TDI engine temperature
02-03-2015, 06:00 AM
#1
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TDI engine temperature
I’ve noticed that the TDI engine takes quite a bit longer to warm up to normal operating temperature than my previous gasoline Audis (10 minutes vs 5 minutes).
However, on really cold mornings (say 0 deg F), the temperature gauge will only come up to the ¼ mark on the gauge then will drop back down again. It then fluctuates up and down around the ¼ mark for another 15 minutes or so before it finally comes up to the typical ½ way mark after about 30 minutes of driving.
The car otherwise behaves normally but I'm curious if this is normal.
However, on really cold mornings (say 0 deg F), the temperature gauge will only come up to the ¼ mark on the gauge then will drop back down again. It then fluctuates up and down around the ¼ mark for another 15 minutes or so before it finally comes up to the typical ½ way mark after about 30 minutes of driving.
The car otherwise behaves normally but I'm curious if this is normal.
02-03-2015, 06:10 AM
#2
AudiWorld Expert
Diesels in general take longer to warm up. This is one reason why we didn't buy the TDI - wife has a very short commute and in our cold weather that is brutal for the DPF.
02-03-2015, 08:29 AM
#3
I've run in similar cold air temps. Vehicle always warms to the same point and stays there. Outside air temp doesn't matter in my TDI. Call Audi service and see what they say...
Last edited by brutus23079; 02-08-2015 at 07:56 AM.
02-03-2015, 08:52 AM
#4
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Mine definitely takes longer to warm up but nothing like my old Diesel trucks. I have not noticed any fluctuations in temp like you describe. That being said I have not been driving my Q5 much in the winter, would rather put the hard winter miles on my truck.
02-03-2015, 09:42 AM
#5
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Diesels produce far less waste heat compared to a gasser...part of the reason they're fitting supplemental heating systems.
02-03-2015, 10:53 AM
#6
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My Q5 warms quickly with no fluctuation in temp readings.
My wives A3 TDI takes longer to warm up than my Q5, but we plug it in so the warm up time is shortened.
I'd check with Audi in your case.
My wives A3 TDI takes longer to warm up than my Q5, but we plug it in so the warm up time is shortened.
I'd check with Audi in your case.
02-03-2015, 01:57 PM
#7
Out of curiosity, I watched the clock on my commute home through traffic in 20 degree weather here in Boston today. It took 20 minutes to get up to the "normal" half-way point on the temp gauge.
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02-03-2015, 02:04 PM
#8
AudiWorld Expert
And that's just coolant. It'll take engine oil additional time after that to catch up.
02-03-2015, 02:27 PM
#9
true. but, from the user experience, the heater blew warm air within 2 minutes, engine was smooth as butter, and if you dropped me in blindfolded I would have no idea it was a diesel under the hood. point being I wouldn't worry about the temp gauge too much.
02-03-2015, 02:40 PM
#10
AudiWorld Expert
Points I was trying to make were that:
1. Engine oil isn't as effective at protecting the engine until it reaches proper operating temp.
2. Moisture and fuel don't evaporate from the oil very well until the oil has been at operating temp for some time. If this is happening on a regular basis, you might consider reducing your oil change interval.
1. Engine oil isn't as effective at protecting the engine until it reaches proper operating temp.
2. Moisture and fuel don't evaporate from the oil very well until the oil has been at operating temp for some time. If this is happening on a regular basis, you might consider reducing your oil change interval.