pkrasusky

...VAG COM showed no codes. I'd thought previously I was maybe down some oil as I checked it hot immediately after shut down and while trying to run home with the kids so I didn't allow much time for the oil to come back down.

I've driven at least 30 miles with it like this. If it were a pressure issue I'm assuming I'd have major lifter clatter by now, or worse.

Thoughts are leaning toward defective sending unit.

My bud has the VAG pressure tester but was unavailable at noon when I was there.

Again, going with sender for now.

Regarding oil level... Alumibitch has maybe a quart / 1,500 mile appetite for oil the way I drive it. EVERY German car I've ever owned has mirrored this consumption. I've run mine down 1-2 quarts before and the low level light doesn't even come on, lifters don't clatter, nothing. Think about it - it's an 8 quart system it's not going to miss a quart or 2 for "some" miles - IMHO of course.

I'll report back as I know more, but I'm less in panic mode now as there's no clatter, oil's full, clean, and not smelly, and there's no other indicators to the contrary.

Thanks for the thoughts of course.

pkrasusky

...is the sender located on the 4.2l? On the I5 it was on the driver side under the intake. Like you said, simple / cheap enough to do, with 115k I'm sure it's going to need replacement sooner than later.

Thanks again Bob, appreciate the input.

CINCY MIKE

Might be worth looking at, check for loose connection or frayed wire or something. Good luck.

TOMAS7

you could monitor oil usage according to pressure drop.
It was very accurate.

pkrasusky

Tx Mike - will do in the a.m. - Senor Jack is calling me name right now 8-)

A8CT

to remove. I cut the plastic part off the old one so I could get the socket on it (not enough room for a deep socket).

A stubby 22m wrench on a slight angle to install.

They're about $15, not a bad idea to do it anyway just to rule out.

pkrasusky

...hopefully.

Appreciate the insight, will report back.