T4 temperature gauge not working

[steve62]

The temperature gauge on my 1999 T4 only works intermitantly. It will work when started and run for a while then just drops back to the first 3 bars of the gauge, then sometimes it will go up to 90 then drop back again.
I have just had a major service, as it has only done 90000km when I bought it a few weeks ago, so everything was changed.
Does anyone else have this problem and is there a fix? It is very unsettling not to know the temperature.
thank you.

[vdubmotorworx]

it will more than likely be the temp sensor itself. mk4 golfs used to do it. they would usually drop to zero when going around a corner then back to 90 when going straight. you might have 2 sensors and might be different depending on age but there will be a 4 pin sensor square one end and half circle the other.. they used to be black then changed to green. if its black i would get it changed... .VDUB.

[Sunny43.5]

Okay let me see a new member here in Brisbane with 15 years VW experience is that correct worx ? if so I am sure your experience will be greatly appreciated by forum members and also by myself and many others here in Brisbane as we have just lost a valued VW independent mechanic in Jmac . He has retired and it has left a few people struggling to find a VW mechanic they can trust without having to deal with dubious dealerships . Please PM me as I have some work that needs doing very soon . Howard

[jets]

Go to post#8

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f136/t4-diy-how-36452.html

[steve62]

many thanks for the help, I watched the mechanic do the major service on the engine, I got lost after he showed me how to pull the radiator forward. He had trouble getting the injector wires off , #4 injector had to be replaced worse luck for me, he said the plastic plugs get brittle and can snap if not handled properly. I will check out with another local mechanic, he might show me how to go about it or quote me on doing it. I will print out the info of DIY.
thanks again.

[steve62]

I had the temp sensor and the fan sensor replaced today by a mechanic. He didn't worry about draining the radiator fluid or removing the lower pan (I removed the pan before he arrived but wasn't needed) He just pulled out the sensors and put the new ones in, I only lost about 500ml of fluid, so after he finished I just topped it up. I got both sensors from the UK for $25 including postage.

[vdubmotorworx]

Cure the issue you had??

[jets]

The experiences of owners on the UK forums is that the aftermarket sensors aren't as good as genuine. I have Febi brand in mine so time will tell.

[steve62]

temp gauge is working normally now, hopefully it will continue if not I feel confident enough to try replacing it myself. I think the temp sensor brand was Topran.
Next step I would like power mirrors.

[Gold Coaster]

I had the temp sensor and the fan sensor replaced today by a mechanic. He didn't worry about draining the radiator fluid or removing the lower pan (I removed the pan before he arrived but wasn't needed) He just pulled out the sensors and put the new ones in, I only lost about 500ml of fluid, so after he finished I just topped it up. I got both sensors from the UK for $25 including postage.

Did you buy the sensors through eBay as I'm having trouble finding a temperature sensor for my 96 T4 2.0L petrol at such a reasonable price?

[steve62]

yes, just type in temp sensor VW T4 and a few will come up.

[Vantastic]

Hi, I was just wondering if the replacement of a temp sensor is a similar job for a T5? I have a 2006 SWB 1.9 Petrol Manual Transmission, during the cooler months it reads 0 degrees at start up and won't climb to 90 degrees until 5-10mins of driving is done. The service indicator also flashes when you first start it although it had a service 400kms ago? Would be greatful for any advice.