My Audi Says 'Please Drain Oil'

It can be alarming when your Audi suddenly displays 'Please Drain Oil.' Now, you're wondering what could be the cause of this concern. Also, what can you do to get rid of it? We researched these concerns for your convenience, and here's what we found.

An Audio displaying the 'Please Drain Oil' message often indicates it has excess engine oil. Check your Audi's oil levels by looking at the dipstick in the vehicle's hood. Draining any extra oil you find should get rid of that error message.

Aside from draining excess engine oil, that message may still appear in your Audi. If so, your vehicle may have an underlying issue. So continue reading as we discuss other possible suspects that may trigger the 'Please Drain Oil' message.

2 Reasons An Audi Displays' Please Drain Oil' [And Their Possible Fixes]

Catalytic Converter Failure

A catalytic converter is generally responsible for filtering harmful byproducts from a vehicle's exhaust. Your Audi should have this assembly as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened its stance against cars producing harmful emissions to the environment.

Overfilling your Audi may also harm the catalytic converter. If so, the 'Please Drain Oil' message may not disappear, even if you drain your vehicle's excess engine oil.

How To Fix

Replacing an Audi's catalytic converter may restore your vehicle's normal functions. Completing this task might also remove the 'Please Drain Oil' message.

But bear in mind that the process for replacing an Audi's catalytic converter typically depends on the vehicle's specific model. In particular, an Audi A4 catalytic converter replacement operation may require different steps when compared to the same swapping task for an Audi Q5.

Nonetheless, here are the steps to replace the catalytic converter in an Audi Q5 to help you know how to complete this procedure using DIY techniques. Also, the steps highlighted below should apply to Audi Q5 models made from 2017 to 2021:

What You'll Need

Wheel chocks
Panel remover
Floor jack
Jack stands
Torx screwdriver
Replacement catalytic converter

Step-By-Step Guide

Step #1: Secure The Vehicle

Park your Audi in a safe spot with proper ventilation and flat, level ground. Allow its engine to cool down before opening the hood. You can also chock the wheels to ensure the vehicle doesn't move or roll away while you're working on it.

Step #2: Remove Different Components

At this point, you should be looking at your Audi's engine block. Disconnect the negative battery cable from its terminal. That way, you can avoid current coursing through the vehicle, which might otherwise risk a short circuit.

Next, use a panel remover to remove the engine cover. Then, use an appropriately sized ratchet and socket to loosen and remove the bolts securing the fresh air duct. Pull out that hose and the connected airbox afterward.

Use another appropriately sized ratchet and socket to unthread and remove the bolts securing the bracket holding the intake arm.

Tip: Keep the removed bolts in a secure yet still obvious location. That way, you won't lose those fasteners, which may otherwise delay the completion of this replacement process.

Step #3: Expose The Catalytic Converter

Use your panel remover again to take out the covers underneath the engine block. Then, remove the bolts securing the heat shield and pull out that assembly afterward. Next, use a Torx screwdriver to unthread and remove the Torx bolts on the exhaust pipe assembly.

Remove the exhaust clamp nut with a ratchet and socket of the correct size. You should now be able to pull out the exhaust pipe assembly and set it aside temporarily. Now, you should have a clear view of the bad catalytic converter.

Tip: Raise the vehicle with a floor jack if you need additional clearance as you remove the parts. Don't forget to install jack stands for additional support.

Step #4: Replace The Catalytic Converter

While underneath your Audi, remove the nut securing the catalytic converter. Then, move to the engine block and remove three additional nuts securing the catalytic converter.

Pull out and transfer the oxygen sensor, which should allow you to remove the worn catalytic converter.

Install the new catalytic converter in the same location as the old unit. Then, go through the previous steps in reverse order to return the parts you removed from underneath the vehicle and its engine block.

Step #5: Test The New Catalytic Converter

After returning and securing all the previously removed parts, lower your Audi to the ground if you raised it. Turn on its engine, and check if the new catalytic converter is working as intended. Also, don't forget to check the dashboard or center display if the 'Please Drain Oil' message persists.

Check out this replacement Audi catalytic converter on Amazon.

You can also watch this video if you need a visual guide for this replacement process:

If you're curious about learning how to replace a catalytic converter in an Audi B6, watch the video below:

Take note that it's possible to bypass a catalytic converter. That way, you might still be able to drive your Audi to a nearby garage or automotive repair center. Learn about this procedure by following that link.

Faulty Oil Level Sensor

Your Audi's oil level sensor is a component generally found in the vehicle's oil tank. This part can become worn, leading to an incorrect reading. So it can be the main culprit for the car displaying 'Please Drain Oil,' even if it is within a recommended level.