Bad Thermostat?

[Ti Kan]

ricematthews writes:
> The car is a '98 A4 Avant Q 30v 2.8, purchased by me in November 2001.
> Usually when I drive the car, the water temp gauge settles quickly at the
> mid point and stays there (even in the winter).
> Lately, there have been a few occasions when I have noticed that the temp
> gauge doesn't get that far - by a long shot - in 85-95 degree weather.
> On one particular occasion, I had a brief drive on the highway (5-10 miles @
> 60-70 mph) and afterwards it was pinned at the "cold" position.
> On another occasion, I drove over back roads (not stop & go, but not highway
> @ 35-45 mph) and it seemed to have difficulty making it to 1/4 of the way
> between cold & hot.
> The car has recently had the thermostat replaced.
> Is this normal for these cars, or is it likely that I have a bad thermostat
> (i.e. sticking open)?

Not it's not normal.  Chances are you have a bad thermostat.  Get it
replaced ASAP because your engine is not reaching normal operating
temps and that accelerates wear.

-Ti
2003 A4 1.8T multitronic (soon)
2001 S4 2.7T
1984 5000S turbo
1980 4000 2.0
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    ///  Ti Kan                Vorsprung durch Technik
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