coolant temperature sensor

[superbondbond]

Hi everyone-

Thoe other day the MIL lit up on my '03 GLI. I had the codes read and it gave me:

P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input

So I orderd a new coolant temp sensor from the dealer. I am just wondering if anyone has any tips on replacing the part
Where is it located?
Do I need to drain/replace the coolant?
will the DTC clear itself afterward or do I need to clear it manually?
Any other info would be very helpful.

Thanks.

[Mr_Diesel]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... I wish I knew more about the 1.8T!!! (assuming it's a 1.8T, that is)... If it's an 03' it may be wise to have the dealer do it for warranty reasons... but if you do it right, the dealer will never know.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

[superbondbond]

Well, when I spoke to the dealer on the phone, they said it would be covered under the warranty. The problem is that the dealer is 3+ hours away. The Service Manager said that the part being only about $6, and simple to install, it wouldn't be worth the trip down to have them do it.

Once I find where it goes I can test the old one with an Ohm-meter to be sure that's the real cause.

This is the part:
http://oem.thepartsbin.com/parts/thepartsbin/viewImage.jsp?image=img.thepartsbin.com/live/P4036111921OES.JPG

BTW, it's a VR6

Thanks for the response anyway Deisel. Perhaps someone over at vortex can give me more specifics on this.

[Mr_Diesel]

Why don't you call the service dept and ask them where the sensor is?

[Getta8v]

i replaced mine recently. its not a 1.8t but its the same exact part for both. follow your coolant lines going towards the firewall. The sensor will be on the upper hose. You just pull the clip out with a screwdriver, pull the old sensor out(you'll get a lil overflow dont worry) put new sensor in, put clip in hook sensor back up. When i did this shorted out the fuse to my dash so if you have no lights in your dash check the fuse.

[Getta8v]

just realized you said vr6 but part looks exactly the same as mine should take you 5 min.

[superbondbond]

Well, I got the job done with a little help from Walt over at dub-tech.com

For the record, on the VR6 (24V), it's located front drivers side, way down in there. It was a PITA to get at.

All's well now and running like a champ.

[gli_joe]

Are there 12 valve and 24 valve GLIs? How do you tell the difference?

[superbondbond]

My understanding is that the newer models (A4) have the 24V VR6.

I was able to dig up a site referring to first and second generation VRs. It might be a bit dated, but an interesting read nonetheless.

here's a link
http://www.geocities.com/gkurka2001/CarTech/tech_engine_packaging.htm

You'll also notice that vortex has a forum for both types of engine.

[MKIIVR6]

I don't know how much difference there is between the 12V and 24V models, but my cts is located on the thermostat housing. (Just on the lower drivers side by the intake manifold, blue sensor located next to the yellow) The part you showed above looks nothing like what I have, but they may be located in the same place respectively. Glad to see your car is up and running. 8)

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/92VR6JETTA/DSCN0107.sized.jpg

[superbondbond]

...my cts is located on the thermostat housing. (Just on the lower drivers side by the intake manifold...
Yeah, that's where is on mine as well. Definately not fun to get at without taking a bunch of stuff apart.
(looks like you've already done that though :D )