Heater core

[Louis-Alain Richard]

Bob,

I don't know if you know that, but newer cars with electronic gauges can
cheat a bit with accuracy. In fact, the gauge will read dead center for a
range of engine temperatures. On our Saab, that range is 85C to 115C. Only
when temps are out of this range you see another position for the needle.
That is to prevent people complaining about normal variations (car runs
hotter/colder than usual). This is common on recent vehicles.

So, in your case, maybe the thermostat is indeed stuck partially open so
actual engine heat is not enough for the heater to work correctly and the
gauge could still be in the middle. You can always check temperatures on the
hoses or the radiator with an infrared thermometer, or read the actual
values for the engine temperature sensor with a VAG-Com software.

Louis-Alain




> The temperature gauge reads right in the center normal as it always had
for
> years.  One of the first things checked was whether the electric controls
> were working properly and moving the "gates" that control air flow over
the
> heater core.  That system is working OK.
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I'm told by the shop that everything mechanical is working appropriately.


Bob
rcuttler at optonline.net