87.5 CGT

[steinbru at vnet.ibm.com]

Ref:  Your note of Fri, 01 Jun 2001 08:13:40 -0500

Similar to most Audi, the thing works with a magnetic reed
switch located in a thin column whereupon a magnet rides a
float.  The contacts outside (as is the switch), and the float
and magnet inside.  Failure is when the switch sticks, the
contacts or wiring are bad, the float doesn't, or the magnet
becomes detached and sinks.  Do the diags with an ohm meter,
gravity, and Archimedes' principle.

If the reservoir is sound and the magnet floats, the fix is 15
minutes and $0.05 (not counting the trip to the junk yard, but
you have an Audi and you were going for something anyway ;)

Since the 87.5 has an oil temp guage, there is some backup for
temporarily shorting the switch if the flashing segments really
distract you.  --Gary

>I have the same car and had the same problem.  I just ignored it until I =
>had to replace the expansion tank.  Problem gone.  I think it cost $26 =
>from the Parts Connection.
>
>>Question for anyone: My 87.5 CGT's coolant gauge has been blinking for =
>the past >month...Its not overheating the fan comes on, regularly in =
>traffic, and seems to be >fine other than the annoying and scary light =
>blinking.  I have taken the coolant >resevoir out and cleaned it, made =
>sure the float wasnt stuck