Thermostat stuck open maybe ?

[S3 chj]

Hi guys,


my temp gauge on my s3 2001 model only goes up to 90 when stood still for 20-30 mins as soon as I drive it goes all the way down, vagcom said check temp sensor and thermostat so I have changed the temp sensor but it is still the same the heaters also get a little bit colder on a run, is this a stuck open thermostat ? It's also bringing the same fault code up. 17704, I got a 450 mile trip tomorrow will it be ok do you think ? It has been like this since I bought it in north Wales last week the drive home to South Wales was 261 miles I have probably done 500+ miles so far.

cheers Chris.

 

[mark_S3]

I would suggest the thermostat. I did mine other month. £30 all parts,from Audi Including Coolant and took approx 1.5hrs to do!

 

[Goubo1]

I had the same problem with my s3,got the thermostat replace and it's bang on now gets up to 90 degrees in a few mins and I'm sure my mpg is better

 

[S3 chj]

Thanks cheers lads. It should be ok for a long journey then I think.

 

[Goubo1]

Mine was like that for a few months mate and was fine

 

[S3 chj]

Great thank mate.

 

[Munch]

Mines exactly the same on my a3, been like it since I bought it 8 months ago, am going to order a new stat and coolant monday from audi and fingers crossed its cured.

 

[jay1]

Same I had that problem for months too changed stat and now fine

 

[dan-quattro]

Mine did this all through the winter and just had it changed along with coolant, 49C trick on the climate control unit now shows it peaking at 93-94c and the dash gauge never budges off 90c.

 

[S3 chj]

Sounds like its a very common problem then, I'm looking to get mine changed next week.

 

[Stevorocket]

For info - 90 on the temperature dial on the dash is the correct running temperature (it is not "too hot")- I have several photos going back to when my car was new which prove that.
My car currently reads about 72 which is caused by a faulty thermostat opening too soon.