Thermostat on an S3?

[Wallm0nkey]

Been having issues with the temp gauge sometimes it works upto temp but generally stays at the bottom I'd assumed it was cts. Had the same problem on a bora which it solved so I changed it and it's still the same. All the thermostat issues I'd read about seemed to be false readings? Heater works fine I think I'll swap it anyway just curious as to whether anyone else had the same problem?
I recently got vagcom can I use it to gain any more info before I carry on?

 

[seafar99]

I had the same problem with mine. Changed the thermostat, problem solved. As the temp gauge doesn't start to register till water temp reaches 60* , it can take a while ,especially in freezing outside temperatures.

 

[G60DAN]

If you change the thermostat be careful about getting water on the alternator

 

[S3quatt]

One way you will know if its the stat sticking open is fuel consumption will go through the roof.
Happened on mine & it sat around the 60 mark.

 

[Wallm0nkey]

To be honest I have only been driving the car on the odd occasion stuck in a van most my life and my girlfriends in the S3 but not sure if she would notice the fuel or not. With any luck I'll get it sorted this weekend!

 

[ManuGD]

My thermostat also failed last year.
During the summer I could barely notice it, but in the winter the temp never went over 60ºC.

I tried to replace it without removing the alternator, but there was a bolt that was a pita to remove.
With the alternator out is way easier but it takes more time because you need to remove the poly-V belt.

Good luck with it!

 

[SteveBAM]

I bought a new thermostat today,now that winter has come and the temperature has dropped the engine temp struggles to go above 60. Had a bit of a look on how to change it and its seems that there is a bolt behind the alternator that is F@k!.g impossible to get out without removing the alternator.Any tips on how that lower bolt can come out without taking out the alternator?thanks

 

[epox]

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-forum-8l-chassis/202503-a3-8l-1-8t-thermostat-location.html
have a look here
mark

 

[Scullies]

I think its much easier to remove the alternator to get the job done, but I do have a large intake manifold so I don't really have an option.

 

[SteveBAM]

ok thanks for your help, i just finished changing the thermostat without taking the alternator out.There is enough room to get that bottom bolt out,all you need is patients and a little bit of tool working skills.

 

[Wallm0nkey]

Finally got around to doing it today and temp was sitting at 90 nicely. That bottom bolt is a pig but managed to leave alternator in place. I drained the coolant and made a shield to keep the alternator dry too which seemed to work. Hopefully I won't need to mess with it again!
Has any one else had a faulty thermostat throw an engine light up? Happened the other day scanned with vagcom and it had a code and said cts or thermostat didn't realise it would cause a light.

 

[CazzaVR]

I had light and same error message with mine. All ok now with new stat and sensor

 

[Wallm0nkey]

Yeah mine is working as normal again now! Just hadn't seen mentioned anywhere about a fault code everyone just reported strange temp readings.

 

[gabin]

Guys do we have also a thermostat and a sensor? Or just a thermostat?

 

[Wallm0nkey]

We have a sensor also only takes a about 5 mins to change it! Remove the main engine cover and it's on the down on the right new parts green not sure on the older one?