OK I'm a noob to this forum, or a least no longer just a lurker.The patient is a 96 2.8l auto w175k mi. Bought it for my daughter in dec. now that it's warmer out it's stated to overheat at times. The coolant level is full, the heater core has been replaced as well as the wp. My first move will be to replace the thermostat and I am planning on replacing the viscous fan clutch. The aux fan is operating when in A/C is on. So my question is, is there something else I should be looking at that I am missing?? TIA

 

you sure its over heating and not just a faulty sensor?

 

Agreed - first change out the coolant temp sensor. They're notorious for failure on these cars and can give you all kinds of wrong readings. It's about $20-25 and not a difficult changeout. That being said, if that doesn't do it, I'd definitely do the thermostat, which IS much more invasive - you'll have to remove the front of the car (search "service position" on this forum, or find the timing belt DIY on www.audiworld.com - it'll walk you through it).

While you're in there, your mileage is such that if you haven't done the timing service for the second time yet, you definitely should do it now. Audi has had a number of recommended mileage intervals for that service but most of us do it every 60-70k (which is under some of the recommended intervals, but we'd rather be safe than sorry). If you have proof that it was done within that timeframe, then don't sweat it so much, but you will be in there and it may be better peace of mind to just go ahead and do it while the car is opened up.

 

Just how hot does it get? Does it boil over or does the needle just go higher than normal? Does it go high at any speed or only over, say, 60mph?

Is the shroud still intact? What shape is the radiator in? Does it have all its fins? Is it full of grime/bugs?

Whats the shape of the coolant? Get it checked to make sure its not over 50/50. More than 60% coolant actually cools less than water. Why was the heater replaced? Clogged? A cleaning flush and refill might be in order, especially if crappy 'green' coolant was used as it clogs things up if not flushed every 2 years or so.

What shape is the accessory belt in? Is it still tight?

The fan clutch replacement is a good idea regardless.

 

Thanks for the replies this far, let me see the timing belt has been replaced within the last 30-40k mi so I'm not concerned with that at this point. I'm kinda disappointed that the thermostat is buried but none the less I will be changing it. To bad I didn't realize that the coolant temp sensor was such an issue or I would have ordered that too. Is there only one sensor for the gauge and light??
Jim, after a short 20 min or so drive indicated temp is about 1 line below the H. The fan shroud is indeed intact as is the lower engine shield. The heater core was replaced due to leakage,not plugged. The coolant appears to be in excellant condition, pink, not the green stuff. The serp belt is in good condition, it would appear tight but I didn't put a wrench on it and actually check tension, no squealing from it either. I don't know if it actually boils over since I don't get a chance to drive it very often!

 

Well, a month later, $450 poorer, I finally have the overheating issue under control. Started by replacing the thermostat which cured the original problem unfortunately the water pump failed a day later . Ended up doing the whole timing belt/water pump ordeal. Running fine so far so good.

 

Sucks... but cool