Oil and coolant light!!

[Proxima]

Hey all........Ive got a problem that is vexxing me. I am looking for some ideas.

My 2001 Turbo Beetle has an occasional issue. Every so often as I come to a stop, I will get the oil light and warning beeps. This seems to happen randomly and is not related to the outside temps. When I pop the hood, there is no undue "hot" smells, no unusual noises or anything else to catch my attention. My oil level is fine and I just changed it out about 1k miles ago.

A possible related issue is that my BLUE coolant light likes to come on a times, even though my coolant levels are fine.

Anyone have any ideas?? Anything is appreciated.

[simonsi]

You have a defective coolant temp sensor and a defective oil level sensor in the sump.

[Proxima]

Any possibility of the water pump going bad?? Im curious, is the oil cooled in any way from the engine coolant??

[Fl_bug]

Originally Posted by Proxima

Hey all........Ive got a problem that is vexxing me. I am looking for some ideas.

My 2001 Turbo Beetle has an occasional issue. Every so often as I come to a stop, I will get the oil light and warning beeps. This seems to happen randomly and is not related to the outside temps. When I pop the hood, there is no undue "hot" smells, no unusual noises or anything else to catch my attention. My oil level is fine and I just changed it out about 1k miles ago.

A possible related issue is that my BLUE coolant light likes to come on a times, even though my coolant levels are fine.

Anyone have any ideas?? Anything is appreciated.

Ok, you have 2 different problems going on here ok.

1) Blue coolant light coming back on means its just time for you to replace the Coolant Temperature Sensor

2) Red Oil light means you have a problem with oil pressure. Usually meaning that when you drain all the oil out, you have to go in the oil pan and clean the screens out. This usually happens when the incorrect oil was used.

I recommend you do an oil change ASAP and refill with Synthetic Oil that meets the vw 505.x specifications. Usually Mobil1 or Castrol 5w30 Synthetic should do it for you.

The temp sensor can be bought at your local autoparts store for about $15+/- and from a Vw Dealership for $28. I'll also recommend you buy a new retaining clip for it for $.50 because you'll most likely lose yours lol. I know i did. . Just make sure that the sensor is green and it comes with a rubber O-Ring and you'll be set.

I hope this helps!

[simonsi]

Originally Posted by Proxima

Any possibility of the water pump going bad?? Im curious, is the oil cooled in any way from the engine coolant??

No, the blue coolant light on a warm engine indicates a fault. Yes the oil is cooled by the coolant (or warmed from a cold start) but that is not an issue here.

[Proxima]

Originally Posted by simonsi

You have a defective coolant temp sensor and a defective oil level sensor in the sump.

Oil sensor in the SUMP??? From what I gather from my Haines manual, there is only one sensor and it is located off the oil filter.

Anyone confirm that there is only on sensor located off the filter??

TYTY

[Smileybug]

I would try changing the coolant temp sensor and see what happens. I have seen a number of times that the oil light comes on along with the blue temp light when the sensor goes bad. Makes no sense as to why, but I've seen others have it happen.

[simonsi]

Originally Posted by Proxima

Oil sensor in the SUMP??? From what I gather from my Haines manual, there is only one sensor and it is located off the oil filter.

Anyone confirm that there is only on sensor located off the filter??

TYTY

Pressure sensor is by the oil filter, level sensor is in the sump (where the oil is), on AQY engines (Euro AEG equivalent) at least.

[jstargell34]

I had the same problem with the blue coolant light blinking and the oil light coming on. I replaced the temperature coolant sensor and the problem stopped. I did this three months ago and neither light has plagued me. Ive heard of several beetles with the same problem. The coolant temp. sensor comes in two styles, a two prone and 4 prone connector, The tow prone sensor is about 15 at autozone and the 4 prone sensor is hard to find unless you go to the dealership, I bought mine a the dealership and it was $32.00. Believe me this will fix it and dont do anything else unless you have too. I do recommend using Mobil 1 synthetic oil and a high quality filter, DONT GET A CHEAP FILTER>

[Proxima]

Thanks guys for the advice. I think ill replace the coolant temp sensor and see what happens. As far as oil, ive always used either Castrol (a kickback from the days when I drove aircooled VWs) or Valvoline non-synthetics. I change oil out every 3-4k miles and normally use Fram filters. I am certain its not an oiling problem and am hoping its a simple sensor replacement.

Anyhow.....thanks again.

[nyum96]

Low oil pressure could result in a broken windage tray. Remember, they are plastic. When they break, they will cover the pick-up tube in the pan. Been there, done that.

If it's the pick-up tube/screen, easy fix but put a new tray in there as well. Cheap.

[Beetle1.8turbo]

Oil Level Sensor is there put i dont see any plug to connet to it the sensor is just there any idea i just got the beetle need some info thanks

[leopardqueen]

I had te same problem with my 2004 turbo. the oil light and the blue coolant light would flash and beep every time i would stop. I brought it in to get fixed and it turned up to be my oil pump that needed to be replaced. Although now my check engine light is on and i think my water pump needs to get replaced too. It was pretty expensive to fix too by the way.

[Smileybug]

Get your car scanned for the code(s) that are triggering the CEL. As for the water pump...how many miles on the car? Noticing coolant loss?

[mybeetlesgeused]

I have been having the same two lights go off in my '01 Turbo bug, and from what I see on multiple forums here, there are plenty of other people with this same problem. I have yet to find a mechanic who can fix it, and nothing I found online had any resolution. Have you (or anyone for that matter) managed to remedy it at all?

[Smileybug]

Replace the coolant temp sensor.

[MacTAC47]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

Replace the coolant temp sensor.

I just registered so I could post a thank you on this thread and one other for this fix. I had the problem and it stumped a few mechanics. After reading here (or the other thread) I replaced with the green top coolant temp sensor and it worked like a charm.