Hi everyone. New owner
Just bought a 1996 A4 Avant 2.6, low mileage 82,000 miles with full Audi service history 19 stamps only 2 previous owners. In great condition a few small issues. No hesitations in buying as this is my 2nd A4 2.6 my other one is a 1995 with 159,000 miles and still running well.
New one got a sticking sunroof (not needed this time of year!) and the engine temperature gauge is staying low showing 60 degrees when driving but will go up to 90 degrees if left ticking over.
Can I ask for help for:- where is the engine temperature sensor located? Want to try changing this first. Is it easy to change? Tried thread search and cant really find a direct answer
Thanks

 

Sounds like a stuck thermostat to me...but that's just my .02

 

Could be, but the ECT sensor is cheaper and easier to get to than the t-stat. I always like to troubleshoot problems by ordering the possible solutions from easiest and cheapest to most expensive and most difficult, because I'm cheap and lazy LOL

OP, unfortunately the 2.6 wasn't offered in the states so we're not going to know a ton about it, but I can only assume it's similar to the 2.8L 12v V6 we got here in 97 and early 98. Given that assumption, your coolant temp sensor *should* be on a coolant pipe behind the passenger's side (bank1) cylinder head. It will be a small colored (blue, green, possibly black) plug with a 4-pin connector plugged into it.

 

Usually sunroof issues are related to bent or dirty contacts in the sunroof rotary switch.

 

Thanks guys not sure ECT or thermostat. Surprised they didn't change the thermostat when they changed the water pump when doing the timing belt. Like yourself will do cheapest to most expensive. Will order ECT and change it first as it an easy job.
Have found several threads for sunroof since posting as said don't think wise this time of year to muck about with it. Got 6 inches of snow at the moment and its still coming down.