man, your fine. i have a 1.8 it takes a while for it to even get off the cold side. probably like 5 miles. you should let it warm up for like 5 minutes before you drive then take it out and see if its any different. thats what i did when i though i had this problem

 

I noticed today that like it kinda fluctuates from almost being in the middle to the one dash towards the cold side, its weird i think its when i am at stop light or so thats when it starts to almost reach the middle stick. pretty strange huh? what you guys think i should do to fix it ?

 

I have pretty much the same problem but with a 2.8, could this be a problem with the coolant temp sensor? because I'm getting a "incorrect range" CEL code for it..hmmm

 

Timing belt is essential. I would do it sooner than later. The stock tensioners on some models are kind of crappy and people have posted about them failing. Not sure what you have since you have not listed. Make sure you do everything-Timing belt, all other belts, tensioner, roller, water pump, thermostat+housing, seals. Since the water pump is being done coolant will be required. There is a lot of stuff posted on this forum, just do a search.

If the belt is shiny or any other imperfections that could be an indication to change, however you can't really tell. The piece of mind is worth just doing it. Also make sure you get a water pump with a metal impeller. Stock ones are plastic. In addition the front clip needs to be taken off so it's a job for sure. Stealer will charge about 1500 but a shop will do it for like 600 700.

 

sorry, i have the 01 a4 1.8t sport model. it currently has about 67900 k on it so i was thinking time is around the corner to change all that stuff and also how would i be able to check the timing belt for those things u listed. do i have to take off the engine lid and such..?

 

The best way to tell is with service records. Since you got the car with under 60000 I would bet that it was not done. The timing belt is in the front(big belt rapped around pullys), no engine lid taking off required if we're thinking of the same thing. A lot of timing belts fail at 80000 but it is recommended to change them at 70000. For me it was worth the piece of mind to get it done. It is difficult to tell if a timing belt was done by looking at it. If you don't have records and are not able to attain any records than just do it...this is my opinion.

 

like previous members have stated its best to go by the book and just change it at the recomended intervals.
If you want to inspect the [timing]belt however: in most cars you will find a cover on the fron of the eng. to protect the belt from things like oil, grease, and the elements that would cause it age/wear faster... (my 2.8 has it, i imagine most do but idk) so you would have to take this 'cover' off and check it out
[here's a good site http://www.jeepnotes.com/Default.asp...okieSupport=1]
and then there's the tensioner...