I have had a dead oil temp guage on my '96 A6 since I got the car a little while ago. I just replaced the temp sensor (another thing that should be done when you replace the timing belt!) and the needle finally moves, but no higher that approximately 90 degrees Celsius. This seems low. A straight up needle would indicate about 130 degrees C. I took the car on the highway and backroads, but no higher than 90 degrees. Note: It was 32 degrees F outside.

What is the normal operating temperature?

Thanks

 

90 degrees celcuis is more than good. I would say its fine.
Normal would be around 120 degrees F.

 

Are you sure you dont mean 120 degrees C instead of F, since on the US models the oil temp doesnt even start until 150 degrees F and notmal on mine during this weather is usually around 200 degrees F and close to 240-250 when im driving hard.it could be a thermostat problem, mine went out after 30k miles and was holding the oilt temp gauge pretty low even with hard driving until i changed it.

 

Yep your right, i meant to write 220 degrees F.

 

Mine reads 225 degrees F in hot weather, and 175 F on cold days.

 

Thank's for the responses. I'll take a trip through Death Valley to see if I can get the needle to move a little more!!!