HI,
So since my temp gauge is acting strange by not reaching the middle point and staying there after driving for a while, I decided to change the Coolant Temp Sensor, and after that didnt fix the issue i have decided to replace the Thermostat
I have a 2001 Audi A4 1.8t
I noticed that its sort of behind the alternator, this large tube on the driver side was in the way so i removed that to have a better access to unscrew the thermostat. i am not sure if anyone has done it this way, is it possible to just go ahead and replace it without removing the alternator and stuff?
the one negative thing is that when i was trying to unscrew the rench sort of touched the back of the alternator and caused it to spark, i assume i have to dissconnet the alternator from the battery before doing this?
any tips would be appreciated, i have never done this type of work so those of you who have please let me know the easiest way i can complete this job

Thanks a lot

 

If you have some funky tools, and SMALL hands, you can do it without removing the alternator...I would DEFINATELY disconnect the battery. the 'book' calls to take the alternator out....but, like I said, with some special tools and SMALL hands, disconnect the wire going to the alternator, and you can just take the thermostat out...just be careful...again, it IS alot easier IF you take the alternator off.....

 

yeah you are right, i was just not familiar with removing and re-installing the alternator or else i would do it , do you think it would have damage to it just because the rench touched it and caused the spark?
also the thing is if i disconnect the battery then i have to get a radio password from dealership ect.. thats another thing.
but so if i was just to loosen the coolant cap to release pressure then from behind the alternator unscrew the bolts and replace the o-ring and the thermostat and screw it back up as it was should be fine?

Thanks

 

sparks happen...use some coated rubber tools....and be careful, if your car still starts and runs, I'd think no damage was done, but you never know.....if you don't want to disconnect the battery, then just be careful......

you shouldn't have to take coolant hose off...get a little mirror to look with a light...I'm guessing you want to take the alternator off....right? then yes, you have to remove the hose...

I know this sounds weird, but MOST audi's Ive had, me or someone else had written the radio unlock digit code ONTOP of the radio when you pull it out...you can get the radio remove tools at walmart for under 5 bucks....

 

hey btw thanks for all the help,
I just decided to cover the positive part of the wire which is connected to the alternator so i dont touch the wire again with tools.
so i managed to unscrew and remove the old thermostat and all my coolant drained out the new thermostat looked slightly different but i guess that differes from the brand. I fit the new one in there and put the gasket over it and screwed the plastic gover back on.
Now i have 3 leters of g12 antifreeze and i need to refill. I was wondering if you would have an answer to this.. i was planning on looking up how to do a flush, basically run water threw the collant and so it cleans it all up before putting in the new coolant . and also one more thing. this g12 i have do i have to mix 50% distilled water and 50% g12 coolant?
thanks for any info

 

ROFL @ funky tools

 

First off, I'm a little concerned that your thermostat 'looks different'??? it should look about the same brotha....

As far as g12, depending on where you live, climate etc..the bottle should tell you what mixture to use....if you are refilling the system, you shouldn't use greater than 60% concentration of G-12, and I would use distilled, or de-mineralized water for the mixing....so 50/50 is ok...TAP water MAY contain some minerals and 'junk' that might cause long term damage to the system....

 

Morpheus, makes me laugh every time too...but it's true, german engineering and all... hahahahahahah