My engine temperature gauge falls from the normal middle, thicker line to the next line down. My morning commute is about 20 minutes, along 2 highways. My vehicle warms up to the middle, bold line. If I stop my vehicle, let’s say arriving at work, the temp gauge, after 2-5 minutes, will fall to the next line down. I will say this is the 1/4 mark. 0/4 being bottom, 2/4 being the middle, bold line.

Refer to this link for a picture of what I am talking about. This is a photo taken after the car was running and driving on the highway for 20 minutes, and then stopping at a light, still in drive on the road. It’s a bit strange. https://i.imgur.com/BzZpKKa.jpg

I asked my car salesman, and he has told me anywhere in between 1/4 and 2/4 is "normal operating temperature" and I should not be concerned. So I ask you Audi experts, should I be concerned?

Mike

 

It normally shouldn't swing that much. It can be caused by a few different things. You also didn't mention what the outside temp. was. The gauge is designed to run in the middle usually with a 195* thermostat. So you could either have a gauge problem or a thermostat problem or a sending unit problem. The dealer should be able to plug in and tell you what the temp is. I have a BT OBDII connector and use the Torque Pro II app which reads the data from the cars processors in real time. With this you would be able to see which is not functioning correctly.

 

@jagtoes
The temperature has ranged from -19 to +23 where I am. Due to this, it makes me think it might be okay, I just want to make sure, as it worries me.

So I could take my car in, have them measure once at the normal middle, and then again when its possibly acting up?

Thanks,
Mike

 

The function of the thermostat is to maintain an optimum operating temperature of the engine. That is usually around 200*F where the thermostat will open/close to control that range. Yours seems to be slow in response . Now at this point this will not hurt the engine but I would want to have it checked. If the car is running OK and you are not seeing any loss of MPG then I would suspect it is the gauge or sender that is the problem. A good tech should be able to sort it out. I have not seen this condition on either of the A4's that my kid owned and have not seen any posts other then yours that had a similar issue.

 

I agree with what you are saying. I will print this thread and show it to them when I bring it in next. Thanks for all of your help!

Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

I have three Audis and they all run dead-center on the gauge under normal conditions. In very hot (summer) weather, in traffic, they go a bit above like you show. But as soon as I start moving again, down to center.

 

Hey ppogal,

Thanks for the response, I did post this in a few area's, as I needed a fast answer.

The car is going in for this issue on Monday, as its now actually getting worse, and the only way I can get my gauge up is by going 90mph+ on the highway, and then once I slow down, it begins to fall again. Also losing all heat now.

Mike