Which A4 do I have and do I have a broken thermostat?

[chris-topher]

Hi there, I've just bought a 2012 A4 Technik TDI Quattro but I have no idea which variant I have (B5 to B9).  Anyone know how I can find out please?

Also, I have a sneaking suspicion that the thermostat is broken (stuck open). Symptoms are that the car doesnt get up to 90 degrees temperature.  Also, from cold, when I place my hand on the pipe to the radiator, it starts to get warm-ish within a few minutes of the car starting and sitting on idle.  I'm thinking the pipe should remain cold until the engine gets up to temp then the temp valve opens to the radiator? 

Appreciate anyones thoughts.  🙂 

Cheers

Chris 

[Magnet]

Welcome Chris and thanks for joining.

Yes, does sound like a faulty thermostat, by what you describe, so well worth renewing it. 
I usually get my parts from Parts in Motion based in Exeter. Competitive prices and always good service. You can either go direct to their site, or have a look on their listings on eBay. Buy a reliable brand such as Febi or Bosch. 
Let us know how you get on Chris.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

[chris-topher]

7 minutes ago, Magnet said:

Welcome Chris and thanks for joining.

Yes, does sound like a faulty thermostat, by what you describe, so well worth renewing it. 
I usually get my parts from Parts in Motion based in Exeter. Competitive prices and always good service. You can either go direct to their site, or have a look on their listings on EBay. Buy a reliable brand such as Febi or Bosch. 
Let us know how you get on Chris.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Thanks for the warm welcome Gareth and thanks for the response!

I will definitely let you know how I get on.

Cheers

Chris

[Magnet]

Pleasure to help Chris. Just let us know if we can help further. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Steve Q]

First pic is a 2012 b9. 

Second pic is a 2012 b8. 

The grill is the big give away. 

[chris-topher]

Hi everyone, 

A bit of feedback... I went to a local garage that I trust, I've been using them for years.  After investigation, the guy said there wasnt an issue.  He said the thermostat might be open a little but that it wasnt an issue and that the diesel cars run cold anyway.  The fact that he could have done the work and taken the money tells me that hes being honest with his findings.  Does this align with alone elses experience?

Thanks!

Cheers Chris

[Magnet]

Simple answer Chris - No. 

If the car is fitted with a gauge and it doesn’t reach and hold 90 degrees -albeit taking longer in this weather - then there is something wrong, like partly open thermostat. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

 

[cliffcoggin]

Chris.

Your trust is misplaced. Time to find a new garage because the fellow you go to at the moment is lying to you. Diesel cars do not run cold; they run at 90 degrees. No ifs buts or maybes about it.

It's true the thermostat will have a small bypass, but it is not large enough to prevent the engine reach its correct operating temperature in the coldest British weather.