Audi A3  Controls and displays  Instruments and warning/indicator lamps  Instruments
On vehicles which do not have a coolant temperature gauge, a warning lamp Link will be the sole indication if the coolant temperature is too high. Please refer to Caution!.
The coolant temperature gauge -2- Fig. 1 only works when the ignition is switched on. In order to avoid possible damage to the engine, please read the following notes for the different temperature ranges.
Engine cold
If the LEDs are still in the lower range of the display, this indicates that the engine has not yet reached operating temperature. Avoid high engine speeds, full acceleration and heavy engine loads.
Normal temperature
In normal operation the LEDs will settle somewhere in the centre of the display once the engine has reached operating temperature. The LEDs may also rise further up the display when the engine is working hard at high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern, provided the warning lamp does not light up in the instrument cluster.
Hot zone
If the LEDs reach the top part of the display and the warning lamp appears in the instrument cluster display, the coolant temperature is too high Link.
Caution!
  • Some vehicles have a boost pressure display in place of the temperature display. Vehicles with a natural gas engine have a separate gas fuel gauge in place of the temperature display. To ensure that your engine enjoys a long service life, you should avoid high engine speeds, full acceleration and heavy engine loads for the first 15 minutes or so after starting a cold engine. The amount of time the engine takes to warm up depends on the outside temperature. On vehicles with a boost pressure display, you can use the engine oil temperature Link as a guide if you are not sure whether the engine is warm.
  • Additional lights and other accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the radiator. At high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the engine overheating.
  • The front spoiler also ensures proper distribution of the cooling air when the vehicle is moving. If the spoiler is damaged this can reduce the cooling effect, which could cause the engine to overheat. Obtain professional assistance.
Note
Diesel engines are so efficient that they may not reach their full operating temperature in very cold weather. This is quite normal and no cause for concern.

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