Hi,

I have a problem with my 1997 A4 1.8, whereby when the car has been running for a while and is stationary for sometime or crawling along at walking pace e.g. in a traffic jam, the temperature gauge goes above 90. However when I am driving at a constant speed say 50mph, the temperature gauge returns to normal. Does anyone know what the problem could be?

Thanks
M

 

I'm a little confused about what you're talking about. I guess you're talking about the ambient temperature? If so, you probably have a bad sensor and the fix is to replace it. I think it's located under the cabin air filter.

 

Im talking about the coolant temperature gauge. When the car has been running for a while and is stationary, then the needle goes about 90 degrees and approaches 100 degrees. All the time I have had the car, the needle has never gone above 90 degrees.

 

From what it sounds like I dont think you have a problem. When the car is going down the highway there is alot more air moving through the engine bay to cool it down, but when your stopped or going slow there is alot less airflow and the engine will be hotter.

 

Guess i am reviving this post after long, but i faced the same problem. got caught up in Bronx traffic big time for an hour or so, was crawling along, then later on in the same trip was caught in a snarling line for paying toll, both the times the temperature shot up, but immediately upon resuming highway speed, came down to normal...I know it is lack of air circulation, but then is is true that once i leave the car running for an hour, the engine will stall cos of heat? I thought these cars were hardier than that?... :-?

(I have a 99 A4, 2.8L)