mk2 gti16v coolant light problem

[16v]

Hi all.

Just bought a 1990 GTi16v which I'm very pleased with.

Just one thing is driving me nuts. On initial startup from dead cold, the coolant light flashes constantly. Once the engine is warm, if you turn the igniton off and on again, the light stops flashing. Then if you leave the car for a while and come back to it, it's fine. It's just that initial cold start.

Checked the coolant level and it's fine. Temp gauge works fine and fans kick in when they should.

Anyone any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

[maaarcooose]

I've got exactly the same problem with my 1990 GTi 8V.

The weird thing is I used to have a way to get round it.

What I used to do it turn in the ignition, wait for the light to stop flashing, then start the car and it would not flash at all.
Then this method stopped working, and I could stop it by starting the car while it was flashing. (Either I did this or a quick smack on the top of the dash would sometimes work)

Now nothing seems to stop it. My temp is fine, except my heater doesn't work, gonna read the post on the maintenance form about replacing it.

If you do find a way to fix I'd love to know what you found out. If I make a progress I'll post it here.

!m!

[rubjonny]

Remove the plug from the the level sender and bridge the pins.  If this doesn't stop it you've got a loose wire, a broken level sender relay or a dodgy temp gauge

[maaarcooose]

Okay, will try that.
I don't think it's a dodgy temp gauge as the actual gauge does work properly.

Thanks.

!m!

[16v]

Cheers for the feedback.

I'll see if that sorts it.

[Dubwheels]

My 16v gti is the same. Sometimes it comes on sometimes it doesn't. The guy at the garage said that it is a common fault and there is nothing to worry about!! Just pisses me off though.