Coolant sensor help...
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Sep 2000
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If your intention is to replace the Engine Coolant Temperture/ECT sensor, according to your photo, it would appear that you have the correct part. But you are working on the WRONG site. The two sensors are completely different and are not interchangable.
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
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Really? So what you're telling me is that this is a different sensor? This one is under and a little to the left of the coolant tank (as looking at straight on) on the drivers side, right behind the cyl head. It has a c-clip exactly like the new one that I received and I can see an o-ring down in the hole. There is a hose that comes off the coolant tank and connects to another pipe going into the same area, seems to definitely be caring coolant. So what is this sensor that I am looking at? And to confirm you are saying that this "green top" coolant sensor that I need to change is on the passenger side?
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,480
Likes: 1
Really? So what you're telling me is that this is a different sensor? This one is under and a little to the left of the coolant tank (as looking at straight on) on the drivers side, right behind the cyl head. It has a c-clip exactly like the new one that I received and I can see an o-ring down in the hole. There is a hose that comes off the coolant tank and connects to another pipe going into the same area, seems to definitely be caring coolant. So what is this sensor that I am looking at? And to confirm you are saying that this "green top" coolant sensor that I need to change is on the passenger side?
They both operate off the coolant tempterture and both uses C-Clip and O-rings but are for two completely different sensors and does completely different things.
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 68
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Guys a little more help please? If I spray WD40 in there will that do anything at all? Good or bad :-) I did find the sensor exactly as you described Tifosi, but that sucker won't come out for anything! I have been gently rocking it back and forth, but it hasn't budged. It also looks pretty corroded from the little bit I can see in the edges...
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AudiWorld Super User
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I don't think there is any tricks to it, you just have to be patient and work on it. Remember that it is suppose to be a tight fit, if not, you will be losing coolant from there. By the way, did you open the reservior cap to let the pressure out of the system first and then re-tighten it ? Also, try rocking it in a circular motion and see if that will help losen the sensor a bit. I may even use a little water and a clean, used tooth brush and see if you can loosen some of the rust or dirt out of there.
Regarding the usage of WD40, I am not so sure if that is such a good idea. Coolant circulate through there, any sort of containments to the system is never a good idea. Plus, we don't know if and how the WD40 will react when mixed with G12 coolant. If it causes any type of percipatation of solids, it can gunk up the coolant system. If I were you, especially with hot weather coming, I would have the system flushed and coolant changed soon.
Regarding the usage of WD40, I am not so sure if that is such a good idea. Coolant circulate through there, any sort of containments to the system is never a good idea. Plus, we don't know if and how the WD40 will react when mixed with G12 coolant. If it causes any type of percipatation of solids, it can gunk up the coolant system. If I were you, especially with hot weather coming, I would have the system flushed and coolant changed soon.