2003 VW Passat Malfunction Indicator Lamp on

Oh no sorry to hear that. You did the right thing by stopping. If you have the 1.8 turbo engine this happens too often. The oil pressure sending unit could be the problem, but most likely it is the oil pump. This engine has sludge buildup problem & VW is aware of it, so there is hope. VW issued this update awhile back....

Passat owners. 1998 through 2004: VW has just made a warranty extension covering certain oil sludge repairs on these models. It is now covered for 8 years unlimited mileage and will reimburse for repairs made because of this problem. See your local dealer or contact VOA for more information.

Good luck, i hope this helps.

from the VW manual........"expect to use about 1 litre for every 500 km."the oil level should be checked every week".........some cars have a breather on the side of the block that needs cleaning every year.(looks like a metal canister about 2.1/2" tall by 4"wide with a hose to the inlet manifold/air cleaner).

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL SOUND LIKE LOW OIL LEVEL.CHANGE OIL IF IT HAS BEEN OVER 3000 MILES OR OIL LOOKS DIRTY CHANGE IT.IF OIL CHANGE DONT HELP HAVE OIL PRESSURE CHECK TO SEE IF OIL PUMP GOING BAD OR YOU HAVE A FAULTY OIL PRESSURE GAUGE.

This is a mileage interval light that trips every 3,000 to 5,000 miles that indicates an oil change is necessary. You do not need a special tool to change your oil, nor do you need to bring the car in to the dealer.
1. Sit in the driver's seat of the Passat and close all the doors.
2. Position the trip/odometer button to display the odometer mileage reading, then hold it down with the forefinger on your left hand.
3. Turn the ignition key to the "key-on/engine-off" position to turn on all the power options for the Passat without actually starting the engine. At this point, a service indicator light will display (in the form of a wrench).
4. Press the minute adjustment button on the clock (or turn the knob clockwise on European manufactured Passats) and release the trip/odometer button.
Good luck and thank you using Fixya

8.5 hrs + parts sounds about right. But why would a 7 year old cars oil pump fail? They usually last a lifetime. Has there been a lubrication problem? Low oil, cheap oil, wrong oil? But then again my daughters 04 Toyota needed a valve job, head gasket and water pump recently. I'm doing 90% of work and it still cost about $2000. Her problem was bad oil!

I would check the oil pressure sensor and the oil pump itself. You can take the sensor out and use a mechanical gauge to check the oil pressure. If the oil pressure is within specs, you need a new sensor, if not, you need a new pump.

it's expensive but not as expensive as replacing the engine... was the oil pressure checked ?

Robert

My 2003 1.8L Passat at 62K indicated Oil Pressure, Stop Engine. I had been low on oil for longer than I realized, though the car didn't indicate to me anything. I added a quart 5-40 synthetic as usual, and about 300 miles mid way on a road trip is when the warning lit up!
I had been to the dealer last year and there was a mention of sludge developing in these cars. They suggested I bring it in to remove sludge but life got busy, and it never happened. Evidently this model Passat is notorious for this oil sludge problem.
My Passat needed a new oil pump $800 later half way between destination and home. Luckily I was in a town with a 30 VW mechanic who was very good. The sludge (carbon deposits) had blocked pump pickup. Oil level was good. The computer didn't show anything, but the oil pressure test discovered PSI went down when RPM's went up. Not good.
This problem is very serious as it has ruined engines. I guess I was lucky in the fact that nothing else was damaged. So you may look into this build up. It sounds terribly familiar.

It sound as it your oil pressure senser or the oil pump needs replacing.