Engine sludge

Make sure the oil pressure pressure switch is plugged in, make sure the wire isn't damaged or touching ground anywhere, and make sure your oil is at the right level. If it all checks out, the switch may be bad. To verify, remove the oil pressure switch and connect a pressure gauge to that port. You should be able to find oil pressure values online for your engine.

Kenny, The Volkswagen 1.8 seem to be prone to oil sludge in these years according to the forums on line. So if sludge is a problem, it could be partial plugged oil pump pickup causing light to flicker, and also may have cause piston rings to wear premature allowing excess oil to pass and show smoke from exhaust. Have engine checked, diagnosed and estimate for repair by a good Tech. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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2003 Volkswagen Passat Engine Failure From Oil Sludge
Here are 8 engines you should avoid WHEELS ca
http://syntheticperformanceoil.com/spo/pdf/TSB-engine-sludge-issues.pdf

hi mate, my 55 plate passat did the same before major problems happened. first turbo went then the oil pressure light came on and the car went into limp mode. before its too late for you and a costly bill can you do the following.
check if your car has a recall for the injector problems which vw are replacing under warenty.
second thing the guy who repaired my turbo told me that these cares have a major fault which caused the turbo to go. the fault is the oil pump failure you must adress this issue as you can get a lot of info on the discussion forms.
my car started with the same problem as you have described the pd engines have a design fault with the oil pump and shaft. this is common causing your turbo to go then the car will start showing oil pressure low please stop engine. educate your self via the forms and act quickly befor you end up with massive bills.
i hope this has helped. trust me vw know about this design fault.you need to change your chain driven oil pump to the new gear driven system which vw have modified. all vag cars have the same problems be it audi skoda vw . my car had the same problem as you have said .started off with emissions then turbo failed thats when i started to investigate this problem . the pd engines was designed by some rookie at vw.

I fear the news is probably not good. Many Passats around 1998-2004 were badly affected by engine sludge even when oil changes were done regularly.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1049827_settlement-addresses-engine-sludge-issue-in-audi-a4-vw-passat


These noises usually mean that oil starvation has caused an engine bearing to fail, and also excessive wear in the camshaft area. If the sump is removed the sludge (if there) will be seen.

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.

Need more clarification when driving and park. Happen to vw a lot with no solution. Could be electrical ( Tcm + Wiring conector, ECM) ( fluid change fluid+filter add lucid tray oil) or mechanical. Rattle could be engine or evap thing located under or next to air filter. Alternator also. The engine you speak of is know for sludge build up problems by VW. They've even made recalls base on what I've heard. Check oil circulation and how to fix oil circulation problem. Drop the the oil pan and clean filter screen where it sucks in oil. Other things related need to be unclog..

Hi before you do an oil change try seafoam in the engine oil. this can sometimes fix the problems you are having, I used seafoam in engine oil and fuel and breather line and ran engine for 100 miles, but don't run hard, and its cleaned all the sump and oil veins in the engine, as checked with a scope looking though the oil sump plug. it did a really good job, my engine is a bit older than yours 1994. oil sensor is at the bottom of the engine on the sump. pressure sensor is above the oil filter it has a single wire conection

1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.8L 4-cyl Engine Code AEB/AWM Turbo
Models with 1.8L Engine codes AEB, ATW, AUG, AWM only
use engine oil that is formulated to meet
Volkswagen oil standard VW 502.00
(with viscosity of SAE 5W-40, 5W-30 or 0W-40).

CAPACITIES: Engine, with filter..........3.5 liter To prevent overfilling during oil changes, add 0.5 liter
(0.5 quart) less than capacity shown, start engine, let run
until engine operating temperature is approx. 60 °C (140 °F)
, switch engine off, wait 3 minutes, check dipstick,
fill to full mark as indicated on dipstick (may be more or
less than 0.5 liter (0.5 quart) depending on model).

As for the sludge question, I add Marvel Mystery Oil around 600 miles before i do my oil change. This will clean out the oil pick up screen and oil journals through out the engine, I do this on every oil change and i have over 356,000 miles on my engine. Oil and filter changed every 3,000 miles intervals. Good luck and hope this helps.

I have a 2003 Passat GLX V6 and i havent been experiencing this issue, however from my experience with VW, the early 2000 models of the passat that have a 1.8T 4 cylinder engine have a major issue with what has been deemed "oil sludge" you have to be careful with this engine oil wise and make sure to get the oil changed every 3,500 - 4,500 miles and make sure you get the full synthetic oils for it and the proper filters :-) the turbo that is on this model heats up the oil to extreme temperatures and if not serviced regularly you will have problems.... i hope this helps! i would have someone check it again for this issue... hopefully you get to it before it becomes costly!

If you are not driving far no problem. If you are just put a quart of oil in it until you get to the station.