I just bought my '03 A4, used of course. I have driven it for several hours continuously on the interstate, and have been driving it in the city for several days now, and have had no engine temp. issues. This morning, I had a short, 5 mile ride in traffic on the interstate, then i had to sit in line to go through a security checkpoint for about 6 minutes. The car ran and idled fine, however when I was about to leave the checkpoint, my coolant warning came on and I noticed the temp. gauge was about 3/4 of the way to the HOT line, when it normally hangs around the 1/2 way mark. I checked the coolant, and the expansion tank was filled to right where it should be. I got back in the car, the light went off, and the temp. went back down to normal? Anyone have any idea what this might be? If i take it to an autozone or somewhere, could there computer pick up a problem?

 

it's possible that it's a faulty coolant temp sensor...i just had mine replaced but i have a 98. it also threw my CEL and had a ignition issue so it may be different for urs. Your temp sensor shouldn't be bad already tho, i don't think...??

 

They might have done some maintenance that requires the coolant to be drained thus when they filled it back up there was an air bubble stuck somewhere. If that air bubble hit or made it to your CTS then it would read hotter until it cleared. It can take bubbles a long time to get out of a system.

Josh

 

My temp reads in the middle after driving ten minutes,is that common to run in the middle?

 

Yup, if it's anywhere different then there is something wrong. LOL

Josh

 

Don't you have another post for the same problem?

 

i haven't really heard of anyone having the same problem as me but right after i bought my car it started over heating...the dealer had the flnage changed which is a common problem but it ended up being the impellar in the water pump. the delaer i got it from paid and talked to the mechanic so i dont know the cost and the nuts and bolts of it, but thats my story.