I recently did some extensive work on my '03 2.7T (127,000 miles) to correct an overheating issue. I found that the water pump wasn't functioning correctly. I just did a timing belt job and replaced it last January in 2012, and then had that same brand new pump seize. Go figure. At least this time around it only took me a day or so. The rest of the time I was waiting on parts to do my valve covers.

Prior to this I was seeing coolant temps of around 106C according to vag-com. After the pump swap I'm seeing temps of about 96/97C when the outside temp was about 55F. Is this normal? Also, at what coolant temperature should the aux. coolant fan turn on behind the radiator (Right above the lower radiator hose).

Some other info that might help:

I did change out the thermostat for an Audi genuine one rated for 87C. I also bled the coolant system from the coolant bleed screw on top of the engine, as well as the heater core as well. The heat blows hot air, and after driving for about 4 miles I can feel the top radiator hose to be fairly hot, whereas the bottom radiator hose is warm.

I'm kinda stuck here as I'm not sure if the 2.7T should run that hot, or if something else could be causing her to run hot.

 

Don't know what coolant temp an A6 should run specifically but 96C seems normal, its only just over 200F. Also I don't know what temp the Auxillary Fan will come on at but I've only head mine run twice in 6 years of ownership....an when it did it was after driving on a super hot summer day (100F +).