Oil Pressure Warning and Coolant Temp Sensor

[rusman]

Hi all, I have a 2003 1.8T that we just purchased for our daughter. We've had it about two weeks and the oil pressure light has been going off (red blinking light with chime) very intermittently. It does not stay on for long, a couple of seconds and will go off. My wife told me it did this once when she was idling in the driveway. My understanding is that the warning shouldn't even go off under 1500 RPMs, right? We took it to a local, non-dealership shop and they did not find any issues, however they did not pull the pan.

I've done some research here and on VWVortex and see that a lot of people replace the Coolant Temp Sensor and this issue goes away. I'm a bit confused why this sensor would clear up the oil pressure issue, so I'm just looking for clarification before I start throwing money at an elusive problem.

Thanks for the help!

[rusman]

Surely someone has experienced this problem besides me.

[Smileybug]

I know it has before. No idea what the two have to do with each other, but at less than $30, its a nice cheap, easy fix to try.

[CGK]

Here's a schematic of the oil cooler and filter bracket where the pressure switch is mounted.
#16 is the pressure switch and it screws into the right hand side of the bracket as you face the engine from front.
You should replace the rubber O-ring at the same time.
Hope this helps

[rusman]

Been meaning to ask about the plastic dealio that is part of the coolant temp sensor. It seems that is 99.9% likely to break. Is there any recommended way to get it off in one piece? Does that piece hold it on, making it a requirement (meaning, what happens if it breaks and I don't have another one because AutoZone doesn't have that part)?

[CGK]

The retaining clip is definitely required to hold the sensor in place. You should have gotten one with the sensor along with a new O-ring as well.
If you didn't, you can get the retaining clip here.
Volkswagen New Beetle 1.8T > Engine > Cooling > Temperature Sensor > ES#1906430 Coolant Sensor Retaining Clip - 032121142

[rusman]

Apparently autozone, or the one I went to, was clueless about the retaining clip and I just got a box of o-rings and will dig through to find the right size.

I may just go to the dealer and get everything.

Thanks for the help.

[nyum96]

Oil pressure issue could be from a clogged oil pick-up tube and a broken plastic windage tray. That solved my issue...All located in the oil pan... Easy fix.

[rusman]

I replaced the coolant temp sensor (the clip had to come from the dealer, but I didn't break the original one so now I have a spare) and that seems to have fixed the issue. The car isn't driven much right now, but we've taken it for about 10 miles since the repair and haven't seen the oil pressure light come back. Before it was coming on multiple times, even at idle.

I wanted to say that this was an extremely easy fix. Remove the engine top cover, locate sensor, remove clip carefully, pull out old sensor, insert new, replace clip, clean up any spilled coolant (I lost probably 2 -3 cups..seemed like a lot all over the floor!). Fifteen minutes, if that.

Thanks for all the help and tips!