Aloooha All,
My check engine light came on 3 days after I replaced my timing belt [2003 A6 3.0 65k] The symptoms were start sequence erratic (cooling fan coming on then off) lights dimming due to the extra load on the electrical system. At idle with the car hot the RPMs haunt (vary rhythmically by 200) .
Had the car coded my mechanic and the Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS) flagged.
Dude said easy fix just buy the part $26 and plug and play.
So i went after the CTS first under the car (wrong)
Now Ive found it behind the engine under the air intake.
#1 any tricks to get the intake off so i can access the CTS?
#2 should I replace/clean anything while I have the intake off?
#3 Special tools? Torks????
Pics tomorrow!!!
Thanks

 

I'm pretty certain that our techs don't have to remove the intake to change the sensor on a 3.0...they might disconnect/remove the air intake boot though.
It's best to to change it when the engine is dead-cold...you'll loose less coolant and won't risk burning yourself. You'll need the following parts:

059-919-501-A - Coolant temp. sensor
N-903-168-02 - O-ring
032-121-142 - Retaining clip

 

You don't remove the intake. unless you mean the tubes they just pull off.

The sensor is held in with a c-clip when you order your sensor get a clip also. You will most likely loose it or break it.

It's a simple job made difficult by the amount of space to work in. Once out apply a little Vaseline or KY-Jelly to your o-ring and slide the new one in.

 

Thanks for the replies! so right you don't remove the intake! Tight spot though, I got a hold of it however i could not work it out [YET]. I was really there for photos and only spent 10 minutes with my hand buried, twisted jammed & skinned in the rear of my fiance's engine!

 

Victory! small screw diver freed the C clip. The sensor was trashed and the o ring was nothing but grease {disintegrated}. Check engine has not gone off how ever Ive not test driven it either. To Victor Goes Horsepower!
Repainting the grill next