NEED HELP 2001 audi s4 thermostat

[JasonP]

Hello I live in an area where there is no audi or vw dealer for like 100 miles. I need directions on how to replace the thermostat in my 2001 audi S4. I am sure the problem is the thermostat. when I start the car up the engine temp sensor is already at the half way point the heat blows fine but the temp of the engine rises up quickly I dont let it overheat but it would if it got the chance and it would happen probably in about 10 minutes. I really need detailed directions of where the thermostat is and how to get to it and replace it. car has 105000 miles n it. I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to help me out. Thank you all very much.

[RedRocketS4]

have the timing belt and water pump been changed? cause the thermlostat is just to the passenger side of the water pump and to get there, you pretty much have to to a t-belt job... but it doesn't sound like a thermostat necessarily...

[Rated S]

Doesn't sound like thermostat. But you are basically doing a Timing Belt job when you replace the thermostat.

[Coughdrop]

I got the opposite problem... My car cools down after it warms up... I need to change my thermostat too. A lot of work for a 25$ part.

[Rated S]

I got the opposite problem... My car cools down after it warms up... I need to change my thermostat too. A lot of work for a 25$ part.

You're telling me. Mine's been like this for at least half a year. But my timing belt isn't due yet, so

[Coughdrop]

Ya same... waiting til I hit the 50,000 mile mark to do it...

[JasonP]

Yes the timing belt and water pump have been changed at an audi dealer i bought the car from a dentist who put about 8 grand in the car in maintence money wasnt and object to him apparently .

[JasonP]

Do you guys think it is something else? like I say my engine temp gauge is at half way mark as soon as I start the car. I use it to go like a mile or two just to the corner store i leave the heat cranking full blast but the temp gauge rises like 3/4 way doesnt overheat but i know it will if i keep going. no warning lights come on or anything. as soon as i start it everything checks out and say "OK" I know something is wrong but no mechanics here dare touch it.

[Rated S]

Sounds more like a temp sensor then anything. That's a $10 part and a 2 second fix.

[JasonP]

Temp sensor sounds good to me. i havent really dared drive this car much for months. where abouts is the temp sensor? I truly appreciate you taking the time to help me out. I bought this audi because of all the maintence that was done to it by the former owner the dentist. I figured I would be good for quite a while.I have only put a couple thousand miles on it.

[Coughdrop]

Has the temp gauge ever gone past halfway or are you assuming it will? I'd drive it until you see it go past halfway. If it does, then you know for sure something is up.

-Nevermind... just read more and answered my own question...

[will175]

Yah rated S always has good info and always tries to lend a hand. Is it true that if our T stat goes out it stay in the position so the car does not overheat?

[HighDesertAudi]

When the thermostat breaks it breaks open so your car will run cold and never heat up. Your problem sounds like a bad coolant temp sensor which is a cheap easy fix. Replace that before you do anything else.

[Coughdrop]

My car warms up then cools down then warms up again, this all under constant freeway driving. I'm still thinking the thermostat is stuck open, but wouldn't that prevent the car from warming up at all...

Sorry Jason... not trying to jack your thread or anything.

[HighDesertAudi]

My car warms up then cools down then warms up again, this all under constant freeway driving. I'm still thinking the thermostat is stuck open, but wouldn't that prevent the car from warming up at all...

Sorry Jason... not trying to jack your thread or anything.

Reread my post and STFA.

[MacDaddy]

you can change the t-stat without removing the timing belt, i did it.

when it comes time to remove the t-stat housing, crank the engine over by hand while shifting the timing belt away from the engine, move it over about 1/2" and that gives you just enough space to squeeze the aluminum housing out, then install the new t-stat and the o-ring, carefull that you don't pinch the o-ring or anything.
shift the belt back over and put it all back together, re-fill the coolant and bleed out the air (theres a 5mm hex cap screw to the right of the throttle body when your looking at the car from the front)

[JasonP]

Ok guys Thanks for all the input. Where is the coolant temp sensor located?If someone could tell me how to change it that would be great.

[Rated S]

Yah rated S always has good info and always tries to lend a hand. Is it true that if our T stat goes out it stay in the position so the car does not overheat?

I appreciate the kind words. And, yes. Our T-Stats fail in "open.'"

My car warms up then cools down then warms up again, this all under constant freeway driving. I'm still thinking the thermostat is stuck open, but wouldn't that prevent the car from warming up at all..

Your car can still warm up. Your problem sounds exactly how mine did. If it's consistent enough, it should be throwing a DTC/CEL for (says either t-Stat or temp sensor is broken).

Ok guys Thanks for all the input. Where is the coolant temp sensor located?If someone could tell me how to change it that would be great.

I'm going outside to take a picture right now.

[Rated S]

I have skinny arms so I can usually reach things easier then most, so it might be easier and faster (less hand cutting) if you remove your MAF accordion hose, which is that big black ripped tube inbetween MAF and Y-Pipe.

[JasonP]

Rated S you are the best. Thanks for taking the time to take pictures and give me directions. I will let you guys know how I make out.just got to wait for the sensor to come.

[Rated S]

Rated S you are the best. Thanks for taking the time to take pictures and give me directions. I will let you guys know how I make out.just got to wait for the sensor to come.

Happy I could help!