The engine oil in your VW plays a vital role in its operation. The engine’s internal parts are cooled, lubricated, and protected by it.
On Volkswagen vehicles, red oil lights flash frequently.
In this article, I’ll explain why this light comes on, how to fix it, and what it indicates. Let’s get started!
Meaning of the Red Oil Light Flashing on your VW
An oil level, pressure, or temperature issue is detected by your Volkswagen computer when the red oil light starts flashing on your instrument cluster.
This is a serious issue as it is red rather than amber, and it urgently needed to be addressed.
According to my experience as a mechanic, these are the most common causes.
Reason Behind Flashing of Red Oil Light in VW Vehicles
Red oil lights flashing have several common causes, which we’ll explore below:
1. Engine oil is low:
It is most often caused by low engine oil that the red oil light appears.
You probably need to add a few more liters of oil to your engine if you just drove it and the light started flashing.
Eventually, engine oil gets consumed by the engine since it circulates around it all the time.
Oil levels can also drop rapidly as a result of other things, such as leaks.
If you’re not sure whether you’ve got enough oil in your car, check the dipstick under the hood before proceeding.
2. Sensors and/or switches that are defective
An oil pressure switch or sensor failure is another common reason for your VW’s red oil light flashing.
Monitoring the engine’s oil pressure requires the oil pressure switch and oil pressure sensor, which work together.
Pressure below a certain threshold triggers it to turn on.
Oil pressure switches and sensors can fail, causing false low oil pressure readings. There are some things that can go wrong with these.
Red oil light signal will begin flashing as a result.
3. Sludge-filled oil pan:
An oil pan full of sludge is the third cause of your Volkswagen’s red oil light flashing.
The accumulation of sludge in many engines after long periods of operation is one of the most common problems.
Certain parts of the engine, including the oil pan, become clogged as a result of oil sludge and debris build up.
Sump clogging will make pumping difficult if sludge and debris build up.
As a result, your cluster will show an oil light.
4. A faulty oil pump
An oil pump that has stopped is the fourth and final cause of flashing red oil lights.
To ensure that bearings, pistons, and cam shafts are lubricated successfully, your VW’s oil pump plays a crucial role.
By doing so, fluid bearings can be made at a higher capacity and cooling can be improved.
Your car’s red light will illuminate if the oil pressure pump fails, resulting in low oil pressure.
Damaged oil pumps may also show the following signs:
- Staying on or flashing red oil light
- Temperature of the engine is rising
- Oil pressure is low
- The sump is making strange noises
Volkswagen Red Oil Light Fix and Reset
Here’s how to fix the red oil light now that you know the leading causes.
Fill the engine with oil if necessary and check the level
Checking your engine oil level is the first step.
Dipsticks or digital displays on the dashboard can be used to check this (Newer Models).
It is necessary to top up your engine with oil if the oil level is below the minimum mark.
Check your owner’s manual or use a dipstick to gauge the amount of oil your vehicle needs.
It is important to restart the vehicle after adding oil after it has been shut off for a few minutes.
In the event of just low oil levels rather than a faulty sensor, the oil light will turn off within a few minutes.
Oil Pressure Sensor and Switch Replacement
The red oil light on your VW could be caused by an oil pressure switch or sensor if you have a fine oil level.
Instead of replacing just one, I recommend replacing both. Rather than end up frustrated down the road, you might consider investing in one of these.
Oil pan/sump should be cleaned
Occasionally, debris and oil sludge can clog the sump, as I mentioned above.
The sump should therefore be properly removed and the sensors replaced while the sump is removed.
Change your oil pump
You might have a problem with your oil pump if none of the three solutions above work.
If your car is still under warranty, you should take it to a VW dealership or mechanic for the oil pump replacement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if the red oil light is flashing in my Volkswagen?
A flashing red oil light typically indicates a problem with the oil pressure in your vehicle. This could mean that the oil level is low, or there may be a malfunction with the oil pump or sensor. It is crucial to address this issue immediately to prevent engine damage.
What should I do if the red oil light starts flashing while driving?
If the red oil light flashes, you should stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Turn off the engine and check the oil level using the dipstick. If the oil level is low, add oil until it reaches the correct level. If the level is fine and the light remains on, do not restart the engine and contact roadside assistance.
Can I continue driving if the red oil light is flashing?
Continuing to drive with a flashing red oil light is not advisable. Doing so can lead to severe engine damage due to insufficient oil pressure. If you experience this warning, stop driving immediately and investigate the issue.
Is there a difference between a flashing red oil light and a steady one?
Yes, a flashing red oil light usually indicates an urgent issue that requires immediate attention, while a steady red light may indicate that the engine is running low on oil or that there’s an issue that needs monitoring but may not require immediate action. However, both situations should be addressed promptly.
How can I reset the warning light after addressing the issue?
After resolving any issues related to the oil pressure or level, you can usually reset the warning light by turning off the ignition for a few minutes and then restarting the vehicle. If it persists, further diagnostics may be needed to check for underlying problems.
