Re: Oil Warning Buzzer - Possible Causes (Oil Pump, Oil Filter, Vacuum?)

[quk@sievers.com (Phil Payne)]

In message <Pine.SUN.3.94.961007164425.24640A-100000@access3.digex.net> John writes:

> I recently started having my oil warning light/buzzer going off again in
> my Audi 4000SQ.  The first time it happened was a year ago, after not
> driving it for months.  (Out of town.)  I changed the oil and everything
> has been fine - UNTIL NOW.
> 
> This time, it started happened on and off, usually during acceleration.
> 
> It buzzes for about 5 seconds, then goes away.  It usually happens when
> the car is colder, and only every 3-4 times I drive it.  It will occur up
> to 5 times within a 30 minute period.

I had the very same problem with my ur-quattro around two years ago.

The _first_ thing to do is assure yourself that you have adequate oil pressure.         

Simple logic - how much is exhaustive diagnosis at a dealer's going to cost 
you?  How much does a new short engine cost?  How much does a simple 
mechanical oil pressure gauge cost?

Buy a simple mechanical gauge, screw it in in place of the Audi electronics 
(discard them for the moment) and drive around the block.  Lead the tube in 
through the window.  If you see solid numbers, then it's (surprise, surprise) 
Audi's electronics (again!). If not, then - _DO_NOT_DRIVE_FURTHER_.
 
For the price of a cheap manometer (non-electrical) gauge - you can get a _LOT_ 
of peace of mind.  In the UK, I'd pay GBP20 - $30.  It's a useful piece of test 
equipment for the future.

>From there, you can proceed further.  But with the engine damage risk 
controlled.  And you need to get hold of a copy of the diagnostic procedure for 
the oil warning system, which on the urq is around seventy steps.

--
 Phil Payne
 phil@sievers.com
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club