Hey Everyone,

I have a question for you all. So my Engine Oil Temp Gauge stopped working. It stays pinned at the left-most (cold) position. After some internet research (mostly because I havent gotten a Haynes Manual yet) I thought it was the sensor in the bottom of the oil pan. Apparently it serves dual purpose of level and temp sensor?

Long story short, after bringing the car to a mechanic they told me that the sensor was in the front of the engine under the belt, totally a pain in the @$$ to get to. I also read about this sensor online and was under the impression that it was the oil pressure sensor, not temp.

Can someone do me the favor of telling me if the mechanic is right? Because THAT sensor is much more $$ to fix, as I am sure you all know.


Thanks!

-Andrew

EDIT: My car is a 2000 a4 2.8 quattro with the tiptronic auto transmission.

 

I'm almost positive the sensor that controls the temperature sender is the sensor on the bottom of the oil pan. It's the same sensor that is for oil level too. Here is a link to where to get a new sensor for cheap. OEM / Performance Parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen - ECS Tuning

 

On the block sounds like a pressure sensor, on the pan should def be level, and you're temp should be on the oil cooler, but Im not sure how the 2.8 is.

 

I appreciate the comments, guys.

Can anyone give me a definitive answer? I would love to be able to just take care of this myself, and if I am correct about the level and temp sensor being on in the same, then I can easily replace it myself.

There are a few parts sites like this one below that tend to suggest that the level sensor and temp sensor are the same.

Temperature Sensor OE NO.: 1J0 907 660 B (AUDI/VW/SEAT/SKODA), Sensor, Temperature Sensor | DHgate Factory

EDIT: I only linked to that particular site because it's one of the few that actually states "oil temp sensor". Its the same part number as the ones on sites such as RockAuto, but RockAuto doesnt state anything about temperature on the part page.

 

Below is the schematic for your 2.8 engine. 1 is the oil pressure switch, 13 is the oil level sensor in the pan, and 4 is the oil temp, which from your description sounds accurate if behind the cam belt cover, would not be out in the open like the other two switches are.

 

That's some great info Jeff. Not to thread jack, but my oil temp never seems to reach the middle anymore. Would that be the oil temp sensor #4? Could it just be a build up of oil sludge?

Looks like a good time to replace when doing the timing belt.

 

Thanks for giving me that bad news, Jeff! Hahaha, no, seriously thank you. It looks like Ill have to take it in to get fixed.