Audi A3 temp sensor and cold air issues

wookie66

My audi A3 (X reg) has just started playing up, temp gauge indicator has gone past 90degrees couple times and the air vents do not blow out warm air only cold even though AC is set to 23degrees. Checked coolant and water levels all fine but not sure if its safe or wise to drive it any distance since overheated engine can be costly.

So wanted any ideas from knowledgeable forum users on possible causes. I have purchased a temperature sensor and may fit it myself this weekend since this may be faulty but having spoken to Audi stealer they said this may not be the only issue and could also be thermostat or worse still faulty water pump!

Other dilemma is cant risk driving car which is parked on my driveway to my local garage some six miles away. Again any ideas solutions greatly appreciated eg reliable mobile mechanic in West London Heathrow area

reddwarf2002

It doesn't sound like faulty a temperature sensor to me. It's more likely to be one of the other ones suggested by the dealer (water pump or thermostat).

Not sure whether a fault scanner would pick up a faulty water pump or thermostat...

EDIT: I would say you could possibly drive it there, but it would be best to do it whilst the engine is cold. Since it takes atleast 5 minutes for most engines to reach operating temperature, you could stop after 5 minutes and turn the engine off for 15 minutes or so and then resume the journey for another 3 minutes and so on. I know it would be tedious, but it would mean you could drive it to a recognised garage.