The temperature gauge on my 2001 A4 usally stays on the leftmost end pointing at C, however when the engine is idle it slowly climbs up and ends up pointing at the middle between C and H - but no further than that. I know usually the normal position for the temperature gauge needle on most cars is the middle so I wouldn't even pay much attention to it except that for my A4 it is always pointing at C under normal driving conditions. Is that something to be worried about? How does the gauge behave for most B5 A4s to everyone's knowledge?

Also, probably unrelated, but wanted to mention that my heater started blowing very hot on any temperature setting except for LO, on the LO setting it correctly blows ambient or cold. Seems like it cannot properly determine the inside temeprature. Could the cabin temperature sensor have gone bad?

thanks

 

Those two issues seem to contradict each other. The temp gauge should always be in the middle at operating temp. You typically see your issue when someone puts too much anti-freeze in the engine, but your heater issue tells you that the coolant is getting plenty hot.

I (personally) would start off by replacing the coolant temp sensor. It's the only thing I can think of that might cause both issues.

G/L

 

Replace the coolant temperature sensor. My first started doing wacky stuff and replaced it with one that pretty quickly started doing what you are describing. After replacing it it was spot on in the middle.

 

Thanks everyone for your input. I will replace the coolant temp sensor and see how it goes from there.
Of all the cars I've ever had only one had the temp gauge constantly at the C edge - an old Saab 9000, I was told it was by design.
I will see whether replacing the sensor will affect the heater air temperature as well, else I will tackle that issue separately.

I appreciate the help!

 

Wanted to post a belated update: I replaced the engine coolant temp sensor and everything is back to normal, the gauge behaves as it should. Thanks again!