I currently have no temperature readout on my 2001 TDI Octavia.

The car is running fine, no warning lights, starts well and still gets 50+ mpg.

I have been told on another tread that it is probably the water temperature sensor and that its a quick and cheap to fix.

So I stuck my head in the engine bay at the weekend and I can't figure out where this sensor is.:thumbdwn:

I've seen some wires going to something on the nearside of the radiator?

I've also followed the water pipes to where they interface with the engine/cylinder head?

Or is it under the engine cover, somewhere?

Can someone please point me in the right direction?:confused:

And finally, when I change the sensor, surely all (some of) the water will drain out.

Oh, and one more thing, could it be the gauge in the dash?

Right hand side of the cylinder head, its kinda tucked underneath the coolant housing on the end of the head. Change it when the engine is cold, simple pull out the horse shoe shaped clip and slide the sensor out, make sure you have the seal and pop the new one in and refit the clip. Good idea to release the pressure in the system first and pop the cap back on. This should limit coolant loss.

Thanks for that.

I saw what you described.

As usual, it's in an awkward place under a few pipes and pointing backwards.:(

I was wondering what that funny plastic clip thingy was.

I didn't give it a pull just in-case I broke it.:eek:

How would Briskoda survive without your expert advice?

Help.

Changed the water temperature sensor as described.

The rubber 'O' ring looks OK and when the engine is cold/cool everything seems to be OK.

However, once the engine is up to temperature, I get water leakage around the sensor. Very hot/steam:eek:

I have taken it out, then replaced it again, but the same thing happens each time.

Just how far do you need to push the sensor into the housing? I am giving it quite a hard push while at the same time, clicking in the horse-shoe clip.

Any advice before the bank holiday runs out would greatly appreciated!

When you replaced the sensor did the old 'o' ring come out as well as the sensor or did you leave that in?

When i did mine the 'o' ring didn't come out when i pulled the sensor out,i had to prise it out(it was stuck) then i fitted new sensor and new 'o' ring.

Just pushed sensor in till i could get the u shaped clip to slide around sensor body,locking sensor in place.

Make sure the the old ring is out and replace it with new one.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the help, But the old 'O' ring came out with the old sensor.

I guess with two 'O' rings in place, I wouldn't be able to get the clip back in place.

Anymore suggestions out there? or do I need to call a sickky on Tuesday?

I would take sensor out again and make sure there is a good seal.

Try cleaning where the sensor fits(rubber pipe).

OK, Just one more time.

The trouble is, everytime I play about with it, I have to run the engine up to temp to see if it is leaking.