piersztel

Hello, what should be normal temp gauge reading? Mine doesn't move above the 3 initial marks. oil temp gauge shows between 60-80 degrees.Is it normal?
Thanks

A6Gary

mark (thicker) above the initial three marks. If your coolant temp stays as low as you are describing, then probably the thermostat is defective (i.e., opening to soon). In the drive I just did 5 minutes ago in my '96 A6, the oil temp was between the 60 C mark and the next higher mark, with the coolant temp oscillating between the thick mark and the next lower mark. The outside air temp was 43 F during this drive. Hope this info helps you find the apparent problem.

owl

I notice that my 96 A6 takes about 10-15 min before it gets to the normal operating temp... I'm about to replace my thermostat... but don't know if I should replace the coolant temp sensor as well...

audijim113

i have a similar problem. (92 100 cs) on my temp gauge there are several small hash marks, followed by the first larger mark. then a space about equal to the area where the small marks are and the next thick mark. the second mark would be about where 11 o'clock is.

is that second thick mark the correct spot?

also, if you let it idle until the rad fan comes on, where might the temp needle be when the fan comes on?

lastly, anyone know how to get a piece of cardboard out from between the rad and the ac condensor? can the ac condensor be pulled out to allow a hand to get in between?

A6Gary

In the drive that I described at 43 F ambient, the required time to reach the "thick" slash mark (i.e., normal temp) was about a 10 minute run at ~40-45 MPH, followed by a non-running time ("stop") of ~10 minutes. With a cast iron block and its higher thermal capacitance, the warm-up time will take longer than the newer Audi V6s w/ an aluminum block. If you have been experiencing this 10-15 minute warm-up time w/ similar outside temps, I would say that your coolant system is working fine (based on my experience w/ my '96 A6).

owl

thanks for the help... I'll keep my eye on the gauge =)