2003 VW PASSAT. Check engine light goes on and

First check the oil level, this engine has a low oil shut down feature. Also the oil pressure sending unit (signal for the oil light) Is electrically Interlocked (signal, Fuel pump relay) for fuel pump run.

4.7 litres of 0-30 0w-40 or 5w-30 longlife oil

won,t hurt it but have the oil presure sensor checked out.could also be a problem with the pump

you need to do a oil psi test to find out if it is an engine problem or a sender problem.

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.

Hello,

Check the backpressure in the engine ( remove the oil fill cap when engine is running ). You should feel only a light airflow in and out of the filler cap hole. If there is really pressure, your piston rings are worn out. Rebuild the engine.
Check the compression on each cylinder and the state of the spark plugs.

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.

the noise is the chain tensioner in the cylinder head between the two camshafts. it is a job for a proffesional shop. the 1.8t passats had an oiling problem and were fixed with a larger oil filter. some times you have to remove the oilpan and replace the oil pickup tube.

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

Robert

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!