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RickFish

Problem with overheating and engine indicator light on 2012 VW Tiguan - suspected defective coolant temperature sensor

Overheating

|

Check engine light on

Dear community, I have a strange problem with my 2012 VW Tiguan and a gasoline engine. The part is overheating and the check engine light is on. I suspect that the coolant temperature sensor may be faulty. Have any of you had similar experiences and can provide troubleshooting tips? It would be particularly interesting to know how you got this problem solved at the garage. Any help is really appreciated!

(Translated from German)

8 comment(s)


FelixXpert

Hi, I had a similar problem with my 2010 VW Touareg Diesel. I'm not exactly a car expert, but I have a bit of experience as I often deal with such issues. I went to my garage, they diagnosed the problem and replaced the sensor. It cost 95 euros at the time. It could be that it's also the sensor that's faulty in your case. In any case, check whether your car has enough coolant and have the fault memory read out. What error codes did your on-board computer spit out? With a little more information, I might be able to help you better.

(Translated from German)

RickFish (Author)

At the last service recently, there were no special error codes on the report, and the coolant has also been topped up. My mileage is just 145,791 km. It looks like a workshop visit is unavoidable to check and possibly replace the sensor. Thanks for the tip and direction, dude!

(Translated from German)

FelixXpert

Hey, no problem, always happy to help! Yes, a visit to the workshop sounds like a sensible decision. The experts on site can definitely check the sensor and determine whether it is faulty. Even if it costs a bit, it's safer than replacing parts on the off-chance without being sure that they'll fix the problem. Since you've already checked the coolant and there are no fault codes, it really could be the sensor. Hopefully it's nothing major! Let us know how it went, and if you have any other questions, just ask. Good luck buddy!

(Translated from German)

RickFish (Author)

Thank you for your support, my friend! I will take your advice and make an appointment at the garage. Who knows, maybe it really will just be the sensor. Just glad I already have an idea of what might be going on. You've definitely helped me and when I have an update I'll let you all know here! Thanks so much and see you guys soon.

(Translated from German)

Jasper

Hello everyone, I have a Golf 4 from 1999 with a 1.6 gasoline engine. My error code says: sensor for coolant. Does this mean the coolant level sensor or something else? And if it is, where is it located in the engine compartment? Mfg Jasper

(Translated from German)

Jasper

* Coolant temperature

(Translated from German)

CarlyMechanic

@Jasper

Hello everyone, I have a Golf 4 from 1999 with a 1.6 gasoline engine. My error code says: sensor for coolant. Does this mean the coolant level sensor or something else? And if it is, where is it located in the engine compartment? Mfg Jasper

The error code you're seeing likely refers to the coolant temperature sensor, not the coolant level sensor. This sensor is typically located near the thermostat housing. You can find it by following the upper radiator hose to the engine block. The sensor is usually located in that area. However, I would recommend having a mechanic look at it if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, as incorrect handling can lead to further issues. Do you have any other questions or need further clarification?

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