JMRosso

So, my low oil level light comes on on my 2011 Q5 2.0t. Being old enough to having bought a 1975 100LS new (you do the math) I had a quart of oil in the spare tire area. Pulled into level parking lot, took the key out, popped the hood, added 1/2 quart - no change. Added complete quart, started engine, stopped, still have light. Called dealer.
Here's the story. Seems when I got out and added the oil with the key (!) out of the ignition, the computer didn't see me adding oil. Thus the computer didn't know I had added the quart and the light remained on. Correct method is too have the key in the ignition, on, but obviously not running, then add the oil. There is a switch on the hood that requires the hood to be opened and closed to complete the requirement to get a new reading. Who knew.
My 75 100LS had a dipstick (it also had inboard front brakes but that's another story).

Dalancroft

I have a manual dipstick for my Q and use it to "QC" the electronic reading. So far it's been spot on. Coincidentally I got the "add oil" light just yesterday and it needed a full quart. But got 1,500 miles this time using the "blast it once it a while" technique where you use the manual shifter and hit (or nearly so) the redline for a few shifts merging onto the freeway and approaching extra-legal speeds.

timlocke

I bought the real dipstick for my 2.0T Q5 a week after I took delivery. Day after delivery I opened the hood to check fluids as I always do on a new car, saw there was no dipstick. Searched the forum. Discovered that there was one available either dealer or aftermarket and immediately ordered one from the dealer.
Haven't used the electronic display since. I have been in the habit of checking the oil monthly for 40 years and it is a difficult habit to give up. FWIW the Q used exactly no oil from new to the 8000 Km change.

bigivn

Part number?

q5tdi

That's odd. I topped off the oil after the light came on for my '14 while the car was off and I didn't have the issues you experienced.

freddyparra

Besides the oil dipstick;
Ensure you are not experiencing abnormal oil consumption. Audi just ordered our 2011 Q5, 2.0T to have piston rings changed due to adding oil around 3K before maintenance. Good the car to dealership, they must add oil first, then you must come back around 630 miles later then your oil gets tested. Then, AoA will determine if your Q5 is experiencing abnormal oil consumption to warrant its repair. Disregard fi not your case...
GOOD LUCK!

DimaA6_ABC_Kiev

Maybe switch which tells the car that engine hood has been opened or closed is broken, and the car does not get a signal to reevaluate the oil level? When you open the hood with the ignition on, do you see red image of an open engine hood on the instruments cluster?