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Replacing the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT)
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Replacing the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT)
I have a 2004 Audi A8L. Got a temp warning today, but temperature level on Dash showed no temperature. Ran diagnostics and error 16502 came up. I think the Engine Coolant Temp Sensor is bad. I checked and it's a $20 part, but wanted to check and see if anyone new how easy it is to replace. I think it's located at the lower back of the engine. Would I be able to reach it if I put it up on ramps? Thoughts or suggestions?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada USA
You access it from the top, not the bottom. It's buried deep. Pull off the rear decorative cover with the four rings on it. That plastic "hose" with the blunt end should be removed so you can get down there to disconnect the connector and remove the clip holding the sensor in place.
It's a cheap sensor that goes bad a lot. my Beetle with the 1.8L turbo engine had the same sensor fail as well.
It's a cheap sensor that goes bad a lot. my Beetle with the 1.8L turbo engine had the same sensor fail as well.
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Had a brief look.... in the dark and rain and couldn't see anything that could be accessed easily at all. Am I missing something? Took a photo in the hopes that somebody could point me in the right direction. See attached.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada USA
Cut and remove the black Ty Wrap you see holding the large black "hose". Move it (the black "hose" which has a blunt, capped end) aside and the connector which is attached to the sensor will be visible. It's deep but it can be found and replaced.
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Yes it is, like Mister Bally said.
"Cut and remove the black Ty Wrap you see holding the large black "hose". Move it (the black "hose" which has a blunt, capped end) aside and the connector which is attached to the sensor will be visible. It's deep but it can be found and replaced." When you remove that hose it a little bit easier to see. It's held in with a Audi C-clip.
"Cut and remove the black Ty Wrap you see holding the large black "hose". Move it (the black "hose" which has a blunt, capped end) aside and the connector which is attached to the sensor will be visible. It's deep but it can be found and replaced." When you remove that hose it a little bit easier to see. It's held in with a Audi C-clip.