Engine warm up time.

[Lap]

Hello All

First post in the mk5 forum. I usually lurk in the mk2 section 

My wife bought a 2005 GTI in September. I am surprised how long it takes the engine to get up to operating temperature. This morning when it was 0 degrees outside, it only reached 70oC on the temp gauge after a 12 mile/23 minute commute to work.
I immediately thought the thermostat was stuck open but once it actually gets to 90oC it doesn't move from there so I'm not so sure.

In contrast, my previous mk2 Golf and Lupo GTI, under the same conditions would be fully warm in less than half the time.

I have done a search and from the one relevant post I could find, it would appear to be the norm. Does anybody else have this 'problem'? Any suggestions appreciated.

[ub7rm]

I find mine very slow to warm up in cold weather too.

[jeynesey]

Mine is hardly ever that slow. I usually hajavascript:void(0);ve the car running for about 5 mins before I drive it, then its up to temp less than 2 miles up the road

[Lap]

Thanks for the replies.

Jeynesey, actually I did that last night. Started it up and it was probably 5 mins before I cleared all the frost, pretty sure that 2 miles into the journey the temp needle hadn't moved off the starting point!

[jeynesey]

Thanks for the replies.

Jeynesey, actually I did that last night. Started it up and it was probably 5 mins before I cleared all the frost, pretty sure that 2 miles into the journey the temp needle hadn't moved off the starting point!

Weird. Even more so that I am usually leaving the house at 5.45 

[blinkers]

Could be one of 2 possible problems that I've seen before.... Could be a slow temp sensor or check your coolant anti-freeze. VW ant-freeze fluid has a special mix that brings the coolant up to optimum temperature without allowing it to boil.

A similar thing happened to a friends car, had non original anti-freeze and once the coolant was replaced the problem disappeared.

Just a couple of suggestions but the anti-freeze used really can make a difference.

[arletty69]

Now, I have this problem with my 2005 gti but even worse with a diesel Tiguan.  The VW heater electronic controls are not very sophisticated.  Many other types of car have heaters that automatically only start blowing air after the engine coolant has reached a certain temperature. This has 2 purposes.......1) You don't get freezing air blown over your feet and face and 2) The engine warms up a lot quicker!

So to overcome this problem...........Turn the climate control OFF and only select  AUTO when you see that the engine temperature has reached a reasonable level.  This is where heated seats really come into their own - if you are lucky enough to have them!

[rudy]

yes mk5  slow to heat , think mk3 were the quickest to heat up , heated seats are great on cold mornings especially if u have leather

[pluslyn]

MK5 1.9tdi 2005.  (No Aux. Heater)  Original Coolant  (Antifreeze increases the boiling point, not sure if VW's is special)

Start engine with blower & temp. on full, (ECON Light Not Lite, I never use it) Rear Window Heater ON.
While scraping ice off windows ice begins to melt.
Heater working as I leave the drive & 2 miles on temp. gauge still at bottom, after 5 miles shows 90 degrees. Warm as toast.

[Chowgar1]

my mk5 is the same in this very cold weather gauge takes a bit of time to hit centre...

love my heated leather seats too