Engine coolant temperature/level
 

Every morning, when my wife starts her TT, the Engine coolant temperature/level indication symbol illuminates. After she drives a few blocks, the symbol goes off.

The coolant level in the expansion tank is well above the minimum. Since the engine is cold, it obviously is not a high temp indication.

I suspect a faulty level sensor. Do the level sensors have a history of failures?

WoodyS
2000 TT quattro
40k miles

Polish the contacts...>>
 

With some sadpaper on a stick or some other rig. The contacts that trigger that are in the bottle a few inches down from the cap. Easy to access. A little corrosion will hinder conductance, particularly in the cold. A replacement bottle with brand new contacts is pretty cheap though..

I've heard of this exact same problem when the...
 

coolant temp sensor needs to be replaced. It's not located anywhere near the expansion tank so do a search on this forum for walk through guides on how to replace it. It's simply a $6 part at your local vw or audi dealer and VERY easy to install (try to go vw dealer if at all possible). Here's the part #'s:

059 919 501A (temp sensor / green plug)
N 903 168 02 (sensor o-ring)

What contacts?
 

I see nothing in my tank except for two slim wire rods (electrodes?).

For $6 it is worth a try
 

Thanks for the part number reference and the suggestion of the VW dealer. I do everything in my power to avoid the Audi dealer (who wanted $250 to change the Haldex oil and filter).

Those are them...

Re: Those are them...
 

After making my last post, I made my best effort at cleaning the electrodes with an old toothbrush. I started the car and got no "thermometer" display. Perhaps that did it. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for your help.

LOL! Dealers crack me up. I got the entire 40k service done at an indie shop...
 

for $120. That included the haldex service, cabin filter, air filter, complete oil change, oil filter, basic fluids, and simple inspection.

And I've even heard the dealer charges upwards to $80-90 flat rate to replace the simply coolant temp sensor. It amazes me how dealer shops stay in business.

did you count new spark plugs?
 

40k service at the dealer also includes new sprk plugs.

Incorrect sir. Bentley maint schedule says new plugs every 30k on our motors...
 

my next set are due at 60k.