Very Strange Issue With My 1.8 T

[Female_Golfer]

Hello fellow Golfers.

I've had my mk4 for 6 months now and it has been great!!

When I first got it I was a little concerned about how long it took to get to 90C on the temperature dial. However I was reassured by a local VW specialist that this was quite normal. On short trips (under 4/5 miles) it would only get to 1/4 on the dial.

Then on Wednesday I noticed that after a mile or so I was half way on the dial and it stayed there for the rest of the journey through town averaging about 20mph. The same thing happened for every other journey after this, which seemed strange.

On Friday evening I took her on the motorway (I don't often drive on the motorway) and doing a steady 60mph I noticed the temperature dial going to 3/4 on the dial. I was on the motorway for about 5 miles and as soon as I came off on to normal roads travelling at 30/40 the dial went back to half way.

So yesterday I decided to go back on the motorway and it seems the faster I go the higher the temperature goes. Travelling at 70/80 the dial went in to the red and I pulled over. I pulled over and the coolant looked to be bubbling but there was no steam and the fans weren't on. I started her back up and the dial went up to half way. I continued to the next junction at 50 and then returned home.

I topped the coolant up and noticed the oil was only just on the dipstick so I added around a litre to get it back to where it should be. I've done 5/6k since its last service so I'm sure it could have used a little oil. My Dad said to check the radiator is getting warm which it is and there isn't any "white stuff" on the dipstick or oil cap. I think he was thinking the waterpump or headgasket could be failing.

Again this morning I was on a dual carriage way doing 60 in 5th so revving at 2k and it went to 3/4 on the temp dial, I pulled over and under the bonnet everything seemed normal! The engine was off for less than a minute and when I started her up again it was back to half way on the temp dial.

I've been on google for about an hour now trying to find similar issues without any joy.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Lynsey.

[Female_Golfer]

Sorry for such a long post, hope it made sense.

[Gti_Jamo]

Changing the green coolant temperature sensor would be my first call and relitively inexpensive. They have been known to give eratic readings when faulty and also have an effect on fuel consumption.

[Female_Golfer]

Sorry for having no idea about these sort of things, but where abouts is that located?

[Rhyso]

Take it to a garage who can carry out a diagnostic on the car before spending your money on parts

Your problem could range from a failing water pump to a thermostat or temperature sender

Paying for a diagnostic check could save you a few quid in the long run 

[Female_Golfer]

Someone at work has got a VW fault code reader, I'll get him to plut it in tomorrow. If that doesn't help I think I will be taking it to a garage.

Although is this the temp sensor:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-MK4-BORA-PASSAT-COOLANT-TEMP-TEMPERATURE-SENSOR-GREEN-4-PIN-059919501A-/160963644393?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item257a2e4be9

For £8 it might be worth trying it......

[Rhyso]

Could be a copy

Buy genuine parts    yes they are more expensive but then they do tend to last!!

[Female_Golfer]

But that's the part I need? I'll call in at Huddersfield VW tomorrow and get one.

Can anyone tell me where abouts in the engine bay the sensor is?

Thanks in advance.

[Wazzzer]

as you look in the engine bay it's on the right hand side next to the block.

As Rhys says it could be water pump related so get it sorted sooner rather than later

[Rhyso]

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=88088.0