austin7

Hi: I had the thermostat out on my 96 A6 Q and it checked out ok. Heated water on the kitchen stove. Still the car is running cold when the air temp is cold. (under 30F) Any ideas what might make the car run cold other than thermostat? The cars temp gauge is always at the low end of gauge maybe making it to the first of the largest marks in traffic.
The fans are not runnig unless the ac is on and indicated on the heater display with the ac indicator.
Just a bit of information I had a replacement thermostat to install a Stant product, it was made in China it appeared to be slightly taller than the OEM in the car and the thermostat casting actually contacted the top of it before any tightning, I was affraid to use this part but the parts store assured me that this was a correct aftermarket replacement for
the thermostat. I guess it could have worked also could have damaged casting not sealed properly or damaged thermostat?

audijim113

Let it sit and idle for a while. does the temp come up to norm? then drive it, does the temp drop?

If the answer is yes to both, it is still the thermostat. I did exactly the same thing you did and went through 3 stats before getting one that worked and, i got the parts from a good audi shop, not some cheapies.

For two winters I put cardboard in front of the rad so my toes wouldn't freeze off before finally getting it right.