Hi there, I have an Audi A3 1.8T (2001) and I am having problems with overheating. The engine gets to 90degrees, stays there for a while, then overheats to 110 degrees. The dealership wants to replace the waterpump, but its extremely expensive. I think it could just be the thermostat failing. Do you have any suggestions on which of these could be the problem? Thanks, Jared

You have air trapped in system , change thermostat , bleed air from system , let it run hot while adding coolant with blower full blast on all front and rear heaters .

Hi there:the Audi manual never talks about a 2 stage aux fan just that the aux fan runs with ac on and it can run with out ac on if there is an overheat issue on the coolant side where as the a4 info clearly states a 2 stage aux fan system that would lead me to think the early 4.2 did not use a 2 stage system. Your car is not overheating and boiling over out of the coolant tank it is showing a little hotter than what would be perfect but it is still in what Audi calls acceptable range. The whole coolant system is new I would start looking at your sensor and gage systems there is a coolant sensor in the rad but that is most likely new if they replaced the rad. The gage uses a temp sensor on the engine for the gage I would replace that sensor and test the gage with a resistance input tool we have at the dealer. Could be a gouge or the wiring to it. There is a coolant fan module that could be defective if your sure there was a two speeds to the aux fan.




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Two issues:
One is check the fan clutch to make sure that the fan is turning on to cool the engine, also it is recommended since it overheated to change the thermostat.

2nd. This sounds like a MAF (Mass Air Flow Sensor Valve) or a EGR Valve, if you have a check engine light on, take it to your local parts store and they will scan it for you at least sending you in the right direction.

Hello, msbeli1 and thank you for asking your question on Fixya!

Here is a simple process that will walk you through a few steps that will pinpoint the overheating problem on your 2001 Audi TT, without even using any tools. It has helped millions of people, and I am certain that it will help you, because I wrote it for people in your exact situation.
How to diagnose your overheating 2001 Audi TT

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Thanks for the vote, and good luck!

Eng.code 3A- Cyl.head-stage 1-40Nm,stage 2-60Nm,stage 3-180degrees. Main bearings - stage 1 - 35Nm, stage 2 - 65Nm, Big ends - stage 1 - 30Nm, stage 2 - 90degrees. Flywheel - stage 1- 60Nm, stage 2 90degrees. Eng.code AAD - All torques same as engine 3A. cheers

The best oil for that engine is mobile1 0w-40 european car oil, that is what the dealerships will use.

Depending on what temperatures you will be operating in you can also use a 5w-30 or a 10-w30.

Always use a fully synthetic oil in the Audi 1.8t, they have lots of sludge problems due to the turbo overheating the oil and breaking it down.

there is a button on your brake pedal lever that while braking gets depressed, and turns on your brake lights. Now this component is a plastic piece that can get knocked loose rather simply. You either need to re-secure this component, or replace it

(you can get this part at any junk yard for nothing more than some pocket change)

I would have the cooling fan checked, and have the thermostat changed. An overheated thermostat (overheating caused by something else) will cause problems in the future.

did the electric fan on the radiator start up? if this dont start up, it can get the engine overheated , specily if the car run in hot weather , an when the car stay on idle . The other problem is the engine head , the head gasket can blow and you get the compresion presure in the water chanal .Try to se of the oil on engine is gray? If gray you must change head gasket.
Hoope this can help you