Peniculum11

I have been having a few problems with my 2001 A4 1.8 85k. I have had great success using your posts in the past but finally have been stumped on these issues. Any help would be appreciated.

Coolant temp gauge
My coolant temp gauge used to warm up and stay right at the 12 o’clock position. Now it only makes it to the 11o’clock position. I found handy directions to change my temp gauge (Green). I also flushed my coolant. I still am having a temp gauge that does not get all the way to the center. Any suggestions?

Related? The fan to my car is constantly going even when I turn it on for the first time during the day. Should this be the case?

CO2 sensor
My front CO2 sensor readout jumps all over the place between 0 and -11. Should this be replaced? The back sensor reads .37-.35 and is consistent.

Driver side rear shock squeaks
My driver side rear shock squeaks. I got under the car and think its coming from the shock absorber. I sprayed some WD40 as a temp fix which lasted a few days but then the squeak came back. If you push on the back of the car to compress the shock absorber you can hear it squeak. Do I need to replace the absorber or are there other things that I should consider as well. BTW that side of the car is lower than the passenger side. I am assuming the springs have started to wear and should be replaced as well.