2013 S4 Running Hot, not in a good way...

[711wildcat]

Good day, I’m trying to get some ideas on the source or sources of the running hot problem.

Mileage: 133,750 miles. Production Date: October 2012

Given the engine temperature gauge is divided into four units, with the middle unit indicating ideal operating temperature, after warm-up, the gauge will read between the middle and third mark of the engine temperature gauge. It has gone above the third unit a couple of times, but only under hard acceleration and/or when ambient temperatures exceed 75 degrees. When the car is at idle, the gauge reads normal - at the middle tick of the engine temperature gauge.

The two fans at the back of the radiator will kick in while driving, and cycle on and off.

Radiator fluid level appears normal; oil levels are also normal. I seen elsewhere on this forum where people have opined that there may be an air pocket in the coolant system; I have no opinion on that matter. No apparent fluid leaks.

Are there common Overheating occurrences with the 2013 S4?

Thanks for your time and attention to my query.

[430hps4]

My guess would be the electrical water pump that circulates the water through the heat exchanger. Next would be the primary engine water pump failing

[djn876]

My guess would be the electrical water pump that circulates the water through the heat exchanger. Next would be the primary engine water pump failingThe electric pump has nothing to do with engine cooling and would not be a cause of overheating. The SC intercoolers aren't efficient enough to cause an increase in heat, and the car will protect itself and pull timing/boost at 75C, which is less than normal engine coolant temp anyway once warm.

Either the water pump is worn out, or the thermostat isn't working well. My guess is thermostat isn't fully opening or is otherwise restricted.

Also keep in mind the dash gauge is only a gross indication of overheating and doesn't really provide you with an accurate coolant temperature. Either way if it's coming up over that halfway point it's probably getting too hot.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Audizine Forum mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

[BucDan]

If your water pump was inefficient, it would be leaking from the weep hole. It's likely your thermostat that is dying.

[sacandagaD]

If you are at 132k with the original T-stat, salute' to you, it's past time to go.

[711wildcat]

Thank you everyone for the feedback! Yes, as far as I know, this is the original thermostat. I purchased the car in 2016 with 30k miles.

It’s been a great car; I know the control arm bushings are deteriorating, so that’s the next thing to be worked on, aside from checking the thermostat. I’ll be posting and asking for suspension/ control arm upgrades soon.

Again, many thanks!

[S4'ed]

Thermostat is failing. Fix it ASAP, before it gets permanently stuck closed, and you get a full overheat situation.