Temperature gauge not working!

Agent Asian

Active member
Joined
Apr 23, 2011
Location
Oregon
TDI
99 Golf 5spd manual
So earlier I had a coolant leak (assuming) it was a one time thing that I have closely kept my eye on. As of two days ago, my temp gauge stopped moving altogether, and now stays at the left side...
I think it is frozen because of the leak?? I have no idea...
 

jettawreck

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Location
Northern Minnesota-55744
TDI
2001 Jetta and 2003 Jetta
Most likely your coolant temp sensor (CTS) is shot. Very common and easy to replace.
But, since you have posted other odd electrical issues, do a search on "coolant migration". Check it out, but its a low probability.
 

Agent Asian

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Location
Oregon
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99 Golf 5spd manual
I was wondering if it was just the sensor, either the one to the ECU chip or the sensor to the cluster. Either way I would just replace both since it is an inexpensive repair. If that is not the problem, I think their is a short in either the ground wire, or the wire is worn down... that could be causing the shocks I get from the car. But I had a coolant leak once that was very large, and was just wondering if there is a connection.. Cars can be tricky like that.
 

jettawreck

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Aug 2, 2004
Location
Northern Minnesota-55744
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2001 Jetta and 2003 Jetta
I was wondering if it was just the sensor, either the one to the ECU chip or the sensor to the cluster. Either way I would just replace both since it is an inexpensive repair. If that is not the problem, I think their is a short in either the ground wire, or the wire is worn down... that could be causing the shocks I get from the car. But I had a coolant leak once that was very large, and was just wondering if there is a connection.. Cars can be tricky like that.
The coolant temp sensor supplies both the ECU and the gauge cluster.
Little low amp 12V DC wires won't cause the shocks in the cabin.
Antifreeze has a corrosive effect on wiring/connections.
The coolant migration thread is a thing for anyone with the older models to read and take steps to fix the coolant bottle so it doesn't happen.
 

Seatman

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Scotland
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2014 Skoda rapid elegance 1.6 cr tdi
My temp gauge doesn't work either but it seems it is just the wire for the dash that needs replacing, I've just got the one sensor with four wires, one's an earth, two go to the ecu and the last one goes to the dash.:)
 

Agent Asian

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Location
Oregon
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99 Golf 5spd manual
So if it turns out not to be a sensor... and something to do with the coolant migration, ( had found a large spot a couple weeks ago of what is believed coolant) how do I get into it all to find out how far its traveled and other damage? My turn signal unit is loose now, but I can't say for certain I would relate it to the coolant thing... but so far its only my temp gauge.
 

Agent Asian

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99 Golf 5spd manual
I know what to do to prevent it. But How am I going to know how far it spread if this is my problem!? It says it's rare... The only malfunction I have is my temp gauge... I was just thinking the sensor was plugged up or something.. But I know I had a coolant leak from my car... from who knows where... I am now scared to death... My Mercedes was never this bad!
 

Seatman

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2014 Skoda rapid elegance 1.6 cr tdi
Have you done the checks to determine that you have or had coolant migration or are you just winding yourself up?:)
 

Agent Asian

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Oregon
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99 Golf 5spd manual
Winding, I have no idea how to check it! I think I am over thinking it. But what do I need to do to check? I have a test light to test wires, but there are a lot of those.
 

Agent Asian

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99 Golf 5spd manual
OK wow.. a little more time than I have to spend on it as of immediately.. :( I am crossing my fingers it is just the sensor. But then I still have (HAD) a coolant leak from somewhere other than the coolant reservoir.
 

jettawreck

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Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Location
Northern Minnesota-55744
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2001 Jetta and 2003 Jetta
OK wow.. a little more time than I have to spend on it as of immediately.. :( I am crossing my fingers it is just the sensor. But then I still have (HAD) a coolant leak from somewhere other than the coolant reservoir.
Don't get exited until you replace the sensor. Its easy and not very much money.
I've had coolant get on lots of stuff before nad never had it cause issues. I think it has to be a period of time of exposure.
While rare, the coolant migration mod/fix should be done on any of the older models, it seems to me.
Also, I think this was mentioned earlier, or in the other related thread by the OP:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=317085.
I'ld give the grounds a good polishing up and see what happens.
 
Last edited:

Agent Asian

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Apr 23, 2011
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Oregon
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99 Golf 5spd manual
SO I have been driving my sisters pontiac (purge) and well I am a car murderer. I tried starting it, finally getting it not to die, and the lifters are knocking hardcore... well there IS oil in the engine.. It's a matter of the oil pump working, or a head gasket. changed the oil, no antifreeze in it though... BUT I was forced to drive the TDI and the gauge worked twice during deliveries... But if you pop the hood you can smell the sweet coolant smell... I looked over the wires, I can't see any evidence of the coolant traveling on the wires... ( the coolant runs (if it leaks) along the wires, not inside the casing right?) It had leaked ONCE before. I think I may have a hose leak that messed my sensor up. Either way, I am fixing the sensors soon. (days off!!) But to be safe I think I may drop into a radiator shop. Plus my coolant reservoir is at the min level now. So its disappearing. (not on the ground) don't know if I can say it's cause its migrating 8(
 

40X40

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Joined
Feb 12, 2006
Location
Kansas City area, MO
TDI
2013 Passat SEL Premium
SO I have been driving my sisters pontiac (purge) and well I am a car murderer. I tried starting it, finally getting it not to die, and the lifters are knocking hardcore... well there IS oil in the engine.. It's a matter of the oil pump working, or a head gasket. changed the oil, no antifreeze in it though... BUT I was forced to drive the TDI and the gauge worked twice during deliveries... But if you pop the hood you can smell the sweet coolant smell... I looked over the wires, I can't see any evidence of the coolant traveling on the wires... ( the coolant runs (if it leaks) along the wires, not inside the casing right?) It had leaked ONCE before. I think I may have a hose leak that messed my sensor up. Either way, I am fixing the sensors soon. (days off!!) But to be safe I think I may drop into a radiator shop. Plus my coolant reservoir is at the min level now. So its disappearing. (not on the ground) don't know if I can say it's cause its migrating 8(

The coolant runs INSIDE the insulation along the copper strands.

You need to get the car to someone (GURU) who understands TDIs.

Bill
 

Agent Asian

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Oregon
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99 Golf 5spd manual
And yes I was planning on donating. And thank you! You've been a major help. I am not an experienced VW owner yet nor diesel pro.... I mastered my Mercedes 190E I spent years on. I wanted a TDI because I deliver pizzas and am a student driving a lot... I dove into the unknown for sure with this car. On the other hand, the 16V Mercedes 190E cossy would have been a lovely project! It was manual too! But I love German engineering.
 

Agent Asian

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Oregon
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99 Golf 5spd manual
So if the coolant is migrating inside the wires. How will I know how far it has traveled? Wont I have to splice some wires? and if it travels inside... I shouldn't be able to smell it... Cause I can smell coolant when I pop my hood.
 

40X40

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Joined
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Kansas City area, MO
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AA,

Go see this guy. He well known.


Justin Grow - a.k.a. Oldpoopie
SE Portland, OR 97202
http://forums.tdiclub.com/member.php?u=5182



Bill
 

Agent Asian

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Oregon
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99 Golf 5spd manual
I WISH!! I got my car up in Portland, but I don't live close at all.... :( I am a hypochondriac about my cars. And With the smell and the temp gauge not working, I am not so sure how risky a LONG trip would be on the poor thing! The only TDI specialist close to me is more than an hour...
 

Agent Asian

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99 Golf 5spd manual
So I think I am cursed. I am just throwing this in as a HUGE fact. I had a Mercedes that was a constant project of a wreck, and a new Lincoln LS and it was back to back factory covered or not, and then this... and just today I blew my sisters Pontiac engine... Is there like some car God I need to amend?
 

Seatman

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Scotland
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2014 Skoda rapid elegance 1.6 cr tdi
The coolant could be seeping from somewhere and just evaporating and not leaving a puddle. You could check the coolant hose connections, sometimes the hose can get a bit worn where the clips are and it'll just seep out and disappear. The migration thing is very rare from what I've read and I think you might be worrying to much lol. I would get the engine nice and warm then have a good look round the engine bay, they can be tricky to find but you'll get there. In the meantime take a few deep breaths and relax a bit, it's certainly not worth pulling your hair out over it.:)
 

Agent Asian

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Oregon
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99 Golf 5spd manual
Oh i got hair for days. I had it hot and ready Little Cesar style, and I couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. I think its somewhere underneath... It's tricky... I think I am freaking out so much because I just bought this car... I was kinda hoping I'd get 6 months along before a repair... (bought it from a stealership)
 

Seatman

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2014 Skoda rapid elegance 1.6 cr tdi
You should be able to pick up a small trolley jack and a couple of axle stands fairly cheap, also I usually just feel around the pipes for any sign of wetness, if you feel something you just smell your fingers and it'll be obvious due to the sweetness. This is not meant as inuendo:D
 

Agent Asian

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Apr 23, 2011
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Oregon
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99 Golf 5spd manual
I made one of those earlier at work. I have a friend telling me to check my water pump... I don't know how many things can make one thing not work!
 

Seatman

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Scotland
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2014 Skoda rapid elegance 1.6 cr tdi
The water pump is at the end where the timing belt is and if it's leaking you'll see it drip drip dripping just below, they have a weep hole where they leak from when they're done.:)
 

Agent Asian

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Oregon
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99 Golf 5spd manual
I know that.. what a funny word... I think it's dumb to attach it to the timing belt. I had my belt done about 8k ago. So the water pump would have been involved in at least the process... But I don't see how the coolant smell would have anything to do with the water pump... But he owns a GTI, not a TDI. And nothing is leaking.... to the ground at least. Today's agenda. Tow sisters car. Get mine to a specialist in the area that is good with cooling systems. crossing fingers its simple. But I have a 100k on the car... its going to show its wear on certain things
 
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