Audi A3 faulty ECT Sensor
Posted in Audi, Audi A3, Diagnostics, Follett on 02/09/2007 08:05 pm by FollettmotorsVWAudiBlog
Faulty ECT (”Engine Coolant Temperature”) Sensor
Audi A3 Faulty ECT Sensor
What was the problem?
This Audi A3 had a flashing light on its dashboard (engine management system warning light) so came in for a diagnostic test.
A diagnostic test was carried out and the diagnosis revealed a faulty ECT sensor.
What does this mean?
The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT) tells the computer the temperature of the engine so that the computer can allow more fuel to be injected into the engine, or less, according to the temperature.
If the ECT sensor becomes defective, then the ECU (Electronic Control Unit: ie, the car’s computer) will receive the wrong information concerning the temperature of the engine.
In severe cases, the engine may not start, or the engine can use too much fuel, causing high fuel emissions.
03/05/2007 at 2:48 pm
Hi, this is really interesting, my A3 (2005 TDI) has been really smoking for a good 6 months when you accelerate reasonably hard, up until now the dealer has said they cant find any faults. However, it has broken down twice in the last 3 days as the diesel coil light wont got out even though its not cold. It doesne go out even if you leave it for ages. Its going in tomorrow to be looked at but sounds like it may be similar?
03/05/2007 at 3:22 pm
thanks for the feedback. We’ve replied to you by email.
regards, Alex
03/02/2008 at 6:06 pm
Hi, I have recently had this problem where the coolant light shoes up when I first start the engine. I have checked the level and it does seem to be topped up to its maximum already. How can I diagnose whether it is indeed a faulty ECT sensor?
04/16/2008 at 5:27 pm
I have a 2002 A3 and having the same problem … ” had a flashing light (water temp) on its dashboard”.
It comes off every time when I start my car. It will stop after the car move for a few mins.
I belive I have to replace it too. Does anyone know the parts number of the ECT sensor?
06/19/2008 at 11:56 am
A3 2.0 TDI 2007, 11000 MLS. Broke down 3 times, engine management went to safe mode 6 times ( limited throttle responce ). Audi finally replaced sensor , appears ok at this time .
07/14/2008 at 5:30 pm
I have an Audi A3 1.9 TDi 2003 and the injector heater warning light keeps flashing after it’s started and running. It doesn’t appear to affect the starting or running. Any idea what this means?
08/16/2008 at 10:11 am
I have a Audi A3 2.0 tdi 2004. When you put your foot down its smokes alot. I want your advise on this. It has had erg value or somit changed in 2005 and according to the previous own it sorted it. Audi said it could be pipes leading to that. What do you think?
Cheers