2001 Volkswagen Beetle Logo
Posted on Sep 03, 2009

2003 vw jetta tdi 1.9lt, temp light flashes on cold days

When starting the car for the first time of the day if its cool out side 50 degrees or less sometimes warmer. The engine temp light comes on. the MIL light does not and no codes are given. If you run the engine or a few minutes and then restart the light will not come back on all day. The coolant level is ok and there has never been any leaks. The engine coolant temp works fine and so do the cooling fans. The engine never over heats either. This only happens on cold morning starts.

  • jeff_vw_tdi Sep 04, 2009

    Thank you for the extra info. that really helps alot. I kinda figured it was a sensor but had no clue which one. Again thanks you for the help.

×

1 Answer

audi4me

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

Corporal:

An expert that has over 10 points.

Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

Problem Solver:

An expert who has answered 5 questions.

  • Contributor 13 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 03, 2009
audi4me
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

Corporal:

An expert that has over 10 points.

Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

Problem Solver:

An expert who has answered 5 questions.

Joined: Sep 03, 2009
Answers
13
Questions
1
Helped
7191
Points
26

Hi it sounds like you have a temp sender playing up I think there are 3 on your engine,

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

I just got an oil change in my 2003 vw jetta. The next day my oil light started flashing and beeping and won't stop. Should I be worried??

yes- check your oil level - sounds like they didn't fill completely or something is loose and leaking oil out
2helpful
1answer

My 2000 Jetta TDI blows cold air while driving. No fun this winter! I would expect a bad thermostat; but I understand if the thermostat is bad a warning light would be lit on the dash. Is that the case?

No, this is not your case. If the thermostat is bad any warning light would be lit on the dash.
First time you might check the thermostat operating.
Heed of antifreeze coolant temperature!!!

The thermostat location for 2000 VW Jetta 1.9 TDI, is on back of the alternator at the bottom side of the bracket.
IMPORTANT: It is NOT necessary to replace the alternator if you want to change the thermostat !!!
Thermostat checking:
1. Cold engine. Start up the engine and watch of the water temp indicator. After first value 60 Celsius Degree you still warm up the engine until the lifter (pointer) reach 80 C deg. (second mark after 60 C deg.). At this time you let engine running at idle speed and check with your hand the thermostat plastic housing and hose temperature in bottom left side of the engine. Heed of alternator driving belt and ventilator fan !!!
2. If the thermostat is good the hose must be cold until the water temp indicator reach almost 90 C deg.
3. The thermostat opening temperature is 87 C deg.
4. If the hose is already warm the thermostat is out of order.

Thermostat location, Part number: 044121113, in german - "Kuehlregle" (Price around $25):


tdisline_250.jpg
Important note: Always replace the thermostat round seal, position 7 in the above picture.

Please do rate my response. Thanks!
0helpful
2answers

I have a 2003 Jetta TDI with 90k. Until recently I have consistently gotten 46-48 mpg. Over the past 3 months the mpg has been decreasing. The current mpg is about 30. I change the oil every 3k...

don't know about the MPG it could be a lot of things. I have a 2001 Jetta TDI. You should NEVER change the oil at 3K miles. VW recommends 10K miles for a reason. The Synthetic oil has additives to remove varnish and it does that but it needs some time to replace the varnish and properly protect sensitive engine parts. 3K is oil changes are not a good thing for a TDI......Just use the right oil and change at 10K
3helpful
1answer

2002 VW Jetta 1.9 diesel. Cranks fine but won't start!

check fuel rail pressure with a gage from renting from auto shop shold hold 30 PSI for 60 seconds if not replace fuel pump.
0helpful
1answer

2002 Jetta Wont start if its turned off for less than 30 minutes

starter is going bad will work when cool but not after engine has warmed up heat from engine is impairing operation of starter replace the starter and it should cure this
0helpful
2answers

2003 VW Jetta 1.8t (turbo) Cooling fans will not turn on until temp is @ 230 degrees & sometimes even higher _ both fans will come on together & both come on together anytime the ac is on _ what...

fan relay control module and replace both high and low speed fans. and thats normal for the fans to come on with the a/c on thats what cools the ac condenser
0helpful
1answer

'03 VW Jetta a/c not cooling - it's HOT in Texas!!!

Check for power and ground to left (large) radiator fan with test light. If power and ground to connector are ok, replace faulty fan.
1helpful
1answer

I drive a vw jetta 2003 gls 1.8t. a few days ago the engine dash light started blinking. the car was hard to drive, accelerating with difficulty and shook when stopped. we took it in for repair, they...

I had the same symptoms and found I had suffered from turbo failure and the final cost at the dealer was $3500, last VW I will ever own. I hope this isn't your trouble too, good luck
0helpful
1answer

Jetta 2003 TDI

My mechanic in our town did a quick computer check. Car computer indicated a low level of antifreeze, he topped it up, cleared all messages off the car computer and said to watch the the heat guage for any further irregularities. I'll keep an eye on it, love the car, great mileage fun to drive.
Not finding what you are looking for?

827 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Volkswagen Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Bradley
Bradley

Level 2 Expert

105 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

Are you a Volkswagen Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...