overheating problem

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Aug 14, 2009 | 08:33 AM

Asiparks

Thread Starter

Perpetually confused

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 390

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overheating problem

Looking for a bit of guidance; driving home I got the coolant warning on the dash and the temp gauge hitting max. Left it to cool overnight and checked the level this morning, it was just sitting at "min". So I topped it up and drove the 8 miles to work this morning...same thing, about a mile from work the warning light came on as the temp gauge got about 7/8 . When i arrived at work there was a small amount of steam escaping from the reservoir and lots of bubbling....

What do you think might be the most likely culprit, water pump ? Thermostat ? Something else ?

cheers

Aug 14, 2009 | 01:32 PM

S4canada

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 668

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yup, that's yr thermostat

Aug 16, 2009 | 09:30 AM

kphani

AudiWorld Member

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 111

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Start with the Thermostat

Having owned seven audi's from 4000, 5000, A6 and presently with an A8, thermostat is the most common overheating problem in these vehicles. I would get a low temp one for sure. Do not fill the reservoir beyond the max level as it needs room for expansion (not that you would). Good luck.
cheers[/QUOTE]

Aug 17, 2009 | 11:15 AM

Sailfish

AudiWorld Member

Joined: Oct 2008

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I had the same problem on Friday. Brought it in and it was the thermostat and bad radiator. The dealer is fixing it under warranty.

Aug 17, 2009 | 05:09 PM

perlfather

AudiWorld Member

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 425

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Same thermostat fault on our '06 A8 at about 3.5 years and ~40k miles. Dealer also found a small leak in the radiator. (Really?). You would think that this would be fixed by now as all the fixes under warranty must be quite expensive.

Aug 20, 2009 | 02:05 PM

Asiparks

Thread Starter

Perpetually confused

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 390

Likes: 3

yup, y'all were right, it's the thermostat.

Sadly I'm out of warranty, so it's about $60 for the thermostat and about $600 for labor...
My cars got just over 43k on it, the mechanic is suggesting getting the timing belt, water pump etc done while he's in there for about another $1000, and i feel inclined to agree, although it's about 15k early. ( i'll be keeping this car at least another 3 years)

Anybody think that's a bad idea ?

Aug 20, 2009 | 02:11 PM

S4canada

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 668

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42k is realy early for a timing belt r&r but a good idear while he's in there, as long you're keeping it for >3 years and the price isn't inflated. I think the book recommends 75k intervals?