88 Golf coolant warning light & gauge

Hi,

My 88 Golf suddenly has started to flash it's red temp gauge light even when
I start it from cold. The gauge also moves from left all the way to right.
Anyone got any clue as to what may be causing this?

Thanks,
rich

Did you open the hood and check the coolant level first?

"Richard Vermeesch" > wrote in message
...
> Hi,
>
> My 88 Golf suddenly has started to flash it's red temp gauge light even
> when
> I start it from cold. The gauge also moves from left all the way to right.
> Anyone got any clue as to what may be causing this?
>
> Thanks,
> rich
>

in article , Woodchuck at
wrote on 3/12/05 5:02 PM:

> Did you open the hood and check the coolant level first?
>
> "Richard Vermeesch" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Hi,
>>
>> My 88 Golf suddenly has started to flash it's red temp gauge light even
>> when
>> I start it from cold. The gauge also moves from left all the way to right.
>> Anyone got any clue as to what may be causing this?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> rich
>>
>
>
Yes, the coolant level is fine. Since inquiring with the group about this
problem I discovered something. The electrical connection coming from the
alternator to the sender was detached. When I installed a new alternator
earlier today, I re-attached it. This is what was causing the problems. With
it disconnected again the gauge and light work properly. I don't what to
think about that, but it works now.

Thanks,
Rich

Richard Vermeesch wrote:

> >> My 88 Golf suddenly has started to flash it's red temp gauge light even
> >> when
> >> I start it from cold. The gauge also moves from left all the way to right.
> >> Anyone got any clue as to what may be causing this?

> Yes, the coolant level is fine. Since inquiring with the group about this
> problem I discovered something. The electrical connection coming from the
> alternator to the sender was detached. When I installed a new alternator
> earlier today, I re-attached it. This is what was causing the problems. With
> it disconnected again the gauge and light work properly. I don't what to
> think about that, but it works now.

Quite bizarre. There should not be a connection from the alternator to
the temperature sender. Out of curiosity, what color is the wire? Does
it look like something a previous owner might have put in for some after
market accessory?

> Yes, the coolant level is fine. Since inquiring with the group about this
> problem I discovered something. The electrical connection coming from the
> alternator to the sender was detached. When I installed a new alternator
> earlier today, I re-attached it. This is what was causing the problems.
> With
> it disconnected again the gauge and light work properly. I don't what to
> think about that, but it works now.

You should check your engines ground straps. Be shure the generator has
ground....
bye MIC

"Richard Vermeesch" > wrote in message
...
> Hi,
>
> My 88 Golf suddenly has started to flash it's red temp gauge light even
> when
> I start it from cold. The gauge also moves from left all the way to right.
> Anyone got any clue as to what may be causing this?

How soon does the gauge move? Almost instantly? or over a few minutes?

if near instantly I'd guess that it's a false reading and some electrical
problem is reporting the wrong signal and the car isn't really overheating.

If it takes a few minutes, the car could be overheating and most likely your
thermostat is stuck closed.