I have a bog standard 1997 Audi A3 1.6.

The temperature gauge rarely moves on the dashboard. I assume it's either the sensor switch or the thermostat.

I want to change the sensor first to save myself some money. Can anyone point me in the right direction on how to locate it within the engine compartment and replace it?

 

Come one someone must be able to point me in the right direction...

 

i know its been a while, but did you ever figure this out? I've noticed the same issue with my 2006 A3.

 

I will chime in here, was just looking for info on this and didn't want to start a thread.
Will be interesting if the OP can share their results if any.
My temp gauge has started this. Noticed the gauge would sometimes bump a fraction when the engine was started but not go any higher. Later the gauge would suddenly display normal temp. I had checked for water/coolant level & appearance and located the water temp sensor on the motor. Last time it happened I connected my code reader and went to the active data screen. My water temp rose to 165-170 degrees F and stayed there. I then wiggled the temp sensor/wiring into it and it has worked since. Figure I will be replacing the temp sensor sometime in the future!

 

Did you get a CEL on?

My OBD scanner popped up P2181, which I believe is for the Performance Malfunction in Cooling System.

I rescanned and B3800, B2800 & B2000 showed up.
I'm not sure what these fault codes are for?

Can anyone help.. please?

 

p2181 - 18613/P2181/008577 - Ross-Tech Wiki

not sure about the other codes - B= Body Codes

 

I did not have a CEL. Code reader did return a P2181 "cooling system performance" code.
Looked in the manual and didn't find much help on what would trigger it but no codes showing now and temp gauge is still working as expected.

 

Not sure what you have there. My manual only lists P and a small number of U codes, none starting with B.

 

Yea... that was a bit confusing. I wonder if those popped up only because I rescanned.

Thanks for the link 01 Avant.

Taking it in to get looked at this weekend. Hopefully, it will be fixed for good.

 

let us know how you make out.