is my thermostat stuck open?

[Jam-T]

Since the weather has gotten colder, have noticed that my car warms up very slowly and I haven't seen the temperature gauge past 1/4 since I can't remember, even on extended drives. The thermostat was replaced this past summer when I had my T-belt done. I haven't noticed a serious decrease in fuel mileage on the other hand. The engine is a 1.8T for reference. anyone else with 1.8Ts have a different experience?
is my car over-cooling?

drives on the highway seem to drop the temperature a little bit also.

[D-BOMB]

Re: is my thermostat stuck open?

Check the coolant mixture, Also it wouldn't be bad idea to change the thermostat. It sounds like that's it and it's a cheap/easy fix.

[Jam-T]

Re: is my thermostat stuck open?

I just had both replaced by the guys at calgary auto works this past summer. how do I check the mixture anyhow?

[Benjamin]

Re: is my thermostat stuck open?

There are two temp versions of the thermostat, get the lower one or your car will never heat up when its this cold.

[Jam-T]

Re: is my thermostat stuck open?

perhaps that what I have.

[Jester B]

Re: is my thermostat stuck open?

Scan for codes. Could be your coolant temperature sensor.

[ricosuave]

Re: is my thermostat stuck open?

would the coolant sensor show an accurate value under vagcom? that is, is the coolant temp value that vagcom shows, gotten through that sensor?

I think I am in the same boat. LOL

[100%VAGitarian]

Re: is my thermostat stuck open?

why would you scan the car when you can just as easily, and more accurately, feel the rad hoses. if it's stuck open, both hoses will be at the same temp. if it's closed, the top one is hot, bottom cold. when it opens, the bottom hose gets hot, and your fans come on. pretty easy check.

i will note however, that if the coolant temp sensor is black, replace it for a green one. the sensor has no bearing on thermostat operation, so a scan is relatively useless to tell if the t stat works.

[eldo]

Re: is my thermostat stuck open?

/\/\/\ what the doctor said. /\/\/\

[Jester B]

Re: is my thermostat stuck open?

I have had issues before that seemed like a tstat, but were the temp sensor. Just saying that it is something else to check rather than paying to replace something that still works. I believe te VAG will show accurate temperatures, but there could also be a code fro
the Sensor for an implosible signal.

[J-hop]

Re: is my thermostat stuck open?

Since the weather has gotten colder, have noticed that my car warms up very slowly and I haven't seen the temperature gauge past 1/4 since I can't remember, even on extended drives. The thermostat was replaced this past summer when I had my T-belt done. I haven't noticed a serious decrease in fuel mileage on the other hand. The engine is a 1.8T for reference. anyone else with 1.8Ts have a different experience?
is my car over-cooling?

drives on the highway seem to drop the temperature a little bit also.

so you say that the temperature gauge doesn't go up, but do you get heat through the vents? if you are getting full heat I would say temp sensor but if not than it is likely the tstat.

[Jam-T]

Re: is my thermostat stuck open?

no vents aren't blowing as hot as they should be. Im fairly certain it is stuck open, after a long drive my temp never got above 1/4 and it was cooling down a lot on crowchild and glenmore etc.. I'll have to take it in.