Once again, Audi runs cold despite changing stat & sensor. Fed up.

[ck_uk]

Hi we have a 2003 1.9TDi B6 model. This car seems to be plagued by low temperature indication.

Previously to resolve this, we've changed the temp sensor which worked for a while, then eventually (after some months) went back to showing cold again. At that point, we changed the water thermostat after which the temp then showed 85 degrees during normal operation. This worked for a few months but now again the temp is showing cold again.

Current symptoms-
Temp gauge does not rise much above cold at any point
Heater works fine

Should we replace the sensor again or the stat (with a genuine Audi part)?

Or just take a lumphammer to the car and smash it to smithereens, which admittedly won't affect the cars temperature but will warm me up no doubt.

[nevo]

Hold off on the lump hammer,its got to be one or the other,have you got vcds?to check the coolant temp reading going to the ecu,its good practice to always use genuine temp sensors,where did you get the temp sensor from?

[rowdy-999]

If the heater works,normally then the stat is operating correctly.
It will be either the gauge, sensor or a wiring problem.

Its hardly a massive problem for a 13 year old car, so lay off the lump hammer!

[ck_uk]

Not sure how to check the reading going to ECU, sensor was a cheap one (non genuine). Fitted about 2 or 3 years ago but this problem has resurfaced only recently. Maybe one of these would be better? -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COOLANT-TE...oAAOxyzTJTjvEF

[soobusdriver]

My 1.9Tdi temp gauge was below half when hot, so when I had my timing belt changed I also had the thermostat and temp sensor changed for genuine parts. It ran fine for a week and then the temp gauge showed the same about 85 when hot and got worse. I had the garage look at it and they then changed the thermostat and sensor again for genuine. it's been working great since.
I've read somewhere on here I think that when you change the thermostat you might as well change the temp sensor, and use genuine for both.
Best of luck!

[arman123]

I had this problem a few years ago temp sensor and stat was changed for genuine one stat was done by dealer when cam belt was done the sensor I changed my self still after I got it back from dealer the temp would not sit at 90 always about 85 ish so went back to dealer saying the cars overcooling they checked it all out and said you need to replace the radiator I wasnt having any of that and refused to have them change the rad got the car home at had a look myself I bought a new genuine stat with oring took the stat off I had a good look at the housing were the stat sits the two tabs on the housing were not there this is were the stat turns and locks into housing so bought a new housing from tps changed it over put it all back together at it has sat on 90 till then problem sorted I think with out the tabs the stat does not seat properly with the engine so always coolant seeping through over cooling engine

[fourringsrus]

I dont want to come across rude, but we have all said on countless previous sender related issues, dont ponce about using cheap replacement items 2 or 3 times, just go genuine at first and do the job once,
Again not being clever or rude, good luck

Stuart