09:11 AM

Not much I can add to old guys's post besides my personal experience... When I first got mine, I had the exact same symptom; I brought it in and it was determined to be the oil sensor which I had replaced under warranty.

**BARRY** · 09-01-2008 04:37 AM

i replaced my sensor. forgot how much it was. 35 dollars? changed it at oil service.

**collegedude10** · 09-13-2008 06:53 PM

thanks for the input guys. the sensor was $85

... is there a picture where i can see where this sucker goes?

**old guy** · 09-13-2008 07:13 PM

It goes in the bottom of the oil pan where you see the recessed opening:

**GreyGhost** · 09-13-2008 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by collegedude10

thanks for the input guys. the sensor was $85

... is there a picture where i can see where this sucker goes?

you bought it from the wrong place, GenuineAudiParts.com has it for $60,
Riverside audi for $63, vs local dealer was $104. I have had a "oil level sensor" warning and am replacing this sucker tomorrow. G'luck with yours.

also, mine came with an o-ring already installed so I have a spare one now, LOL.

**infernocl** · 09-13-2008 09:57 PM

my oil level sensor failed because the terminal on the sender > red wire clip broke off and the tab is in the clip.

**SleeperAvant** · 11-25-2008 08:07 AM

I'm bringing this back from the dead....

Could this sensor fail due to road debris smacking it? Or a lowered car scraping on speed bumps?

**collegedude10** · 11-25-2008 08:10 AM

my situation is a little weird. my catlytic converter went out on me, thankfully covered on warranty. eversince the dealership changed the converter the low oil light went away. since i already bought the sensor im just going to change anyway as a preventive measure.

**SleeperAvant** · 11-25-2008 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by collegedude10

my situation is a little weird. my catlytic converter went out on me, thankfully covered on warranty. eversince the dealership changed the converter the low oil light went away. since i already bought the sensor im just going to change anyway as a preventive measure.

I see. My oil pressure sensor went bad, and I have to replace it. But I am unsure of what caused it to go bad, just trying to figure it out.