For the Digi Folks- Coolant Temperature Sensor

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VeeDubDriver
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For the Digi Folks- Coolant Temperature Sensor

Post by VeeDubDriver »

I recently had a problem starting my '90 Cab in the morning (38 degrees) 2 weeks ago. It would crank but not turn over, buck, and stall if it wasn't above 1,400 RPM. I thought it may have been the fuel pump/filter, ECU, or injectors because it seemed like it was being starved for fuel :?
I checked Bentley and nothing made sense to me :oops: A good guy in the Cabby portion of Vortex answered my question (I don't know if George is here or not).

Turns out it was the Coolant Temp. Sensor that was causing the little gremlins :P And while I was at it, I changed the coolant temperature sensor for the temp. gauge, too. Found them both for a total of $20 (shipping included) at GermanAutoParts.com :wink: Good price, I reckon!

After installing these, the Cab ran smoother without any idle fluctuation. When it was revved up, it returned to idle really nicely- not quick before the CTS was switched.

If anyone never changed theirs before (I don't know if CIS has them or not), I recommend changing them 8) Best part is, they're cheap and easy to install! Just remember those new o-rings!

I will post a pic of the old sensors when I get FireFox to work again.
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Calimus
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Post by Calimus »

Cis cars also have a pair of temp sensors. One for the guage and one thats slightly different, called the thermo-time switch. In VW's brilliance, they mount the TTS upside down on the front coolent flange making it a real treat to change it out. But when it craps out, it pretty much causes the same problem.
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Post by sixsracing »

I always change these when I buy a digifant VW. They cost about $20.00 at the dealer too.
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Post by kamzcab86 »

Calimus wrote:Cis cars also have a pair of temp sensors. One for the guage and one thats slightly different, called the thermo-time switch. In VW's brilliance, they mount the TTS upside down on the front coolent flange making it a real treat to change it out. But when it craps out, it pretty much causes the same problem.
Almost everything on a VW engine is in the way when you need to work on something! Blasted engineers! :evil: :lol:

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Calimus
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Post by Calimus »

Much agreed Kamz. I think I like most the way that VW put the damn intake manafold & hoses in the way of the injectors so that they are a real PITA to install/removed without pullin the intake manny and included hosiery. Sure it can be done, but what a bish.
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Post by sixsracing »

You guys need to get out more. Try taking fuel lines off of 14yr. FWD GM products. Replace a f/filter on a F/I Toyota truck, the list goes on and on. I would rather wrench on a VW than just about anything else out there. I'm about to do a water pump on a 4.3L AstroVan, I haven't seen it yet but it's leaking like an incontinent poodle so I got a good idea where it is.
91 Cabriolet, red w/white
86 Cabriolet white/white (oldest daughter)
97 Golf, black (youngest daughter)
98 Beetle, red
94 Cabrio, dark green (oldest son)
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Calimus
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Post by Calimus »

Well, you have fun with that one. FWD vans have less room to work with then VW's. My mother used to have a Ford Areostar, every change the plugs on one of those. First car/truck I've ever had to crawl under to change the plugs. :x
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Post by Briano1234 »

make that a Dodge Caravan too, to get to the last 3 you have to do it from the underside.

For real fun try changing a A/c compressor on a Honda accord 87. had to take the bumper and radiator off....
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Calimus
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Post by Calimus »

got ya beat, try changing a headlight assym on a 98 Ford Escort Zx2. Have to remove both fenders and the front clip + bumper. I'd love to shove the whole thing up the designers arse for that one.
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Post by sixsracing »

See, VW's aren't that bad when you think about it.

How about RWD Toyota Vans, Toyota FSM allows 4 hours to change plugs. Start by removing both front seats.......
91 Cabriolet, red w/white
86 Cabriolet white/white (oldest daughter)
97 Golf, black (youngest daughter)
98 Beetle, red
94 Cabrio, dark green (oldest son)
Cogito Ergo Zoom
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Post by Briano1234 »

To change the rear disk brake pads on my 72 rover 3500s you had to disconnect both rear axles, and drop the differential. 6 hours from start to finish.....

Everyone has horror stories....some bad, some funny, but all in all, I love the Rabbits, well except for the motor mounts.... about the only thing I hate on the whole car.
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Post by Calimus »

I think brian has a good point. They all have their issues.
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