Engine oil light flashing red

LOUISELAVERY123

MEMBER
2004 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
1.4L
2WD
MANUAL
113,000 MILES

Hello, I was driving home from the shops when my car's engine oil light came on. I stopped and waited a while then checked the oil and it was fine. There was enough. But the light was still on.
I am wondering what is best to do to fix this problem and how much it would cost at a garage if you have any idea. Thanks in advance.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

First, when the light was on and flashing, were there any noises from the engine such as ticking or knocking?

Take a look through this link. It talks about different noises you could hear from the engine.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Now, if there were no noises, you may just have a bad oil pressure switch. I apologize, but since this vehicle isn't offered in the US, I don't have the specific information for it. However, I attached a picture of the location of one on a 2004 Golf 2.0L It is located near the oil filter. I would imagine yours will be similar.

What I have seen in the past is this. The sensor is made of both plastic and steel. The two are crimped together. The crimp starts to leak oil which in turn allows the oil to bypass the sensor causing the light to come on. Locate the switch on your engine. Disconnect the wiring to it and check for evidence of oil. If there is, replace the switch.

However, if there is knocking or ticking from the engine, the problem is internal. It could be a faulty oil pump.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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