[Mk2] [NA] Poor idling and low temp from heater...HELP!

[HighwayStar]

As above really. Just had new alternator but now the car sometimes idles at 2kish and sometimes at 1250 or so rather than the normal 1100... all when fully warm. Also while the heater blows hot when pushed all the way up it's def. not as hot as it was last week. Temp gauge is fine at under the half way mark. Is this just the result of the cold weather or should I be worried and looking for other probs? Head gasket?
What should I be checking for.... mayo in the coolant cap?
Any help greatly appreciated.

Thx, R.

[Red]

Hi Rob,

Had a similar problem a while back. Turned out I had a dodgy ECU temp sender and a coolant leak. Might be worth trying to remove air from the coolant system (http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/kb.php?mode=article&k=38). I had a bit of mayo under cap but probably due to short journeys. Would check your coolant levels and make sure the ECU temp sender cable hasn’t come loose.

Good luck

Dave

[HighwayStar]

Thx for that Dave. The link isn't working though... could you post again or anyone got pics of the ECU temp sensor cable n where I'd find it?
Any other possibilities anyone can suggest for me to check?

R

[Kitch]

heres the link mate

http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/kb.php?mode=article&k=38


mines doing the same and gobbling juice, fitting new thermostat and ecu temp sensor this weekend, costs about £20 for the pair off cam skills

thermostat

http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?mode=search

[Red]

Hi Rob,

Here's a link with a description of where to find the sensor.

http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/viewtopic. ... r+location

Have you checked the level and condition of the coolant?

http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/viewtopic. ... lant+color

Hope this helps

Dave

[HighwayStar]

Thanks Kitch and thanks Red. I'll have a look see tomorrow. That said I drove over to take the g/f to test drive a mk3 yesterday and it was fine all the way... mmmm.

R.