# '04 Passat temp guage mystery

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/04-passat-temp-guage-mystery/48963>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** gauges, overheating, volkswagen, passat\
**Created:** [May 17, 2010, 1:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/04-passat-temp-guage-mystery/48963 "2010-05-17T01:40:01Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Mumford67](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Mumford67](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mumford67)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2010, 1:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/04-passat-temp-guage-mystery/48963/1 "2010-05-17T01:40:01Z")

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Today, while taking a brief 15 mile trip in our '04 Passat, the temp gauge shot up to high and the “Turn off the car” warning message appeared. I pulled the car to the shoulder and all of the sudden, the engine still on, the temperature gauge dropped back to normal. Checked under the hood and under the car - no leaks. Got the car home without the gauge rising again.  
  
  
  
 Later, I took the car out for another short drive to see if I could replicate the problem.  
  
  
  
 Two things I noticed: Even after sitting off for 90 minutes, the gauge jumped to the mid-way pt.(190 degrees) right at engine start. Five minutes into driving, sure enough the temperature on the gauge started to rise midway to high, and as I slowed down to turn off of the road, the temperature on the gauge dropped back down to normal. Checked again under the hood and under the car - again no noticable leaks. And again, I was able to get the car back home without the gauge rising again.  
  
  
  
 Normally, with the bobbing gauge, I would think I’m probably looking at a thermostat replacement. But this thing with the gauge shooting up midway immediately on engine start, even after the car has had sufficient time to cool, has me baffled. Even 2-1/2 hours later, I go out to the car and start it, and the temp gauge is immediately at about 120-130 degrees.  
  
  
  
 Can the car hold this much heat so long (it’s only mid-60’s here in Baltimore) or am I possibly looking at a more likely faulty gauge than a faulty thermostat?  
  
  
  
 Any advice or info prior to getting to the shop tomorrow is welcome. I would hate to pay for a bunch of unnecessary repairs as the repairman fishes to find the problem.  
  
  
  
 Many thanks,  
  
 Stuart