So, it did turn out to be the thermostat after all. But, my appointment to get it fixed is not until the following weekend.

Is it ok to keep driving till then? I don't notice any performance issues.

 

hansum, that call is up to you. I would plug in a code reader, go to the active data display and watch your water temp as the motor warms up. Drive around the block or a short distance. If it stays below a non extreme water temp then use it as little as possible until fixed. Keep the code reader hooked up as a water temp display while using until repair? If the water temp keeps going up I would park it until repairs are done.

 

hs, do hope you got your troubles cleared. I finally got to my gauge not working after it actually stopped working all together. I had determined the ECT sensor on the lower radiator hose must be the problem. The one on the back of the block was working according to my code reader and finally looked in my manual for the instrument cluster/fuel gauge wiring & it to me to the second ECT sensor. Local VW mechanic determined the same & replaced it. Has not been long yet but the temp gauge is still working.