Rep Power: 745

Every once in a while after about 5 mins of driving from a cold start, I'll notice the temp gage hasn't moved from 0 (or less than 100 or whatever it is), the car seems to drive fine for a while, (most of the time I ignore it due to the various electrical problems this car has had), but after about 15 minutes it starts to act weird, idles high (almost like your foot is on the gas) (around 1200rpms) and you can hear BOTH fans running, this is the only time I ever hear both fans running. All the while the gage reads 0, (found this part out by accident) if you hit a big bump, i mean big, the gage will usually get a reading all of the sudden, about half way between 210 and 240, at that point check engine comes on. After taking it slow for a few minutes with the heat on, the temperature returns to normal and the car idles fine, and the problem goes back into hiding for a week or so, WHAtS UP?

1999 v6 a4
71,000 miles
no mods other than window tint

So sorry for the long post just wanted to make sure you had all the info.

 
Rep Power: 1088

I would check your connections... sounds like maybe your temp gauge is loosely connected or somthing. You should not continue driving if your temp is that high IMO, that can harm your engine. Best bet would be to shut it off and let it sit to cool down. Check your antifreeze level, your thermostat, and for any leaks. Somthing is definitly wrong with your gauge or cooling system.

Maybe your MAF is loose as well. (high idling) I had that happen a few weeks ago, and when I let off the gas, the car would accelerate a little, and idle at like 2500-3000.

 
Rep Power: 1121

sounds like loose connection at sending unit, probably both sending units the computer tries to compensate hence teh high idle

 
Rep Power: 745

Where are the connections to the sending units located?

Thanks for the quick replys guys!

 
Rep Power: 1121

could be at the senders, one is in the head, teh other I think is just under teh t stat housing

 
Rep Power: 778

^ Hes right.

 
Rep Power: 801

u might wanna try scanning u computer for dtc's....then go from there