1958 Harry
17th September 2009, 09:32
If you are getting the flashing or solid blue temp light at any time OTHER than when the car is cold (its normal for the blue temp light to stay on at start-up and until the cars warmed up) then its very likely your Coolant Temp Sensor is packing up. You can double check its this using VagCom. I didn't as I'd lent my cable to someone else, and it was intermittent on mine so might not have logged a code anyway. Plus its such a cheap and easy fix if in doubt its worth doing anyway :)
This is a VERY easy job. Dont be fooled into paying the stealers a fortune to change it!
I will add pics later, I forgot to take any when changing mine, but I'll get some of the sensor location etc and update this thread later :)
Heres my how to do it:
Tools required: Flat bladed screwdriver.
First things first identify which type of sensor you have, theres two an early and a late type. The late type is identified by a green tip where the connector fits and the connector itself is rounded, the early type has a bluey green tip and the connector is more square in appearance.
My reccomendation is get the sensor from the dealers, ok its a tenner more expensive than somewhere like GSF but this is an important piece in controlling the engine temp so I wouldn't scrimp there. Whilst you are there you also need a new 'O' Ring and securing clip as well as if you are anything like me you will lose the clip when you ping it off! Also get some more G12 Coolant just in case you lose any.
You need to change this when the engine is cool, this will a) stop you burning yourself and b) minimise the amount of coolant you lose!
Begin by loosening off the expansion tank cap until any pressure is released from the system, then retighten it fully - this will help minimise coolant loss by creating a vacum.
Ok start by removing the engine cover, to do this you need to remove the dipstick (again on the 2.0) and then the cover just simply pulls off. On the 2.0 the coolant temp sensor is on the right hand side of the engine (as you are looking at it) and is located in the big fat pipe that comes out of the top of the radiator, just below the oil filler.
Next take your flat bladed screwdriver and release the plastic securing clip. Then pull the sensor out the pipe. a small amount off coolant will escape here but it should be a minute amount if you've followed my steps above. Pull the electrical connector off the sensor (its easier to do it once the sensors out as the connector is difficult to remove in-situ) take the new sensor, fit the new 'O' Ring (or use the existing 'O' Ring off the old sensor if you've forgotten to buy one!) and push the sensor into the aperture until you feel it seat itself. Push the clip back on, and refit the connector.
Double check the coolant level and top up as necessary. Start the car up and let if run for a bit to check for any leaks.
To be sure there wasn't any air in the system I left the expansion tank cap off and the heaters on full inside the car and let the engine get up to temp so it could expel any air - its unlikely any got in but its better to be safe than sorry :).
Once you are happy refit the engine cover and dipstick.
Turn off the engine, lock the car, go in and wash your hands. Congratulate yourself on a job well done ;)
This is a VERY easy job. Dont be fooled into paying the stealers a fortune to change it!
I will add pics later, I forgot to take any when changing mine, but I'll get some of the sensor location etc and update this thread later :)
Heres my how to do it:
Tools required: Flat bladed screwdriver.
First things first identify which type of sensor you have, theres two an early and a late type. The late type is identified by a green tip where the connector fits and the connector itself is rounded, the early type has a bluey green tip and the connector is more square in appearance.
My reccomendation is get the sensor from the dealers, ok its a tenner more expensive than somewhere like GSF but this is an important piece in controlling the engine temp so I wouldn't scrimp there. Whilst you are there you also need a new 'O' Ring and securing clip as well as if you are anything like me you will lose the clip when you ping it off! Also get some more G12 Coolant just in case you lose any.
You need to change this when the engine is cool, this will a) stop you burning yourself and b) minimise the amount of coolant you lose!
Begin by loosening off the expansion tank cap until any pressure is released from the system, then retighten it fully - this will help minimise coolant loss by creating a vacum.
Ok start by removing the engine cover, to do this you need to remove the dipstick (again on the 2.0) and then the cover just simply pulls off. On the 2.0 the coolant temp sensor is on the right hand side of the engine (as you are looking at it) and is located in the big fat pipe that comes out of the top of the radiator, just below the oil filler.
Next take your flat bladed screwdriver and release the plastic securing clip. Then pull the sensor out the pipe. a small amount off coolant will escape here but it should be a minute amount if you've followed my steps above. Pull the electrical connector off the sensor (its easier to do it once the sensors out as the connector is difficult to remove in-situ) take the new sensor, fit the new 'O' Ring (or use the existing 'O' Ring off the old sensor if you've forgotten to buy one!) and push the sensor into the aperture until you feel it seat itself. Push the clip back on, and refit the connector.
Double check the coolant level and top up as necessary. Start the car up and let if run for a bit to check for any leaks.
To be sure there wasn't any air in the system I left the expansion tank cap off and the heaters on full inside the car and let the engine get up to temp so it could expel any air - its unlikely any got in but its better to be safe than sorry :).
Once you are happy refit the engine cover and dipstick.
Turn off the engine, lock the car, go in and wash your hands. Congratulate yourself on a job well done ;)