Does water temp sensor affect engine performance?
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Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
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Does water temp sensor affect engine performance?
I've read the many posts about the $30 sensor affecting the temp gauge, but does the engine computer also rely on this sensor?
BTW, my gauge's symptom is it usually doesn't reach the mid-mark any more, but only gets about midway between the mid-mark and mark just to the left of mid. It does not fluctuate wildly as other posts have described.
BTW, my gauge's symptom is it usually doesn't reach the mid-mark any more, but only gets about midway between the mid-mark and mark just to the left of mid. It does not fluctuate wildly as other posts have described.
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Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Michigan, USA
what does your other gauge read (oil temp)? ...
Normally, if the coolant doesn't warm up as much as it should (seems to be what you're describing), then the whole engine will not warm up properly. Running on cold engine negatively affects gas mileage as well as increases engine wear. The engine works best when at normal operating temp.
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Definitely sounds like the thermostat. Mine was bad and the car wouldn't heat up fully.
Driving it hard would allow it to heat up but temps would quickly drop back down after I resumed normal driving.
I had the thermostat replaced two weeks ago and it fixed the problem.
-Dave Pramanik
I had the thermostat replaced two weeks ago and it fixed the problem.
-Dave Pramanik
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Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
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Thanks for all of your responses
Thanks to ModifedA4 and Kris Hansen for verifying that the sensor does indeed provide input into the ECU. Thanks to everyone for pointing me to the thermostat.
The motor seems to warm up at the same rate it has since new, it runs and idles great, and I haven't noticed a drop in gas mileage. I also have plenty of warm cabin air, but then again, I also live in south Texas.
Maybe the jury is still out on this one....
Thanks again.
The motor seems to warm up at the same rate it has since new, it runs and idles great, and I haven't noticed a drop in gas mileage. I also have plenty of warm cabin air, but then again, I also live in south Texas.
Maybe the jury is still out on this one....
Thanks again.