Motomaniac77

I got the P0012 code on my 2001 1.8T AWM engine, it ran ok but suddenly started getting noisy so I pulled over. I was conveniently right near my local Euro car repair shop. They pulled that code and said the tensioner was bad but my concern was The oil temp stopped rising as normal. It never went past 180 degrees. My though was possible bad oil pump causing inadequate pressure to push the tensioner in place. Have you guys heard of this. I hope to pop the valve cover off here in a few hours to verify...but I thought I would get the buzz going early to ask questions. thanks

smee3041

I cant answer your question and I hope I`m wrong but your car might be suffering from a known problem with the pitifully small and inadequate oil pump filter becoming clogged with sludge and debris (carbon, detached excess gasket sealant or disintegrated dipstick plastic). Mine initially sounded like a diesel and then on came the oil warning light and a 200 mile recovery home. Theres lots of info out there try Google searching on A4 1.8t oil pump/sludge problem or Audi A4 1.8T 2004 low oil presure warning light.

Fortunately my engine was saved, though the repair was expensive as it involved dropping or loosening the front subframe and removal of the sump (we checked the bearings for pickup as an extra precaution) and replacement of the pump.

Initially checking the oil pressure could be the best way to go, I`m curious if its possible to see the oil pump strainer with an endoscope thingymebob through the drain plug with everything in situ.....has anyone tried ?

Let us know the outcome

Motomaniac77

Well here are the results, after inspecting the cam tensioner and finding it was fine I went ahead and did a timing belt service and oil change thinking perhaps there was a blockage in the filter or something. When that didn't work I checked the oil pressure and only got a cold start max of 25 psi. Removing the oil pan (pita) revealed the oil pickup tube was in fact clogged. I replaced the pump and strainer since I had it all apart and haven't had an issue since, thankfully I was able to save the motor....now if I could only get my heat fixed :/

smee3041

Well that's good news..............still curious to know if an endoscope / bendy camera could spy the strainer and see if its clogged up.
Let us know the cause of the low oil temperature if you ever find it.
And Seasons Felicitations to all reading this