Hi,

I've had my Fabia mk1 03 plate for about 3 years and the temperature guage has always been in the dead center (vertical needle) after the car warmed up. Now it seems to to not quite reach the center ever and goes to about 80 degrees.

Is this any cause to concern, like of a more serious problem somewhere? I thought it was strange because it was always absolutely dead center for years.. The car has 124,000 miles and I will be getting the cambelt changed soon. I seem to remember something about changing the water pump on the 2nd cambelt change - could it be something to do with the water pump?

Thanks,

Dave

I should think that either the temperature sensor or the thermostat or both are faulty. It won't be the pump, but when you get the cambelt done I would have them all done, if for no other reason than saving antifreeze when you find it was the one you didn't change.

nowt to worry about IME. Mine takes ages to reach 90⁰ Colder days and short runs it takes even longer, I can do a run of 12 miles some days if it's really cold and still not get it to 90⁰, not had an issue in three years of ownership. There are two fans behind the rad aswel, never ever heard them cut in.

As mentioned, come cam belt time, get the water pump done also

You almost certainly have a problem with either the sensor or the 'stat if the gauge never gets up to the middle when the car should have fully warmed up. What is the heater like? Changing the 'stat without the sensor is a false economy and as you are going to have a new water pump as well. I would do the lot at the same time to avoid any wastage of antifreeze. Don't let the garage say "Oh it's bound to be the sensor/'stat, we'll just do that". I took the advice and then had to have the 'stat done later as it didn't fix the problem. Use original parts