HI all,

The water temp gauge has been acting strangely this past week. When I first start driving, its in the middle and then drops pretty suddenly down to the line next to the C. I seem to be getting plenty of heat out of the vents and the level of coolant is correct. I was suspecting either a failed thermostat or perhaps a bad sensor. Unfortunately, it doesn't do the same thing all the time, today, for instance, everything seemed normal with the gauge. Any thoughts?

TIA

 

Bad sensor.

 

try cleaning the sensor connector, if that doesnt do it replace.

 

Its the sensor. Replacement is a PITA, at least on the 6 cylinder engine. There are two different ones depending on the connector so you need to make sure you check it out before you buy the sensor. You can see them here, blue and green: http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/...tegory=Cooling

For 55 cents that clip is a steal. Its so easy to lose that thing while you are trying to replace the sensor. And if you do, you are of course effed. Word to the wise.

Here is a little how to: https://www.audiforums.com/m_472384/tm.htm
Don't think for a second it is as easy as it looks. I felt my way through the whole thing without ever seeing where the sensor actually went and I almost pulled my back by leaning all the way over the hood of the car for so long while trying to do it. So its simple, just really hard to reach / see. Car will be all better though once you change it. Its not the thermostat, you would have bigger problems if it were. Have fun.

 

Thanks all, I'm on it tomorrow.

Neil M.