Volkswagen Repair: Repair, pam pam, oil pickup

Question
I have 2001 Passat that the oil light came on and said stop....any idea what the problem might be ...oil pump? Estimated cost?

Thanks
Pam

Answer
Pam,
 I could be numerous things:
- Low oil, due to leaking, burning or lack of maintenance.
- Bad oil pump.
- Clogged oil passage(s) or oil pickup tube.
- Bad oil pressure sensor.

It is true, you should NOT run the car until you get this figured out; it could severely damage your engine very quickly (within minutes) if there actually is no oil pressure.
 As far as the cost, from $5 to $500, depending on the actual diagnosis.

Rick