I have an '03 A4, with just under 50k on it, with the 50k maintenance yet to be performed. Everything has been working fine, all fluids etc. were normal, no loss of power, etc, until last night.

I had been doing some fluid checks, and I noticed my coolant tank a little under the min setting - around a half inch maybe, so I popped off the cap and was going to fill it up. I then realized I didn't have any G12 handy, so I capped it back up, and started on my drive home (around 60 miles). On the way home, I noticed that the temp gauge was now reading "C," and not moving any higher than this, so I pulled off to check things out, make sure I had capped it up properly etc. Upon opening the hood, the engine temp didn't seem too hot, and no smoke or steam was present, so I decided to head out for home. After restarting the car, the check engine light came on (which wasn't on prior to my stopping and starting the car), and the temp gauge maintained it's position at C, barely moving when I started the car back up - but it did move. I have no noticable loss of power, and the heat works fine.

I've read some other posts about the temp sensor being bad, would that be a probable cause here? I haven't gotten the error code yet, I'll be doing that tonight or tomorrow (until then I'll be riding my motorcycle).

I typically do the maintenance myself, would this be an instance in which I should take it in to the dealer, and not drive it otherwise, or is it safe to drive in, pending it doesn't start overheating?

Thanks for any insight...

 

did you check for codes? there are 2 sensors i believe..one in the front and one in the back..heard the back one is a PITA...i would start with codes first...then you know whats really wrong...

 

Finally got the error codes -

18062 - Please check DTC Memory of Instrument Cluster
P1654 - 004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent

17700 - Map Controlled Engine Cooling Thermostat (F265): Open Circuit
P1292 - 004 - No Signal/Communication – Intermittent

17938 - Camshaft Timing Adjustment: Short to Ground
P1530 - 002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent

16396 -
P0012 - 001 -
Readiness: 0000 0000

I can't find what the last code is, and have no idea what the other three mean - any ideas?

 

If you're still under warranty, bring it to the dealer. If not,
change the temperature sensor.

 

coolant sensor can be done prety easy but it can be PITA if you dont have skinny arms or good mechanical ability

 

sounds alot like the ECT sensor, id try just changeing that since its so cheap, its a PITA for the V6 but about 5 minuts on the 1.8t.

 

P1654 = instrument control module - system malfunction problem is trouble code stored for engine oil level/temperature sensor,

P1229= coolant temp sensor or thermostat,

P1530 = camshaft position actuator(CMP) problem is wiring short to ground, CMP actuator,

P0012= camshaft position sensor (CMP), intake/left/front, bank 1timing over retarded