about radiator fan, and other questions

[Huw Powell]

> I got a 1988 audi 80 quattro recently.... I noticed some interesting things,
>
> 1. When the car is sitting around idle, the temperature keeps going up
> and the fan never goes on.  Ok, turns out it wasn't connected.  But,
> when it is connected, it always stays on.

> Could the thermoswitch be doing this?  I don't think it is the relay
> and I'm not sure what else to check...

start at the switch, yes.  remove the underbody pan if it's there, and
the switch is in the lower, rear bottom of the radiator.

they are two position switches, I forget which pins are which, but when
cold none should be zero ohms to any others.  so whip out your
multimeter and have at it.  about a $20 part.

> 2. On the highway, it seems that above 4000RPM, the electrical system
> starts acting strange, perhaps this is an issue with the alternator.  The
> dash lights and headlights get dim for a while, then switch to normal, then
> dim, etc... High RPMs seem to trigger this.

your brushes might be getting worn, at least it is a good place to start
looking.

> 3. The car is a little hard to start, it likes for me to tap the gas when
> it is starting.  No visible leaks of any sort in the fuel injection stuff.
> tips ?

tune up parts are a good place to start.  when was the last set of
plugs, cap, rotor installed?

> 4. It seems that when I mess with the heat/cooling controls (it has the basic
> system, not the automated one), I can lose/gain power to the stereo/lighter
> plug.  I am thinking, look for loose plugs/wires.... Where should I look ??

hoo boy, is it an aftermarket radio?  maybe the wiring behind it is not
very "professionally" done...

--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/