Temperature gauge after thermostat change

**Swanni** · 3rd January 2013, 12:38

Help needed, 2006 1.9 TDI. I had the listed problems with poor heating and temp gauge reading low. I've just replaced the thermostat housing complete with the sensor, now the temp guage does not register anything at all. I have checked the resistance of the sensor and it increases and decreases when dipped into boilng water. I've also checked the wiring for the sensor plug, seems to be OK. Any ideas please?

**rich r** · 3rd January 2013, 12:54

Is the coolant actually getting hot? Just want to rule out a faulty replacement thermostat.

**Swanni** · 3rd January 2013, 13:01

Rich, heater is working, tried old sensor - no difference, however no water came out when it was removed. Fans kick in when sensor is unplugged.

**Swanni** · 3rd January 2013, 19:28

Problem solved, went for a run, good heater, temp gauge then started to respond, never got above 85 degrees though, is that normal??

**Das** · 3rd January 2013, 19:32

At this time of year, yes.

**Swanni** · 3rd January 2013, 19:36

Das, many thanks.

**vectra ste** · 3rd January 2013, 19:36

as the weather has got colder mine stays around 86 and this is with a new thermostat fitted

so its fine

**Swanni** · 3rd January 2013, 19:38

vectra ste, thanks.

**rich r** · 4th January 2013, 10:52

Good news. Maybe the needle was just stuck at the bottom of the dial, and needed a bit of vibration to free it off.

But yes - normal operating temperature is 80-90°C. It'll move around a bit within that range depending on conditions (eg sitting in traffic will see it rise to just over 90°C then the radiator fan will come on and bring it back down again).