2009 Passat 3.2l - faulty oil pressure sensor

[zed]

The oil light is coming on despite the dipstick showing a correct oil level. VW think it's the oil pressure sensor and have quoted me $350 to replace. Is this something I can do myself?

[3C4M Guy]

I'm not a VW expert and I'm not a mechanic - just a DIY car person. I also have a 3.2L VR6 and if I had this problem I would research the internet. There may even be a YouTube clip on how to do it. The part number for the oil pressure switch seems to be 038 919 081 M. However you should check with the spare parts counter at a dealer by giving them your VIN. There's also an o-ring N0138115 - you should check if this needs to be replaced at the same time and you need to know the correct torque.

The oil pressure switch seems to be on the front of the engine above and close to the oil filter. Hopefully it can be accessed from below by removing the plastic splash guard. It would be worth having a look before buying the part. If it all looks accessible, I'd take a brave pill and give it a go.

See parts 4 & 6 in the illustration below.



One more tip, you might find exactly the same part is available in Australia in a Skoda box for less $. Good luck!

[zed]

I'm not a VW expert and I'm not a mechanic - just a DIY car person. I also have a 3.2L VR6 and if I had this problem I would research the internet. There may even be a YouTube clip on how to do it. The part number for the oil pressure switch seems to be 038 919 081 M. However you should check with the spare parts counter at a dealer by giving them your VIN. There's also an o-ring N0138115 - you should check if this needs to be replaced at the same time and you need to know the correct torque.

The oil pressure switch seems to be on the front of the engine above and close to the oil filter. Hopefully it can be accessed from below by removing the plastic splash guard. It would be worth having a look before buying the part. If it all looks accessible, I'd take a brave pill and give it a go.

See parts 4 & 6 in the illustration below.



One more tip, you might find exactly the same part is available in Australia in a Skoda box for less $. Good luck!

Great thanks for the detailed and informative reply!

[3C4M Guy]

One more thing. For the $350 quoted by the dealer, I suspect the labour component is at least $300. That's 2 hours. I can't see why this job would take 2 hours.

[mercury260]

I just replaced this on my r36 and I can easily see why 2 hrs is acceptable. It is a $50 sensor but in a ***** position. Took me a little bit to figure out how to get to it but it has fixed my faulty warning light coming on.

You need:
- axle stands
- normal torx bits to remove under tray etc
- 24 mm ring spanner
- range of screw drivers to try and wiggle off the plastic switch clip

1. Jack up the car and put it on axle stands. Remove undertray
2. Remove 4x T30 screws that secure the radiator fans. Pull the connector clip out of its mount so it can be disconnected. Remove 2x T25 air inlet connector at the top. Remove radiator fans out the bottom
3. Remove 1x T25 screw holding the dipstick tube in place. Wiggle and remove, unclipping the connector half way up.
4. Now you will be able to see the oil pressure switch with your feet towards the back of the car and head underneath the bumper. It will depend on where your connector is located as to how easy it is to bust the clip off the switch. I can usually get these sorts of clips with my hands but this one was baked on solid. Eventually got it free.
5. Use 24mm spanner or ring to remove the oil pressure switch or sensor.
6. Clean up all parts and reinstall the reverse of above.

Hopefully it fixes your problem too. All up this took me a couple of hours. Could definitely do it quicker next time but still a pain to get that connector off.