04 Audi A6 tdi running cold

Titzon Toast

As per the title, I bought one of these today and it runs like a watch except for the fact that the water temperature gauge barely rises.
I'm guessing that the thermostat is stuck open or the cooling system might be airlocked. The heater seems to work just fine if that makes any difference?
Has anyone here experienced or come across this themselves please?
Is it true that fuel economy can suffer if the engine doesn't warm up properly?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

George Dalton

Thermostats often stick open on them yes.

Coolant temp sensors also give trouble but will show an obvious fault code if scanned.

lomb

Get an oem or something like a Febi thermostat or coolant temp sensor. Numerous people have bought aftermarket sensors and regretted it. They arent the same. I installed a new Topran rad sensor in my TT and it didnt work at all. The difference in weight and build quality between the original oem and the aftermarket was amazing. I ended up wasting an hour ,loosing around 1 liter of antifreeze and cursing putting the old one back in.Ive regretted installing the coolant temp sensor as it doesnt appear to be working properly although the thermostat seems to be (all from GSF recently)as car had coolant problems.
Same with something like crank position sensors, install a 15 quid one off ebay and your car is a ticking total breakdown versus something that should last for 100k miles. After the above experiance I ordered Febi off ebay the other day rather than risk a dodgy one from GSF with some no name.

Titzon Toast

Thank you very much for the replies lads. I'll take your advice and go for the good quality parts. I'll pop back and let you both know how I get on after I've gotten my hands dirty!
Good luck.

Titzon Toast

Done and done. I got the car up to temperature on a quick test run this evening after I fitted a new thermostat.
I'm looking forward to seeing the difference in the car now over the next few days.
Thanks again for the tips lads.