Coolant Temp

[Sean Ford]

There's been a bit of a discussion going on over on the 12valve list,
concerning coolant temperture.

The coolant temp gauge shows no increment values, simply lines, with 2
lines thicker than others... a min and a max. One would logically
assume that the lower thick line is a minimum operating temperture,
while the higher thick line is the maximum operating temperture. Fine.

The problem is, diagnostic channel 51 (coolant temperture in degC) on
our climate control display, will eventually top out at 90 degC and
just stay there while the coolant temp gauge itself wavers. 

We're a bit mystified as to why this would happen. My first theory is
that the two values come for different sensors, but someone on the list
pointed out that the wiring diagram shows that they're using the same
sensor. My second theory has to do with the multi-function sensor...
it's just plain goofy, but that theory is easily dismissed :-)

So, here's the list of questions: 
1) what is the proper range of coolant temperture?
2) why does the CC diagnostics top out at 90 degC while the guage
wavers?
3) Does anyone know if the thermostat is actually THAT good that it can
hold the temp right at 90 degC and NEVER change???

If the oem thermostat IS that good on my 9 year old 100... color me awe struck.

=====
Sean Ford
audi_92_100CS at yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/seanford.geo
'92 Audi 100CS 5-spd non-q
'00 Triumph Daytona 955i
'89 Suzuki Katana 600

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