My A6 2.7T is ~10 yrs old and thought I'd do this repair myself. Got a P0118 MIL code that I managed to pull with a code scan tool I picked up from Kragen Auto. I have the replacement sensor, the O-ring and the clip.

I searched the forum and the link (http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng47.shtml) advised me the steps to replace the ECT sensor. This is where I started running into problems. Managed to take the clip out, but coolant started to leak as I pulled the old sensor out. I quickly put it back and the old clip in place. It's a little messy down there now ...
- Is that spill a cause for concern? Am unable to clean it - hard to reach down there.
- How do I go about sucking the coolant down to a level where I can swap the sensor out?

Anyone who can help me out here? This is my first DIY venture. Want to feel good about having done this task myself instead of taking it to a shop. Look fwd to a response.

thanks

 

If I were you, I would first let the car cool down (preferably overnight) before attempting anything.
Secondly, I would back the car up on a couple of ramps - if you have them. That way most of the coolant will "move" toward the radiator and minimize the coolant loss - laws of gravity.
Thirdly, I would have the new sensor handy, so I could grab it right away without scrambling for it. Unscrew the old one and plug the hole with your other hand; put the old sensor down and grab the new one; screw it in quickly and you're done.
Top off the coolant after you finish the job.

Oh...almost forgot the other part. The spill shouldn't be of any concern unless you don't replenish what you lost.

 

Ya.. just have the o-ring and new clip ready to go first. If you can get someone to pull the old one while you put in the new, it'll go much faster.

Dont worry about the coolant spill, it's only cleaning the grunge off

 

Thank you all for the tips - it was indeed very useful.

Getting the adapter off the old ECT sensor was the most painful part. Had some dirty rags underneath to soak up the coolant spill. I was able to swap the bad sensor out with little spill. The O-ring was in pretty bad shape as well...

Anyways, total damage to my wallet for new ECT sensor+O-ring+clip was <$10 and the experience, priceless. I was able to clear the MIL code and everything seems to be A ok...

 

Awsome..

 

Another one for the Gipper
Good work.