My sister's 2004 B6 1.8T Quattro has a wacky coolant temp guage. After driving it for a while when it should fully warmed up it sometimes goes to the quater mark, then to the half, then to the quarter. It's just going all over the place for the lower half (it hasnt overheated). Was wondering if there are any suggestions? i'm gussing a thermostat or coolant temp sensor ofcourse. Has anyone experienced this?

Also, as i was driving the car today, when i got home i decided to check the engine bay, and check the underside of the oil cap and oil level. Noticed everything was all good, and the car was driving normal. It was late at night and i could see that cat converter/turbo was glowing red hot. Kind of scary, but my question is that after long use of the car is this typical of a turbo car? or somehow there is too much unburnt fuel going to the exhaust. The car runs absolutely fine. Is this something to be concerned about?

Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

 

Exhaust gas is VERY hot. Because of this, it's normal for turbos to glow red hot after medium to heavy use. Not sure on the temp gauge, but I know the turbo glowing is nothing to worry about - just make sure you don't drive the car too hard for the last few minutes before you shut it off in order to allow the turbo to cool. This prevents the oil that sits in the turbo once the pump stops circulating it from basically getting cooked, which can cause all sorts of nasty issues over the long term.

 

thanks a lot for the reply. I will definitely tell her when she comes home to let the car idle for a bit to cool the turbo down. The car doesn't get driven that hard, but because we live on top of the mountains im sure the turbo is working most of the time.

My guess is it is the thermostat, is this a relatively easy job? is there a thermostat itself or is there a thermostat assembly. I saw a thermostat assembly in a parts catalogue and it was $180...

 

the coolant temp sensor is cheaper and easier. Might want to try that first.

http://www.raimotorsport.com/product-p/059919501a.htm

and if that doesn't work

http://www.raimotorsport.com/product-p/06b121111k.htm

 

http://www.genuinevwaudiparts.com/pa...layCatalogid=0

supercheap here