Audi Q5 A4 A5 2.0T Engine Oil Level Gauge / Hood Issue 

This was exactly the problem on my 2012 Q5. The little plunging sensor had extra dirt in it. I sprayed some electronic spray and worked it up and down until it loosened back up. Works perfectly now. You saved me about $200. Great tip. Thanks.

This is the single greatest video on all of the internet! Thank you for posting this!

Thank you for this video, my A4 kept saying add oil despite topping up nearly 2L. Checked this switch after watching your video and problem, cleaned it and boom! sorted!!!! Saved myself a lot of money, many thanks 👍

And this is why I love the internet, and automotive repair RU-vid videos. My first thought was my oil sensor was bad. Did a little research, and came across a handful of posts, and this video, that explained how a malfunctioning hood latch sensor will keep the oil level meter from resetting (whatever engineer came up with that definitely over thought the process). A quick check of opening the hood, and seeing that the dash didn't indicate the hood was open, confirmed the sensor was the issue. After I removed the 3 bolts, I moved the sensor lever around with a flat blade screw driver, and I heard the computers spooling up, which told me the sensor was still good, but the lever had just gotten crusty and had jammed. I used some brake clean and a rag to free it up and confirmed that the dash now indicates the hood is open. This also triggered the oil level sensor to reset, and now shows the oil level back at the max level. Reinstalled the switch in the latch, reinstalled the latch assembly, double checked operation by opening and closing the hood, and we're back in business. Thanks for putting this video out there!

Great simple video, fixed the issue for my 2012 Q5. The little button was stuck all the way in and wouldn't spring back out so I used some thin pliers and jiggled it until it popped back out. The dash shows when the hood is open and the oil level is resetting again.

I just want to say thank you! 🙏🏽 This solved all my problems and saved me so much money you need more praise I appreciate your help and your video was spot on and eye opening

You described AUDI perfectly. Could not have said it better. 👍

I got a good deal from Audi Dallas on a 2012 fully loaded Q5 and got freaked when I drove it back to Houston and realized the oil had dropped from 3/4 to 1/4 full. Put in more oil and it showed 3/4 again, popped the hood and did this trick and now 4/4. Thanks. Was worried this 1 owner pretty much dealer/granny car was burning oil like crazy.

I’ve had such a shitty day trying to figure out how to fix this. Thank you! Y’all are the real MVPs

this indeed workek in my Audi A5. Audi mechanics told me I had a faulty sensor and had to change it,,,,,,I saved several bucks doing the clean up myself as indicated in this tutorial. Thank you!!!

great video, used this to fix my Audi B8 S4. TONS of Thanks!!!

Thanks for this video, just came across this problem myself yesterday and doing this probably saved me a good amount of money.

Thanks for this video! I was able to fix my issue with judicious application of WD-40!

Thanks for posting. I had the same issue with my Q5. The sensor continuing to read at the minimum when the oil was full. This has been bugging me for weeks and only took minutes to fix. Legend

YESS !!! NO LOGIC ...DOESN'T HAVE SENSE !! WHAT'S THE CONNECTION BETWEEN OIL SENSOR LEVEL AND THE HOOD ??????? I DON'T KNOW, BUT IS WORKING !!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH SIR !! After you see this video, JUST PUT THE CONTACT, don't start the engine, open the hood, let it open 10 seconds, close it, start the engine !!! NO MORE ERROR !! In my case at list...!!!! Thank's again !!

My front end of my S5 was damaged in a crash. Breaking the sensor to the hood. Therefore it’s taped down so i don’t have the “hood open” light on. Says I need oil filled even tho I did it today. As soon as it came on. Car never recognized me opening the hood bc of the sensor. Therefor it still thinks I need oil. I’ve been searching for hours and this is the only video that has helped me

I'm working through this issue right now. Thanks for the video and humorous post!

Thanks! This has been an issue for me with all European cars you’ll save me hours at work so here you go sir!

20 years car dealer experience, just bought at certified dealer auction a 2014 Audi A4 Quattro, with 70000miles for $6800. This car has to stay in garage until all maintenance would be done by me. First impression Audi/WV are not stupid but very skillful SPECULATORS.Why: The oil dip stick is missing but fortunately the tubing is still there. Ordered the deep stick $24.95 from ESC Tuning.I use 5W-30 synthetic in summer and 0W-40 synthetic in winter every 5000.Automatic Transmission Fluid. Audi say is good for life. Wrong it starts deteriorating since 30000 miles.You have to change it right. Do not do a drain and fill. My son did at his Mercedes Benz Class 550 and lost the transmission.Take of the pan, clean, replace the transmission filter, and fill with OEM transmission fluid. Make sure to empty torque convertor, opening the sending line. You must change at least 7 Qt. transmission fluid. Use a filling hole adaptor to avoid the mess.Change the coolant draining the radiator and engine block, using distilled water until you get clear discharge. Keep in mind that there is still water in the engine block so you have to use a tester, and siphon mixture and add coolant until you reach optimal density.Change brake fluid using synthetic DOT 4 brake fluid, until the bleeding gets clear. If you don't do it the deposits can block channels at ABS system.Change differential Oil with OEM brand. Doing these things called 50K maintenance, then you can drive trouble free until 110K, and suggest to trade in the car at this mileage, because changing the timing belt it is expensive, and makes no sense, because after 100 - 110k the cars turns in a black hole sucking a lot of money.I never would buy a 2014 Audi A 4 Quattro, for more than $7000. If you have no time, tools and Know how to do these things to AUDI, then look for another car.

Omg best video in the internet! Thank youuuuu! Fixed my problem!

Thanx very much...this worked a treat, had to get a little screwdriver and pull the switch out and now one less stress! 2010 Q5

My husband loves your direct approach...thanks

You are my hero!!!!!!!!! Best video and solution ever!!!!

thanks for your video it really help me, thank you so much from Mexico city

Simple straight to the point ❤️

Great tip, its works in my Q5 2009

I just want to say thank you, I followed your advice and that of a couple of more post. I was able to reset my daughter's light.

Thank you! This was the problem on my 2009 AUDI Q5 3.2 liter. The Q5 said my oil was low and I should add a quart. I added a quart, and it still read as if no oil had been added. I took the hood latch apart, after spraying some WD-40 on it. And just like you said, my Q5 was able to read it’s oil level. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thank you sir! Straight to the point. New to me Q5 and Idk how much time I wasted reading dipstick Audi forums to get nowhere

You are the best! Thank You my friend!

Your video saved me a lot $$$ . Thanks for posting and BTW I totally agreed with your dipstick remark 😀 !!!

Solved my problem! Thank you so much.

My most favourite video on RU-vid. Love the honest truth 😂 my oil level on the MMI keeps registering a quarter oil, even though I've poured a full load of oil in. So stupid they didn't just put a physical dipstick in these cars. Changed the oil level sensor and it still reads the same shit. So I'll try this next. Thanks.

Wish I can give you a big hug my friend omg you r best💯✔️

Thanks. Very Great video. You fix my audi in 2 minutes Thanks again

Thanks for this info!

You're the best and this video is the TRUTH, tyvm this helped

Thanks for the tips. I will try that.

OMG! Thank you for posting this!!!!

Thanks dude big help 👍🏻

Awesome! Need to learn more as I have an Audi Q5 2012 and yes there’s no freaking dipstick!!!!

I went through the same problem but with a S4 and the left bolt had the supercharger in the way. What a pain, but yeah I just sprayed it with brake cleaner and all of a sudden the car recognized that the hood was open and the oil reading started to work. Agreed Audi dropped the ball on DIP STICKS.

Thank you for this video. Shop wanted $400 to change oil level sensor.

Thanks for sharing and posting the tip! I have the same type car.

Thank you for posting this!! :-)

What you can also do too if that sensor is completely dead is unplug hood switch at the other end and jump the 2 pins together with a paper clip. It will think the hood is open and re read the oil level. Once the oil level resets, you can take that paper clip out and replug it back into that dead hood sensor. It should work.

Thank you for a great video saved me a lot

Thank you so much

Local Audi service dept can't pinpoint why my '13 A6 guzzles so much oil. I have also noticed that when I open the hood, it becomes DIFFICULT to clear hood open error. So, this may be the culprit... thanks! I am going to give this a try.

Great n simple n quick. Like it

thank you so much :)

Thank you for this

My car dash showing min oil, but when I open hood it's reseting, but affter 20 km it says oil level is min, is this solution works with that ?

I have the exact same oil reading issue but my hood correctly reads when it is open/closed. Could the sensor still be the problem or would the hood think its open when it is not issue have to go hand in hand with the incorrect oil reading?

Awesome, I have no oil leaks noticeable on the floor when stationary and had a interim service a month ago, just had fill oil sign come up withought a dipstick how on earth can i check 😲

Thanks for the video - I may have this problem myself. Dealer looking at it this weekend...they said a TSB came out for it...but I had seen that TSB before and it was from a few years ago. ?? I have a 16 Q5 so it should not have the crud sensor...but clearly there's still a problem.

Thank you is tru. Merciiiiiiiiii

So my Audi A5 Quattro 2tfsi 2010 coupe I got the other day I’ve only driven about 2 hours total since owning it and the oil level was max now it’s half way is this really burning oil that fast or is the sensor being a fuck

liked this video just cause he called the guys at audi "f***in idiots" 😂😂😂

Hello, I have an Audi A5 2012 model, it sparks to see oil spring after starting the car for five minutes, and if you test it, it turns off. Please advice, because it tired me. I changed the oil tank three times, and it was of no use. Thank you

Hi, just replaced the hood latch on 2009 a4 quattro. The oil level is good now but I'm still getting a oil level warning in the actual instrument cluster. Any thoughts?

Can you please explain how I can remove the latch (described as 3 bolts). How do I get to the bolts (I have a small drill with a T25 bit that doesn't fit between the back of the latch and where the dipstick should be)

Seriously thank u this video safe me hundreds dealer wanted to charge me 400 just to inspect the car plus parts and labor did this am boom it works literally took me less the 30 min

This video was a lifesaver! My new to me 2012 Q5 suddenly said add oil. So I did and it still said add oil, so I added another quart, no change. Started googling and found this video. Talked to a service guy at European auto clinic who was aware of the problem but said I need a new sensor and oil change and cant get me in for a week. I tried this repair and it was obvious once I got it apart this was the problem! Had to go get some oil drained out as it was now overfull. So glad I did this and now Im aware of this issue. Anyone know what dipstick the 2012 Q5 3.2L can be fit with? Thanks so much for your video Auto Ad Builder!

what is the part number for this sensor or what it called ? please

What's the Audi part number for the sensor please

You are hilarious dude thank you for the insightful video💀💀💀💀💀💀

Anyone knows where I can find this on the Audi A4B9 ??? I have the same problem.

"Those guys are fuckin idiots" That's internet gold right there.

I have a question. My audi has 2.0t engine a5 and the oil light came upp on the dashboard asking me to fill up 1 litre. I didint have time to fil it up as I was driving to work. I ignored it. After work when I started my car waiting for the warning light to come again it didint show up this time. I drove another 20km on top of it but no lights. But in the mmi it says oil level is minimum. Should I fill up 1 litre or wait for the light again?

I have an older 2002 A4 that just flashed the "low oil" warning - After watching your video I checked my hood latch sensor and discovered one of the wires had rusted and broken off at the sensor. It broke short, leaving no way to splice it back. I was wondering if it be save to connect the two wires and just leave it, and would that trick the sensor into removing the "low oil" warning?

The electronic gauge is amazingly accurate. I tested it against a dipstick that I purchased for my A5 and it was right on the money every time. So i pretty much wasted my money on a dipstick. I guess I can use it occasionally when the car is parked in the garage, but really why would I when the electronic gauge is spot on every time?

So I "kinda" have the same issue... kinda... so this only started after I had my oil changed. I got this warning which seemed wired as I drive a diesel and never had this issue for a whole year before. I opened the hood for a few times (my hood showed correctly as opened) then the warning went away. Today it came up again so I opened the hood, engine working, closed the hood and turned off the car. Started the car then it went away again. I'm guessing it's the same sensor to blame, right? Thanks for any input!

Dude, you're the best... thank you! one question though; is it possible to reset the mmi (low oil) message without fixing the sensor? Mine IS the hood sensor but a different section of it and not the sensor itself and I cannot, for the life of me, figure out what part of it exactly! Can I unhook the battery or something and reset the damn thing? So annoying! Thanks again

I wonder why so many morons disliked this video. Thank you for posting such a video. I have bought a new senor which wasn't that expensive but saved me from replacing the ECM. Best wishes

i hope this is my issue just bought s q5 9 days into it, that oil min lights showed up

100% 👍

Wow I'm shocked

Hi I have a 2001 A4 3.0 quattro, and still have oil min alert, after watch the video, i discovered that the wires that go into the latch sensor are peeled, if I open the hood i have the alert on the dashboard, and if I open the hood and close it, the oil sensor reset but than it reappear again after some driving. I have just changed oil, oil filter and oil sensor. any advice? thanks a lot

Thanks for the tip. My oil level was reading completely empty right after I changed it and knew it was close to full. I love my Audi’s, but some of the stuff these engineers do, I will never understand

So when we reset the service interval, is there a way to reset the oil level gauge too or does it just automatically measure how much oil we have in the engine?? Does anyone know? Thanks

Lol they are dip sticks! Thanks buddy! Hey Bud would you happen to have a part number ? Also, when I move my hood it goes away. One day it said add oil immediately does that have to do with this too or is that a sensor issue?

I have 2013 Audi q5 . It has started consuming more engine oil as low engine oil sign comes on ( no leakage ) . Some times it comes within a week and I have to add engine oil . I have bought 5 quarts engine oil twice in 3 months in addition to oil service at audi . I think the problem continues even after 2011 models . I don't know how many other people are affected .

I have a 2009 a4 2.0T and going throw this but I'ma try this first thing in the morning because I change every seniors but it's under warranty so no money coming out of me plus 3 places didn't know what to do and not even Audi lol but it's throw 17 cods because of this. Plus it only has 69k miles on it

I have a 2010 Q5 I bought new: it buns 1L oil per 500km a 125'000Km. The hood sensor is broken as shown, everytime I add oil I need to play with it so the car knows I opoened the hood...and I won't mention the broken gearbox I had to fix for $5'000...I wish I had bought a Toyota or Dacia instead, no way I'm spending 1$ with an Audi/VW ever in my lifetime

Watching this makes me thing. all the reviews for the Audi A4 say that it burns too much oil. Can this be the solution?

Hi I have audi q5 2012 I was able to remove the latch by unpluging screws from back however was not able to remove switch. Plz advice how i can remove switch or can i clean without removing switch from latch plz advice Thks

Iv been putting oil in my car after 3 weeks sometimes car is pulling rich or something the mechanics said going see if this works

My Audi told me I had No oil? didn't get any warning lights, I just randomly checked the digital meter. I pulled over and manually checked... It was right!

I'll try that, I did 2 oil changes, replaced also the oil sensor and the oil level is still a low level. I let you know if it works. I hope it's the same configuration on audi a5 tdi 3l. :(

Sir one question my A4 same faltly oil minimum level storage

Does this apply for the 2011 a4 2.0 also?

21Q5 2.0 started eating oil at 57k, oil gauge worked but now says no info available on the screen. Had shop reset the computer at oil change and it worked for a week. Hood sensor reads right, but oil level is not reading. Anyone have any ideas?

I changed it on my 2011 audi q5 and even after a oil change on the same day says oil level low again.

anyone have this prob with A3?

Guys I need your help, is this sensor is the same sensor that tells you when your oil level is too low? You know the yellow one

Does these happen to Q7s also?

Why no dip stick the dip sticks

Ended up being a faulty oil level sensor in the pan

It’s not clear to me from the video how to get to that sensor