Is the oil level sensor accurate?

Ant L

Ant L

Registered User
Joined
Oct 2, 2019
Messages
43
Reaction score
1
Points
8
Location
Merseyside
Hello
I noticed yesterday that the oil level had dropped for the first time since buying the car from max to 3/4 full. I checked again today and it's back to max?

Also which oil is recommended for a 2014 2.0 TDI (177 bhp)?

Cheers
 
I thought I had the same issue on my 2010 B8 A4, if you read the hand book it says that the engine must be up to full operating temp and switched off (ignition on) and parked on level ground to give a true reading. If you have opened the bonnet recently it can take a while to show the reading.

As for oil I always used Castrol 5w30 fully synthetic showing the proper VAG spec.

Hope it helps.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
@DP24v when I arrived at work this morning I tried what you suggested but the function wouldn't work (ignition on / engine off)?
 
It can sometimes take a few mins to show up, I will check on my B9 A4 when I get a few mins latter today.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
(ignition on / engine off)?
Click to expand...

Yes, but as said previously, give the oil time to return to the sump before checking level in order to get a reasonably accurate reading.
I prefer to refer to my dipstick.
 
Possibly it depends on the engine size, but at least for mine it can take quite a while for the oil to "drain down" and settle in the sump. So much that I have seen the MMI level go up one more mark after about 30 mins.
 
OK so I've gone back to my car after 30 mins of arriving back at work after lunch and the function is now working, thanks :icon thumright:

Just one more question... my service interval display says next oil change in 12300 miles and next service in 9300 miles. Will the oil change interval then be reset after the service which is due first?
Unnamed
 
The two are separate, there are two levels of service schedule that Audi set when the car is purchased new. The first is time dependent, the second is mileage based. It looks like yours is the first time based which means that you will have a minor or major service at yearly intervals.

Minor service - oil & oil filter service
Major service - as above plus air filter, fuel filter (diesel), spark plugs (petrol, mileage dependant) road test etc.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I bought the car in October (with new MOT) with 2 years free servicing. So do I get it serviced when I take it for the MOT (October) or after 351 days which will take me to April/May next year? I do approx. 10'000 miles a year.
 
I would wait until the car tells you it needs servicing, unless you want to get it serviced early.

The free service offer from Audi allows you to get two services, normally one minor and one major service. My personal view is to wait until you need to get it done.

Check the paperwork from the original sale, I believe it isn’t dependent on getting done within the first two years.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ant L
OK great. Yes, the servicing doesn't have to be done in 2 years. Why is the oil change interval on the display if it will be done on the service?
 
It gets done every service, the two items on the display are for the times remaining for the next major/minor service.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Ah, I see. So after the service it will say that I need an oil change after only another 3000 miles?
 
Yes, and the other one will reset showing the next time it’s due.

So on a new car the oil service would say 365 days, the other would say 730 days. They then count down until the service is due and the get reset once the work has been done.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I'm sorry I can't get my head around that?

So basically just focus on the service due part?
 
Don’t worry about it to much the car will tell you when you need to get the next service done, the information is just there for reference and to allow you to book the car in. You get a grace period so if you can’t book it straight away then it will allow you to go over.

To put your mind at ease, my B9 was due it’s service but because all the dealerships were shut due to Covid19 mine was overdue by nearly 2 months and 500+ miles, Audi will still honour the warranty even though it had gone over by this amount of time.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Going back to one of your earlier post, your next service looks like it’s going to be a major service followed by a minor service.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Thanks for your help I appreciate it. For almost 20 years I've always worked on my own cars but once I looked under the bonnet of this I thought nah :tearsofjoy:
I was behind a 20 plate Audi this morning. Have they stopped doing the progressive indicators?
 
rabhrab said:
Yes, but as said previously, give the oil time to return to the sump before checking level in order to get a reasonably accurate reading.
I prefer to refer to my dipstick.
Click to expand...

Did you had the dipstick or you bought one?
If you bought one can you share a link or some info about where you got it?

Cheers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I got one when I had my B8 A4, but Audi don’t make one if it does not have one already fitted. The tube it goes down is there but no dipstick. I have not tried it on the B9, I should just to see if it still works.

I had to get one from a diesel A4, but of course the markings for the min/max are in the wrong place. Audi use one that can be calibrated to different cars/engines. Mine I ordered from Audi nearly 10 years ago so would need to find the part no.

You need to make your own markings if you can find a suitable dipstick for your car. I would suggest making the marks just after a service as you can be sure that the level is at the max mark.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
AndreBerty said:
Did you had the dipstick or you bought one?
If you bought one can you share a link or some info about where you got it?

Cheers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Not sure which dipstick you would need as my car has very different engine and therefore different dipstick. I researched and bought online, which I'm sure you could also do. The dipstick tube will also be in a different place on your engine, but l assume it will have a similar plastic orange ring shaped plug at the top end.
Sorry l can't be more help.
 
DP24v said:
I got one when I had my B8 A4, but Audi don’t make one if it does not have one already fitted. The tube it goes down is there but no dipstick. I have not tried it on the B9, I should just to see if it still works.

I had to get one from a diesel A4, but of course the markings for the min/max are in the wrong place. Audi use one that can be calibrated to different cars/engines. Mine I ordered from Audi nearly 10 years ago so would need to find the part no.

You need to make your own markings if you can find a suitable dipstick for your car. I would suggest making the marks just after a service as you can be sure that the level is at the max mark.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Yes, I know the hole/tube it’s still there and Audi just put a cap on it that can be removed and you can put a dipstick.

I saw someone talking about a perfect fit here or on another forum and I didn’t bookmarked at the time as I didn’t considered and now I can’t find it anymore


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: rabhrab
AndreBerty said:
Yes, I know the hole/tube it’s still there and Audi just put a cap on it that can be removed and you can put a dipstick.

I saw someone talking about a perfect fit here or on another forum and I didn’t bookmarked at the time as I didn’t considered and now I can’t find it anymore


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
This link may help you identify the correct dipstick for your engine:
https://m.buycarparts.co.uk/oil-dipstick/audi/a4-avant-8k5-b8
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Oil Level Sensor Fault
Replies
3
Views
1K
DGSdale
D
L
Oil level sensor problem ?
Replies
9
Views
13K
Stevej69
S
Ninjatrol
Oil level on the mmi
Replies
3
Views
2K
Ninjatrol
Ninjatrol
D1RZH1N1S
Oil level
Replies
15
Views
5K
rum4mo
rum4mo
AU11 ALS
Oil Level
Replies
14
Views
6K
Buxton2901
Buxton2901
Top
Back