My car overheats when I am in traffic on hot days. Someone told me to check both my lower and uper radiator hoses and if one of them (in my case the bottom one) is somewhat cold or should I say not as hot as the other one that the thermostat is bad? I checked for leaks but nothing... So I think I'm going to replace the thermostat but I can't find a good writeup I have a 97 1.8T A4... Does this seem right? Also if anyone can direct me to a good write up I would really appreciate it... THANKS!

 

bump

 

the thermostat is near the water pump, which is behind the timing belt. This is a good write up... http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng35.shtml

 

have you replaced the water pump before some of the fins may be broken not allowing proper circulation at idle. also may want to check the fanclutch. both of these can be effected at idle but work fine during acceleration.