Question about low coolant temp issue

[JumboBlack1.8]

(i'd like to preface this post by saying that I DID search on both AW and AZ, but I've still got a question)

Been drivin the car a few weeks now, and it generally feels pretty good. But one thing I've been keeping my eye on is the coolant temp gauge. After warming up the car and driving around for a few mins, the coolant temperature dips to around the 2nd or 3rd needle on the in-dash temp gauge. If I let the car sit and idle for a bit, the temperature rises back up to normal operating temps. But as soon as I start cruising again, it'll eventually dip.

Also, it is starting to get pretty cold around here, especially at nights, so I'm wondering if that could be part of the problem here. But I think the cause of this issue might be that I used too much coolant and not enough distilled water in my mixture (i can remember the exact proportions). I do not believe my coolant temp sensor is the issue, since the low in-dash gauge readings are accurate to the vag-com readings.

So, my question is, should I do a coolant flush again? Is this something I should seriously worry about if I didn't? And should I go with a 50/50 mix?

Sorry for the dumb question

[Poopie]

when was the last time you replaced the thermostat?

[JumboBlack1.8]

I'd have to check my maintenance receipts....but I don't think its been done since I've owned it (again I"m not entirely sure) and I've had it for 20k miles now

But I've read that if my thermostat was the issue, then I would be seeing very low oil temps as well. But fortunately, those are normal. Its just the coolant temps that dip here and there

[Poopie]

well luckily the CTS and thermostat and easy to fix. its either one or the other.

[317ssayzarc]

Im with poopster

[JumboBlack1.8]

Well, I'll start with the CTS

[JumboBlack1.8]

Okay.....so I ordered a CTS from ECS, but its not the right one. My car has different connections.
The one in my car looks like this:

the one I was sent looks like this (but green):


I'm still gettin this issue after a coolant flush (i needed to do it anyway).....should I just go to the dealer for this?

*Edit*
One more thing......is it necessary to replace the lower CTS near the bottom of the radiator as well?

[NorCal1.8T]

the blue one is for the 2.8 engine i believe, i picked up the green one for my 1.8t for $4 at a local auto parts store, oem stuff too! You should go look around your area, rather than order it online.

[JumboBlack1.8]

Yea, thought so.......ECS screwed up my order (this is the 3rd time gettin shitty service from them), so I sent them an email.....I'm gonna call a local dealer and see how much it'll cost there. Or hopefully ECS can hook me up with a free one

[NorCal1.8T]

Yeah do that, if they cannot hook you up, the dealer shouldn't charge you more than $40. Meyle product # VWW004876 costs $12 here,http://www.europartsdirect.com/

They are great, fast shipping, in case the stealership doesent work out.

edit: just make sure the ect comes with a o-ring!

[JumboBlack1.8]

Whoa....thats a great price. I'll def scoop that up if ECU doesn't come through.....DAMN the stealership. Haha...thanks

[NorCal1.8T]

let me know how it works out for you. hopefully you wont have any problems replacing it, i had a tough time couldnt get my big hands in that mess back there.

[Dallas09]

I think theres a couple different connectors for the 1.8 because i could only find one place that had the right sensor for my 99 1.8.