2000 A4 QT atw 130,000 miles

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor change

Dash Temp reading started misbehaving (90 degrees yesterday and sitting on C) so I pulled codes and got the one for the sensor.
To remove old one, look at the firewall end of the motor, there is an elbow with a wired plug sticking up (running vertical). Reach between the plug and the firewall and pull out a flat, horseshoe shaped clip towards the firewall. a small screwdriver will slip into an opening in the clip and work great. Need two hands so you don't lose the horseshoe. now the sensor will come straight up as it is only held in by the o ring. Save the o ring because that is extra at the Stealership. Again, I found it better to buy this small item there instead of ordering, paying shipping, and waiting several days. And, you had better take you old one with you to match up because they missed mine the first time. Mine was black, and he said they were green now, and when I got there he handed me a two pin green one. Nope. Mine is 4 pin and he had to go digging around and found one. $33.03 out the door and cheaper than ECS with shipping.

Lost some coolant (put the dog inside), got the idiot light, dumped in 2/3 bottle of Poland Springs, and I'm on my way. Had no G12 on hand so hoping to get by with what might now be 45:55 ratio rather than 50:50

Cheers

 

It's amazing how easy it is, isn't it. Something on this car that goes bad, and it's really easy to replace???? That's a gimme..... I didn't see a change in attitude for a couple days in my car, after replacing the sensor. Gas mileage has gone up as expected.

 

my mileage has gone from 26 to 30 after ECT change. That is combined highway/city.