idle and coolant light (sigh) query

[Goops]

Right ,

lately when i start my car from cold, the car idles up and down for approx half a minute before it settles (is this whats refered to as hunting), then the coolant light comes on! The light doesnt go away unless i switch the car off and start again a couple of times!

With regards to the light: I have had a bit of a saga 

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=71369.msg600225#msg600225

the last thing I did was swap the leads for the temp senders..

With regards to the idling, sounds like the ignition timing that needs sorted?
Could it be my ISV (i noticed it has alot of grease/lube deposit on it)?

Look forward to your suggestions 

Thanks,
G

[fused]

The idle issues with the current lower temps is probable the blue temp sender, go vw on this. Deffinately worth cleaning the ISV and throttle body out with carb cleaner, and maybe flush the pipework connected to the ISV out as well.

If you can get to a garage to check the CO2 emmisions then might be worth a few quid to simply check the timing and set the idle and CO2 up. check out the maintaince section for rubjonny's guide, print it off and take it top them as it needs to be done in a certain way.

Check the coolant level is right, if you don't know when your coolant was last done go and get some decent antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. I took my expansion tank off, cleaned it out  (so I could see into it  ) then checked the contacts at the back and the plug for low level light, then fill her up, there are some other threads for the best way to bleed the system.

[Khare]

I think before handing it over to expensive mechanics, you should this out.
Syphon out the water in the coolant tank, and then release all the radiator hoses and other hoses relating to cooling system. This will empty your cooling system. With the hoses disconnected, turn the car on for a few seconds to let the water pump pump out the water inside it. Do this 2 or 3 times, (restarting the car). Then connect all the hoses except the water tank. Remove it, give it a good clean, check the connectors, and re install it. Fill up the tank with brand new engine coolant, and see what happens. If this fails then i recommend you take it to a professional.
I hope this helps.

Andres

[Goops]

Thanks peeps,

I will try clean as much of the engine bay as I can this weekend.
What can I use to clean the wiring and connectors etc?

Thanks,
G

[fused]

......

What can I use to clean the wiring and connectors etc?

......

Visually check them for rust/corrosion, if they have a little then try wiping them down if not then a gentle rub of the pins with some fine sandpaper/emory paper. If they are damp then spray some damp start in the connector to clear away the moisture.

[Goops]

Cleaned all the wiring, and the connectors...apart from a slightly neater looking engine bay the coolant light still pops up when starting the car from cold! ( Not the coolant tank sensor as I got a new one in about 2 months ago)

I will follow the idle/co2 setting guides next weekend..

p.s I would recommend the halfords 3 in degreaser to anyone, did wonders to loosen up all the gunk in the bay