DunningKruger

Hi,

I have a 2007 Audi A6 2.4 Quattro (manual shift). A few weeks ago I was forced (to catch a flight) to drive approx 20 kilometers with the yellow oil light shining.

My question is: how screwed am I? Is there a two tier oil light (yellow and red) as there is on some cars... or did I just drive my car dry on oil?

DK

uberwgn

DK, how do you normally check the oil level on this car?


The cars sent to the USA have various levels of oil "alerts". Some are nice warnings, others are bordering on catastrophic.

DunningKruger

What do you mean? By dipstick: the same way as on every car. By the instrument panel: I'm not sure - that's basically what I'm asking.

I few weeks later I got a yellow light on the engine (says exhaust system in the manual), so I left it at a shop and they're telling me I have to change the timing chain.

But, I need to know if it might be worse... :-/

uberwgn

DK, does your car have a dipstick?

DunningKruger

Yes.

DunningKruger

Also, when we topped up with oil (after driving the 20 kilometer), only one liter was needed to hit the sweet spot on the dipstick.

uberwgn

If you have verified the dipstick reading is OK, and you're still getting a dashboard warning, you may have a sensor issue. That's not uncommon on these cars.

DunningKruger

No no, I think I've been unclear.

This is what happened.
1) I was driving to an airport when the (yellow) oil light came on
2) I drove 20 kilometers to a gas station to fill up on oil (one liter needed)
3) When I've filled up on oil, the yellow oil light went off
4) 2-3 weeks later the "Emission control system" light comes on
5) I drop it off at a shop and they later tell me I have to swap the timing chain

My question is: what are the odds that me driving 20 kilometers with the yellow oil light on damaged my engine?