Hi all, not too long ago I replaced the coolant temp sensor with the new green type on the off chance it could be faulty with being the old black type.

Shortly after I was noticing coolant temp was continuosly reading around 60 degrees even on extended journeys, but would raid to 90 if in traffic etc.

In the last week Ive had fault code P1296, my reader says undefined code but when I googled the code it seems to be problem with vag cooling systems.

Im thinking I may have a thermostat issue with maybe sticking open or opening too soon as the temp will raise to 90 degrees when in traffic etc.

Would this seem right? What are your views?

Thanks in advance

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

Sounds like a stuck stat, but If the CTS wasn't genuine VAG that could also be the problem.

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/17704/P1296/004758

+1 for stuck stat, might also be a dodgy sensor if it jumps from 60 to 90 rather than gradual climb

It is a genuine sensor, and sorry if ive mis-written, the temp does gradually climb when in traffic, but if cruising it will stick at 60! Stat ordered so will see what happens. Cheers for the comments

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

did the stat fix this or was it the sensor ?

Havent got round to it yet lol. Convinced its the stat tho

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

I have the exact same problem at the minute I only replaced the Thermostat within the last six months but it's not genuine one.

I can drive for as long as want and the temp gauge won't move but if I park up or sit at traffic light's it will climb up, if I'm sat for long enough it'll reach operational temp.

I still have the original one somewhere that I replaced, it wasn't faulty so I might put that back in.

I have the exact same problem at the minute I only replaced the Thermostat within the last six months but it's not genuine one.

I can drive for as long as want and the temp gauge won't move but if I park up or sit at traffic light's it will climb up, if I'm sat for long enough it'll reach operational temp.

I still have the original one somewhere that I replaced, it wasn't faulty so I might put that back in.

Just buy a new genuine stat. Also double check theres no air locks

Just buy a new genuine stat. Also double check theres no air locks

Will do chap theirs a few little bits and bob's I need so as soon as I can I'll get them ordered and fitted.

Can I just ask something. My 2002 tdi's temp climbs to 90 and sits there all day long. It doesn't move when sat in traffic or cruising down the motorway. Seeing as 90 is also the centre of the gauge, is this the normal op temp for a diesel?

90 is good