2001 Thermostat

**matt719** · 07-24-2008 12:03 PM

So I've been reading about how to do the thermostat replacement for my dad's 2001 A4 and I've discovered it's different than all other MY A4s. Problem is, everything thread I find simply mentions it's different and doesn't explain how. Can anyone tell me how to replace it?

**bronz** · 07-24-2008 12:21 PM

its behind alternator. its pretty easy if you have the right extensions just look for black thermostat housing behind the alternator.

**Nebone** · 07-24-2008 12:53 PM

This will help!

**matt719** · 07-24-2008 01:34 PM

Thanks for the replies guys!

nebone: So the TT has the same thermostat setup as the 2001 A4 (aside from the engine being transverse)? Thanks for the link. Maybe I'll write a DIY just so no one ever had any confusion in the future.

**Nebone** · 07-24-2008 02:15 PM

Its not the same but very similar. You NEED a U-Joint for the job. Remove the throttle body hose and the intake manifold support brace. Open and close the coolant reservoir to relieve pressure. Don't disconnect the hose from the coolant flange as its not necessary; just remove the cooolant flange (2 bolts) and move it away. The thermostat will be in there tight and as you remove it, be fast at exchange, or you will loose LOTS of coolant fast. Thats it, just bolt back up. (Remember the orientation of the thermostat and don't forget the o-ring (make sure to replace the o-ring).

I did a thermostat on a GTI later on, same as that TT and it was actually more difficult as it seemed to be more crowded.

When all is bolted up, open the coolant reserviour and top it off and start the car up with the cap off. Wait till the car warms up as it will suck up more coolant. Add as necessary.

Good luck.

**matt719** · 07-24-2008 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by nebone22

Its not the same but very similar. You NEED a U-Joint for the job. Remove the throttle body hose and the intake manifold support brace. Open and close the coolant reservoir to relieve pressure. Don't disconnect the hose from the coolant flange as its not necessary; just remove the cooolant flange (2 bolts) and move it away. The thermostat will be in there tight and as you remove it, be fast at exchange, or you will loose LOTS of coolant fast. Thats it, just bolt back up. (Remember the orientation of the thermostat and don't forget the o-ring (make sure to replace the o-ring).

I did a thermostat on a GTI later on, same as that TT and it was actually more difficult as it seemed to be more crowded.

When all is bolted up, open the coolant reserviour and top it off and start the car up with the cap off. Wait till the car warms up as it will suck up more coolant. Add as necessary.

Good luck.

Thanks very much, this is very helpful. That write-up is great because now I know what to look for; I honestly didn't understand where the thermostat was located before this. Ironically, last week I had to replace the lower radiator hose on my '97 A4, so I was thinking I'd be changing it from under the car, but now it is clear that for an '01 it is a better bet to do it from the top.

**Nebone** · 07-24-2008 02:53 PM

The two locations are really far from each other due to different block design. You couldn't do the 2001 from below the car.

**sjthomas** · 07-24-2008 03:19 PM

it's pretty much identical to the B6.
take off the IC to TB hose along with moving the coolant reservoir and you should have enough room to work. When I did mine it turned out i didn't need to do anything with the alternator, just put the right number of extensions and uni-joints on the ratchet. Careful with the two bolts too - they're easy to lose.