low on oil

[Alfy]

Is it normal to have the oil light flash orange on a GTI with 9,000kms on it??? According to VW Assist, its normal due to the engine running in, I was told to just top up the existing oil level using a Full Synthetic 10w-50 oil found at a local spare parts store...

The scary thing was, when removing the dipstick it was dry

[gerhard]

Is it normal to have the oil light flash orange on a GTI with 9,000kms on it??? According to VW Assist, its normal due to the engine running in, I was told to just top up the existing oil level using a Full Synthetic 10w-50 oil found at a local spare parts store...

The scary thing was, when removing the dipstick it was dry

When I bought mine, the salesman told me to keep an eye on the oil level, and come in for complimentary top-up if needed.

I can't believe you've never pulled the dipstick in 9,000ks, when there are posts all over the forum every week about oil use in early life.

Pop round to your dealer and get them to top it up.

[VW Convert]

Is it normal to have the oil light flash orange on a GTI with 9,000kms on it??? According to VW Assist, its normal due to the engine running in, I was told to just top up the existing oil level using a Full Synthetic 10w-50 oil found at a local spare parts store...

The scary thing was, when removing the dipstick it was dry

Two scary things about that, one that you didn't check the oil level, and two that 10w-50 is not the right grade of oil, correct grade is 5w-30 and must meet VW specs as per your operators manual.

Cheers

George

[Alfy]

Two scary things about that, one that you didn't check the oil level, and two that 10w-50 is not the right grade of oil, correct grade is 5w-30 and must meet VW specs as per your operators manual.

Cheers

George

well i was told by the VW salesman when purchasing the car, that there wouldn't be any maintenance required till its 15k service intervals.. I didn't buy this car brand new to have to open the bonnet every week to check on it..

10w-50 was recommended by VW Assist... should I be worried that I put that grade of oil in it?

[gerhard]

I didn't buy this car brand new to have to open the bonnet every week to check on it..

I suppose you don't ever check the tyre pressure either, unless you buy a used car?

You don't have to check every week, unless you do 2000k a week. And it avoids the scary sight of no oil on the dipstick.

Check the lubricants section of the forum and read all about oils that are suitable, and you may find that VW mechanics with years of experience tell you something different to VW Assist.

[No457 Snowy]

well i was told by the VW salesman when purchasing the car, that there wouldn't be any maintenance required till its 15k service intervals.. I didn't buy this car brand new to have to open the bonnet every week to check on it..

10w-50 was recommended by VW Assist... should I be worried that I put that grade of oil in it?

Are you serious?

Mate, read your owner's manual, it is your responsibility to check the oil, water and other basic fluid levels, tyre pressures, etc at regular inervals. (ie weekly or when you fill with petrol) as recommended in the manual. It even has pictures.

It's part of owning/maintaining a car, even a new one.

[Mischa]

whats a bonnet?

[gerhard]

whats a bonnet?

Something a pretty girl wore in earlier times

[No457 Snowy]

So, if the oil light is coming on does that get logged as an error in the ECU?

If it is and a record is kept, could engine warranty be compromised because the engine has been operated with such a low level (off the dipstick)?

[Alfy]

Theres no need to jump on my throat..sheesh! I'm just telling you what was told to me!

Regardless, I have been told by VW Assist to use the incorrect oil, which I will be logging with the service department.

[Jarred]

well i was told by the VW salesman ...

well there's your problem right there.

Always pays to talk to a mechanic/techy before, or sometime at least.

In reality. It's not that hard to check oil. I would do it, just cause I dont trust electronics...

[bazzle]

I doubt "topping up" with any oil will cause a problem.

Bazzle

[VW-GTI-WV]

I had to top up my gti around the same time too, it's really nothing to worry about. Take it back to the dealer and they will top it up for you.

[blue_reality]

I had to top mine up. Checked my book and then rang VW assist anyway for exact oil specs. They told me "doesn't matter what the numbers are on the oil, as long as it's fully synthetic"

Then went to REPCO and the guy gave me Magnatec (not fully synthetic but told me it was) so had to ask for his boss to get me the right oil. Hmm...

[Maverick]

I had to top mine up. Checked my book and then rang VW assist anyway for exact oil specs. They told me "doesn't matter what the numbers are on the oil, as long as it's fully synthetic"

Then went to REPCO and the guy gave me Magnatec (not fully synthetic but told me it was) so had to ask for his boss to get me the right oil. Hmm...

If you put the wrong oil in the engine and you have a problem that could be related to the oil then VW won't cover the warranty. They are very specific about the correct oil being used.

All you need to do is ensure that it meets VW 504.00/507.00 and you won't have a problem. 504.00 supersedes 502.00 and all 504.00 oils meet 507.00 requirements and vice versa so they will have 504.00/507.00 on the bottle. If they don't have this on the bottle don't buy it.