I took my car to a mechanic recommended by a 'friend",the temperature gauge was at all times low, they make a diagnostic and they said that the thermostat had to be changed, ok $60 for diagnostic, 140 for labor+75 thermostat & coolant, they did it, but when i check the car the engine cover was broke, of course they tried to hid it, also a hose was damaged, I was upset, they said that that was not theyr's fault, but finally i got the mechanic "paid" for the hose and the engine cover,im going tomorrow so they can replace the hose and the cover (if they have it already) but thats not all, the temperature gauge still not working !!! at the end I didnt pay for labor ( $140) If the mechanic refuses to fix that what could I do? I know the problem could be the temperature sensor, and its about $20,and i can do it myself, but thats why they make the diagnostic for, so they make me spend $75 already, should i tell em to fix it completely even though i didnt pay for labor?

 

This is where you have to step back and assess the entire situation. You spent $75 for one new t-stat, and to have two broken parts replaced. Do you want to spend the other $140 (presuming you can get a court to call the diagnostic and estimate a "contract") and risk them damaging whatever else they might whilst in there?

If this were my Audi, I'd get the part they messed up and walk away clean and never go back.

You say the gauge reads low - where does it read? Mine is always dead in the middle, no fluctuation that I've ever noticed. Some might say that is not right either. We need to keep in mind too that factory "gauges" are little more than glorified idiot lights and are susceptible to deviation and differences, and only an after market gauge should be considered a valid value. Though, yes, the sender is very easy to change.

--MIKE--

 

You should get the money they owe you for broken parts and get refunded money for work completed incorrectly, and run... not go back.

 

the gauge in not in the middle, i know its supposed to be there but this one is all the way down, im going over with the mechanic, if they dont have the parts im gonna ask them to give me the money.. thanks for the replies

 

if the temp gauge dosent work its the ect sensor, a sinply $20 item. 5 minute job ont eh 1.8t and 30 minute DIY job ont he v6

 

i read that just after i had that problem, ok good news, i ordered the hose and the cover from the dealer, the mechanic paid for the cover ($120) and i paid 4 da hose, it was already damage so i had to replace that soon anyway, now im just gonna buy the sensor, blue or green? I'll check that later...

 

im pretty sure they are green but check on that first. and dont go back to that garage. oh and punch your friend in the mouth. the last one is optional but recomended.

 

i will...

 

thats usually common with most mechanics, they break something while they are working so you have to go back and get it fixed so they can get more money