Oil pressure light in 01 vw passat

With all of the low voltage problems going on here I would check the body computer. That is the only thing I can think of that would cause all of this. Some others may have suggestions on this.

vw group all say engine should be flushed at every service but owners are normally cheapskates(like me) and dont get it done(i do my own oil changes )your running problem has nothing to do with oil/filter/flush.get a computer diagnostic asap its easier than guessing...

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!

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

The sensor for the oil is on the bottom of the oil pan. If it turns out to be faulty, you can replace it, but you will need to remove the oil and the oil pan. This is no problem. You may need to remove the sway bar to get to it, this comes off easy. The oil pan will need a new gasket, and a little sealant on it. Tighten them evenly, and not too tight.
If the sensor is OK, then you should check your oil pressure. You can do it with an in-line gauge, or have a shop do a quick check on it. Low oil pressure can be caused by a clogged line or filter, or a bad oil pump. The oil pump is turned by the timing belt, and will take some work to get to.
If the engine is not over-heating, then the oil probably isn't related to the reduced performance. A tune-up could be in order...check & replace if ness. the spark plugs. Use OEM plugs only or it can ruin your ignition coil. Check your plug wires using an OHM meter...each car has a set range of values, like 8,000-10,000ohms. If you don't have the manual, just check for any variance in the plugs, and replace if they are different. The coil can be checked the same way.
Replace air filter. If it is time, replace fuel filter...under car on passenger side by back door. You can run some injector cleaner through the next tank of gas.
That should do. Post again if problem is persistent.
Good Luck!

oil pressure should be atleast 18 psi @ idle on the engine however i think you have a weak/faulty oil pressure switch as well

You are losing oil pressure, this means your oil pump is probably out. Don't drive it anymore until you can get that repaired. It's shutting down because it's siezing up. You need the extra power to jump it because the piston rings and wall are sticking together, let it all cool down and the rings contract and loosens up. Allowing the engine to turn.

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.

Is the motor knocking? Does the light go out when some RPM's are added? If the motor is knocking, you have a big problem with the motor. If not, you may just have a bad oil sending unit/wiring.