My temperature gauge on the dashboard never moves and I've been losing a lot of engine coolant over the last few months. Based on what I've read, these sensors tend to go out a lot. I was able to remove the sensor using this post http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng66.shtml. However, the problem I came across is the retaining clip. The author made it sound like his clip was removed going towards the back of the car. My clip was seated toward the front, ie I had to pull the clip off the sensor housing by moving the clip toward the front of the the car with a screwdriver, this was an absolute bitch to accomplish. I dont see how I can reseat the clip since there is no room for your hands let alone leverage. Question, can I reseat the clip facing the opposite direction, pushing the clip back on so the bottom of the U is pointed at the back of the car instead of how it was OEM seated, with the U facing the front of the car.

 

Yes. it can go in the opposite direction. Replace clip & o-ring when doing the sensor.

 

And make sure you get the old o-ring out before seating the new one on the sensor.