I was completely shocked when I first got to know that Volkswagen was going to not install the real-life dipstick in their new engines. This is so ridiculous that I can't even find a single good word in my head to describe the situation. But let's put the emotions aside and see what you should do now if your Audi yells at you showing the "Add Oil Immediately" error message.
Add oil immediately message highlights
- Common reasons:low oil level, malfunctioning oil level sensor
- How to fix:check the oil level, add 100-200 grams and check again, use a scanner to check the sensor
- Possible consequences:low oil will kill the engine quickly
- Priority level:High
- Can you drive?Not recommended
- DIY repair:Possible
- Repair price range:$0-$200
Driving your Audi with too low oil level in the engine is extremely dangerous for the car. You may eventually find your engine dead at the end of your trip. But what if the level is OK but the car is still yelling at you?
Explaining the "Add Oil Immediately" message
Unfortunately, the car market goes directly to the complete death of internal combustion engines. And every new "improvement" of car manufacturers makes us lose control over how our vehicles work.
If your vehicle tells you "Add Oil Immediately", it means one of the following situations occurred:
- the oil level is too low and the pressure of oil starts going down which is extremely dangerous for your engine;
- the engine oil level sensor is malfunctioning which is a pretty normal thing for Audi cars;
- there are problems with electrical units, connections, or the battery.
There are two important sensors in your Audi engine that may trigger such a message: oil level sensor and oil pressure sensor.
So, it's important to know that not only low oil levels can actually lead to this message. Sometimes, it's some failure in the electronics that needs to be diagnosed and repaired.
Checking the oil level immediately
The first thing you should do when you see the "Add Oil Immediately" message in your Audi is to look at the oil level in your engine.
If you have the dipstick in the engine, it's quite easy. Stop the engine, wait for two minutes to let the oil go down to the oil pan. Then take the dipstick out of the engine and wipe it with a clean tissue. Insert the dipstick back into its place till it clicks. Take it immediately out and see if the level is actually low.
If your engine is pretty modern and Audi thinks it doesn't need any dipstick, you can check the oil level with the help of the MMI (infotainment display). Here's how to do it:
- press the button "Car" to access the technical menu in your Audi;
- go to the oil level section with the help of the navigation buttons;
- if it shows that the oil level is currently unavailable, the engine must be cold - you will need to warm it up;
- if the engine is warm and there are still no readings, it's very likely that the sensor is broken;
- if the readings are OK but the "Add Oil Immediately" message stays on the dash, there is something wrong with the electronics.
The problem is that if the engine is really low on oil, starting it and warming it up to check the level is pretty dangerous. If there is no oil, you can just damage the engine. So, there are ways you can use the dipstick in these engines - please find more information on forums that discuss your exact type of engine.
Should you add oil immediately?
If you are sure that the oil level is really low, you should add some oil to let the engine work safely. But remember that a high oil level is also very dangerous for engines. So, if you aren't sure that the level is really low, adding more oil is not a good idea.
I suggest you should call your dealer and ask what to do. If the car is not under warranty already, you can call any car mechanic and get some advice.
Also, check if the battery in your Audi is OK. It should show about 12.5 volts when the engine isn't working. If it's significantly lower, you may need the new battery or at least to recharge the old one.
If you can't locate the problem, the only good option is to take your car in for an inspection. The problem may be in some electrical connection that is impossible to find without proper diagnostic tools and skills.
Final thoughts
Adding oil to your Audi engine is only good when you certainly know that the level is low. Otherwise, adding oil to your engine may lead to issues like overfilling, emission control problems, burning oil, high oil pressure, etc.
If you see the "Add Oil Immediately" message in your Audi, you better stop driving till you understand what the problem is. Sometimes, it's better to pay for a tow truck than to replace the broken engine, in the end.
Have any questions or something to add? Just write in the comments below!
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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