I have a 96 A4 2.8Q with 120K. Today was a pretty hot day for Santa Cruz (86 degrees) so I decided to go to the beach. When I returned to my car, the coolant temp level was a bit past where it should be. After a little driving, it returned to the regular spot. Is this serious or normal?


thanks for your help!
Michael

 

happens to me as well. like when i get gas and turn the car back on, the temp raises, but as i startt o drive, it returns to normal.
i dont know if thats supposed to happen, but its been going on sincew i got my a4

 

when you returned to your car... you mean you left it idling? If thats the case, then yeah, your temp being a little above normal, is quite normal... just like in bumper to bumper traffic, the car might get a wee bit hotter than usual.

 

Do the usual things...check your coolant level, make sure the fan works, and that the A/C fan works.

When was the last time you changed your thermostat?

It is normal for the coolant temp to be higher if you park your car for a short time. The engine has a lot of stored heat which is transferred to the coolant. Because the car isn't moving, there is no way to get rid of the heat, until you turn on the engine and start driving.

 

Thanks guys...that answers my question.