A6 C6, car randomly won't start and I'm getting a red flashing oil pressure light.
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A6 C6, car randomly won't start and I'm getting a red flashing oil pressure light.
So this one's a weird one. I've babied this car since I got it and it hasn't given me any issues up to this point. It's the 2007 A6 (3.2 fsi) Avant Quattro for reference. This has occurred one other time, the car is perfectly fine and operating like normal, I park it for the night, I come out to start it and it just continues to turn over and after 2 or 3 attempts I get a red flashing oil pressure indicator. The last time I just let it sit until it cooled down outside (it was in the triple digits) and then it started right up with no issues for the next several months. Now it's barely in the 80's and same thing, except now it won't start.
For some context, I've done the following as a precaution: I cleaned the MAF, checked the filter, my reader has several tests I can run; timing, spark, etc are all good, and I even disconnected the battery and touched the terminals for 30 seconds to reset the system. I haven't read about a faulty oil pressure sensor not allowing the car to start and there aren't any faults popping up on my reader. I read one forum that says sometimes the car may not start if the ECU and security system aren't communicating, but that thread said nothing about an oil pressure indicator. Has this happened to anyone else? I'm at a loss.
For some context, I've done the following as a precaution: I cleaned the MAF, checked the filter, my reader has several tests I can run; timing, spark, etc are all good, and I even disconnected the battery and touched the terminals for 30 seconds to reset the system. I haven't read about a faulty oil pressure sensor not allowing the car to start and there aren't any faults popping up on my reader. I read one forum that says sometimes the car may not start if the ECU and security system aren't communicating, but that thread said nothing about an oil pressure indicator. Has this happened to anyone else? I'm at a loss.
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First of, change the oil pressure sensor. It's cheap and fails over time. If you had low oil pressure warning but engine sounds ok, he's usually the culprit. I had this issue as well. including an oil leak on it. Check the wiring's as well while your there.
As for the no start issue, check the camshaft position sensors first and it's wiring's. My car refused to start because I replaced both CPS with new one (non OEM) which drop dead after 15 days, leaving me first with long crank and then no start issue. Not saying this is your problem too...
As for the no start issue, check the camshaft position sensors first and it's wiring's. My car refused to start because I replaced both CPS with new one (non OEM) which drop dead after 15 days, leaving me first with long crank and then no start issue. Not saying this is your problem too...
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Update
So I don't mind replacing those parts but let me throw out another idea .... what are the odds it's vapor locking and maybe I should get a new gas cap? I say that because it did read a little lean on my reader but after a few hours it started right up as if it never has any issues. This wouldn't explain the oil pressure indicator, but I'm curious of your thoughts.
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I advised to change the OPS, nothing else. And I still do as a preventive maintenance, it's time for him to go no matter what.
Second thing I would advise if you're going on your own, is to borrow or buy VCDS. It will save you a lot of time and money.
To be clear, please bare in mind that you can't just go and buy parts based on other's assumptions.
Second thing I would advise if you're going on your own, is to borrow or buy VCDS. It will save you a lot of time and money.
To be clear, please bare in mind that you can't just go and buy parts based on other's assumptions.
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Oh totally, I consider myself incredibly mechanically inclined but this one's just an odd one and I can't find any other threads with the same issue so I'm vetting solutions is all. Thanks for your input!
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From: Virginia
@dgcrago37 I have this same issue (low oil pressure warning light) and I have searched both forums and there isn't anything on this one or Audizine about it. So, my guess is these cars don't really have this issue and we happen to be the only ones dealing with this. LOL. Or, people just haven't written about it. I need to change my OPS and see if that makes the issue go away. I'm just being lazy. I really have a feeling that it won't fix the issue that's why I'm reluctant to do it. My light only comes on occasionally (on startup and while sitting at a red light) but usually quickly goes back off and may or may not come back on again that day. But it's becoming more frequent. It used to to it like once a month. Now it's like every few days. Did you change you OPS with any luck? Thanks.
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I'd look into WHY you are having low oil pressure issues. (clogged filter or passages within the engine, or as jonzie said, could be in the pickup)
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There are no issues with the oil pressure and the sensor. This is a typical behavior when cranking takes too long. At some point the oil pressure warning comes up with a loud beep. Same behavior with my C5. I had this happen during three crank no start situations:
1. Failed fuel pump
2. Failed EVAP purge valve
3. Failed crankshaft position sensor
Scan for codes and find out why your car isn't starting.
1. Failed fuel pump
2. Failed EVAP purge valve
3. Failed crankshaft position sensor
Scan for codes and find out why your car isn't starting.
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