> Thanks for the tips.  Do I measure resistance by connecting ohmmeter to the
> connector tip of the temp sensor and to ground?

It would be really hard(dangerous) to connect the ohmmeter to the temp
sensor with engine running unless you have a lift.  i would start by
checking resistance at the gauge.  there is a voltage regulator on the
back of the insturment cluster too that may be causing problems with your
gauges.  bentley has a good page and pic of it.  its easily and cheaply
replaced.  another way to test just the guage is to buy a few resistors
from radio shack (cheap) and fake the resistance going into the gauge and
see how it reacts.

>
> Also, I looked at the connecting wire to the temp sensor, and it looks
> suspect.  Do you know if I can test the resistance of the sensor at the
> instrument cluster, so that it will show if there is a wire problem along the
> way?
>
> Thanks for your help.
> Peter
> In a message dated 4/4/02 9:54:36 PM, afox@cnr.colostate.edu writes:
>
> << >
> > high heat problem.  Is there a reliable engine heat measurement?  Do I swap
> > out temp sensor?
>
> Yes, the way shops measure the temperature is with an infrared
> thermometer.  You point it at anything and it gives you its temperature.
> I heard you may be able to buy one at radio shack for $50.  Otherwise go
> to a shop where they dont rip people off(very hard to find) and WATCH THEM
> use this tool to see how hot you're really running.  Don't swap the temp
> senosr without actally knowing how hot you're running.  My experience is
> that the gauge is crap and its probably at fault.
>
> Given that most of your cooling system is new you should not be running
> hot.  Read Ben Huot's post earlier today about the cooling system and
> the  new VW temp sensor, very interesting.  Here are resistance values for
> the temp gauge sensor to see if your gauge is operating incorrectly.
> Don't know if these have changed since VW came out with the new sensor:
>
> 32F 5,000-6,000 Ohms
> 68F 2,000-3,000 Ohms
> 104F    1,000-1,500 Ohms
> 140F    500-675 Ohms
> 176F    275-375 Ohms
> 212F    150-250 Ohms
>  >>
>