Is there a FAQ or write up on cleaning the oil pick up line?

[1_ate_t]

I just changed my oil the other day and a few days later, I got the red oil light on the dash. Oil checked out fine, no weird noises, runs smooth, etc. When I was pulling out the dipstick, I noticed that some of the orange plastic was broken off and am guessing thats whats clogging the oil pick up. Whats the best way to clean out the pick up line? Thanks!

[lookaught]

AFAIK you have to remove the oil pan, which involves supporting the motor with an engine hoist and lowering the subframe a bit for clearance. Search for info on that, good luck!

[1_ate_t]

Is it possible that with another oil change that the plastic piece might come out if that is whats causing the problem? I changed the oil with 5w30 synthetic oil with a oem filter. Any suggestions would help out. Thanks!

[LampyB]

it's definitely possible that the piece will come out with another oil change...

i would try this before cleaning the pick up line. that's going to be a pretty serious job, just for cleaning purposes.

[F16HTON]

I just changed my oil the other day and a few days later, I got the red oil light on the dash. Oil checked out fine, no weird noises, runs smooth, etc. When I was pulling out the dipstick, I noticed that some of the orange plastic was broken off and am guessing thats whats clogging the oil pick up. Whats the best way to clean out the pick up line? Thanks!

This is not your issue, it is the dealerships...

DON NOT drive your car, have it towed to the dealer and inspected for oil sludge issues.

At the minimum they will do a oil flush, maximum is a full motor replacement.

[dirtybrd]

Greg's right. Alot of plastic would have to fall in for it to block the pick up tube.

[diagnosticator]

I just changed my oil the other day and a few days later, I got the red oil light on the dash. Oil checked out fine, no weird noises, runs smooth, etc. When I was pulling out the dipstick, I noticed that some of the orange plastic was broken off and am guessing thats whats clogging the oil pick up. Whats the best way to clean out the pick up line? Thanks!

There is a wire mesh screen covering the oil pump pickup tube intake, and it is not possible for the few pieces of plastic to block the intake of the pump or reduce the oil supply to the pump enough to cause the low oil pressrure condition and warning alarm. The screen is either plugged with sludge, or there is some other cause for the low oil pressure.
The oil pressure must be checked using a pressure gage. Audi issued a TSB with instructions on flushing the engine to remove sludge deposits.
Remember, there is an extended warranty for sludged engine problems.

[1_ate_t]

Thanks for the tips guys. I did drain and flush the oil today and got about 6 orange pieces that I got cought in a strainer. Taking it into Audi on Monday with my reciepts for oil changes and hopefully they will take care of me.

[1_ate_t]

Just got back from the dealership. They said I needed to do a power flush first that I have to pay out of my pocket first, than if that doesn't fix the sludge then anything after that would be covered under the TSB. Is $515 for the flush a rip off or worth it for piece of mind?

[F16HTON]

Bullshit...

Do not pay them a cent. Low oil pressure may have already caused damage to your motor. This is their problem...make them fix it.

[lox1985]

I had sludge clog my oil line, cost me $700 to replace it. Don't waste no money on flushing it. And definitely don't drive the car. By the way I took it to an independent shop.

[1_ate_t]

The dealer also told me that the flush needed to be done first before they would look into if the pick up tube was plugged then they would pay for it. The car currently has 124k on it and had a flush done around 59k from the dealer. I have almost all the oil change records, too.