Should I bother buying 'Genuine Audi' Coolant sensors?

[cjt671]

Just want to get some input on aftermarket vs oem coolant temp sensors, and maybe someone can give other input on a possible fix. I installed new aftermarket sensors to see if that would remedy my coolant temp issue, replaced all three but the issue persists . Basically coolant temp drops to about 70 celsius, (around 1st line on the gauge) when heater is on, and I'm just trying to go any other route besides changing the thermostat right now because the belt was done fairly recently. Would it be worth it to cough up the $70 for the 3 genuine Audi sensors? Or is there anything else I could try? Would I be leaking coolant from the weep hole if the thermostat is failing(stuck open obviously)? Don't racing thermostats keep coolant temp at 70C? Lol..
Thanks in advance for any input!

[jaychen]

I've used ebay coolant temp sensors in the past with no ill-effects.

It just sounds like your thermostat is stuck open.

[Cinna696]

Sounds like a thermostat issue, was it replaced with the timing service?


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[88ninety9]

I wouldn't be so sure on the thermostat. I had this exact issue and it was indeed the coolant temp sensor (pass side of the transfer pipe). I bought the best one they had at the local oreilly auto and has been fine ever since.

[vavJETTAw36]

Hell may as well change the t state, orinfs, and sensors while you're in there. No?


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[cjt671]

Thanks for the input fellas. Would I be leaking coolant for weep hole if it's thermostat issue? How do I check this? I'm not losing coolant..

[cjt671]

Sounds like a thermostat issue, was it replaced with the timing service?


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It was done at the dealer according to Car Fax, so I can only assume they did it the right way.

[cjt671]

I wouldn't be so sure on the thermostat. I had this exact issue and it was indeed the coolant temp sensor (pass side of the transfer pipe). I bought the best one they had at the local oreilly auto and has been fine ever since.

Just replaced this one most recently, I thought it only controlled aux after run pump?

[cjt671]

I've used ebay coolant temp sensors in the past with no ill-effects.

It just sounds like your thermostat is stuck open.

Figured this was the case.. I might just wait till next timing belt honestly.

[88ninety9]

Just replaced this one most recently, I thought it only controlled aux after run pump?

Can't speak on this as I don't know exactly what it runs/runs off of, surely some of these guys can chime in. What I do know is I don't use my after run pump (my car idles for 5 min everytime I drive before I shut it off) and that sensor still fixed my issue. Could be faulty even though its new(ish)

[getslideways]

Coolant temp sensor behind engine on driver side = Aux pump
Coolant temp sensor behind engine on Pass side under MAF accordian hose = gauge/ecu
Coolant temp sensor lower radiator hose = fans

You can see the first two here, they are the green ones in this pic: