1.9 Tdi FR - Coolant light and thermostat query

[mr_merc]

Morning all

I have a 2005 Leon FR Tdi, 40k miles, recent service...

In the last two days (during the cold snap coincidentally), when I have turned the ignition on in the morning the light to the top of the coolant temp gauge has flashed repeatedly and 'bonged' a few times. After about five or so minutes of driving, it stops flashing. I have checked the coolant level and it's fine, I've also removed and reconnected the electrical sensor on the top of the bottle.

What else could be wrong that it'd do this?

Secondly, it seems to take an age to warm up to 90 degrees. It doesn't go above that when it's there though. Takes about three miles of driving gently to get it to operating temperature, is that right?!

Thanks

James.

 

[LEE69]

Clean the prongs that are in the actual coolant bottle.

Mines taking longer to warm up too, might have something to do with the colder temp outside

 

[sockpuppet]

I have the same car, slightly newer and tons more miles on the clock.

Mine takes about 2 miles for the temp gauge to move, 3 miles to get to 90 degrees so I would say that was normal.

My temp light flashed on starting the car (twice) when the temperature outside was at 3 degrees. I scraped the two wire sensors inside the bottle with a screwdriver (There was no visible deposits) and I have started it twice at 0.5 and -0.5 degrees with no flashing light so I would recommend scraping the sensor wires.

 

[mr_merc]

Great, thank you both for the answers. Will try it this evening.

 

[Husbandofstinky]

Quit a common faq James.

Scrape the prongs and keep the coolant on the high side in the bottle.

As for operating temparature, mine takes ages (always has done) to get there in the winter. Quite often not far from work until it reaches 90 (7 miles/20 minutes)

Hopefully see you at the next meet.

 

[mr_merc]

Yeah, having done a search now I'm quite embarassed that I should've used the search facility before posting - my bad.

Also going via Maplin this evening to see if I can get some dielectric grease and some silicon grease for the bonnet hinge!

You will indeed see me at the next meet.

 

[mr_merc]

Now being a complete retard... which one is the dielectric stuff and which one should I use on the bonnet spring (etc...)

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=grease&source=15

 

[LEE69]

Maplins didnt sell it last time i asked.

 

[mr_merc]

Lee, what you have posted is the same as what I have posted. I don't know which one is correct?

 

[Husbandofstinky]

James this is what I ordered on fleabay. Quick turnaround.

clicky

As for the bonnet, I cleaned everything up with WD40 (working the catch to clear the crap out) then I used motorbike chain lube when clean and dry.

Alternatvely if you want I'll bring some of each over at the next meet. PM me if you can wait till then.