Temp light comes on but not overheating

[tkperez]

I have a 2000 VW Beetle and the temp gauge recently started coming on, flashing red and beeping, but it is not overheating. Sometimes it comes on right after I start my car, and sometimes after I have been driving it for 10 min or so. I took it to the shop and they flushed out the whole cooling system and said that everything was fine; no leaks or anything and fans running properly. They simply said they didn't know the problem and I should take it to the dealer. Does anyone know what the problem might be? I don't want to be stuck with a huge bill from the vw dealership... help!

[Smileybug]

1st: did you check your coolant level?
2nd: if your coolant levels are fine, you likely have a bad coolant temperature sensor. Cheap and easy to fix.

[cep]

I think it means your coolant level is low. Or, if the coolant level is NOT low, the sensor erroneously thinks it is too low.

[Fl_bug]

Oh, and for the record when you add coolant, only add pink to pink OR green to green. Do not mix!! If its pink, go to your dealer and ask for G12 Coolant. If its green, add any generic green and have it flushed and changed to G12 when you have your timing belt and water pump changed

[Canadianbugin]

Originally Posted by tkperez

I have a 2000 VW Beetle and the temp gauge recently started coming on, flashing red and beeping, but it is not overheating. Sometimes it comes on right after I start my car, and sometimes after I have been driving it for 10 min or so. I took it to the shop and they flushed out the whole cooling system and said that everything was fine; no leaks or anything and fans running properly. They simply said they didn't know the problem and I should take it to the dealer. Does anyone know what the problem might be? I don't want to be stuck with a huge bill from the vw dealership... help!

Your coolant is most likely low so top it up and if the problem continues replace your coolant level sensor...cheap and easy....

[branvan]

I had this problem - and it turned out it was an early warning sign of a water pump failure.. one of the plastic pieces had broken off inside and the WP was pumping but just not enough. The car actually WAS overheating outside the limits of the sensor, although just not to the point of boiling. Might want to check that after the temp sensor!