DIY: Replacing your temperature sender with the updated one (green-top)

[1.8TWolfsberg]

Edit: I added this to my site with other DIYs which can be found here:
http://www.anthonydanna.com/vw/tempsender.htm

The following fault code was causing my CEL to come on. I would clear the code using my VAG-COM but it would come back within a short period of time.

17704 – Error in Mapped Cooling System (usually temp sensor or thermostat)
P1296 – 35-00 - -

I went to the dealer and purchased the updated temperature sender (green-top) for about $13 with a new O-ring ($2)

OLD -Temperature Sender (Black)
Part#: J78-919-501C

NEW/Updated - Temperature Sender (Green)
Part#: 059-919-501A

O-Ring
Part#: N90316802

Retaining Clip
Part#: 032-121-142

Tools Needed:
Flat-head screwdriver

Before beginning this procedure, ensure you allow your engine to completely cool down. The system is pressured and if you remove your temperature sender while it is still hot, coolant will spray out and potentially cause severe burns.

WARNING: This procedure was performed on my 2001 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T. I cannot gaurantee this will work on your vehicle. Work at your own risk. It took me about 5-10 minutes to complete this.

Step#1: Remove the upper and lower engine covers to allow easy access of the temperature sender.

Step #2: Remove the retaining clip that secures the temperature sender in place. Slide the pick into the small portion of the clip that can be seen. (between the plastic housing and edge of retaining clip). Pull the clip straight out with minimal force.

Step#3: With the clip removed pull the temperature sender out. Unplug the 4-pin harness.

Step#4: Plug the new temperature sender (green) into the 4-pin harness.

Step#5: Insert the new sender and be sure to press it in firmly.

Step#6: Slide the retaining clip and ensure it is securely seated.

Step#7: Install the upper and lower engine covers.

That’s it! If you have any questions feel free to contact me via EMAIL, PM, or IM.

Modified by 1.8TWolfsberg at 1:58 PM 5-27-2007


Modified by 1.8TWolfsberg at 2:03 PM 5-27-2007

[barelyboosting1.8t]

Props for trying to be helpful. BUT..........do people really need instructions on how to do this???

[337drew]

Quote, originally posted by barelyboosting1.8t »

Props for trying to be helpful. BUT..........do people really need instructions on how to do this???

You'd be surprised.. This is the vortex you know. Nice write up

[1.8TWolfsberg]

Dude ya never know

I mainly did this just for the part numbers and "FYI" purposes. A lot of people don't know there is an updated temp sender. It took me 5 minutes to write it up...if it benefits a few people it was all worth it

keep in mind, not everyone knows how to do little stuff like this. And since this part isn't something VW will cover, it may save someone some $$$ from having to go to the dealer to have it done

[gt2437]

nice write up

[Shinex1]

The more of work write-ups like this you do, the better off guys like me will be. I have some mechanical aptitude, but little experience working on cars. Having a step by step like that gives me the confidence I need to do the job. Each time I do another little task like that, it really adds to my enjoyment of my car as a hobby. Anyone thinking this was just too simple a task to do a walk thru for is just acting snobish.

[Turbonium20V]

Quote, originally posted by 1.8TWolfsberg »

I went to the dealer and purchased the updated temperature sender (green-top) for about $13 Modified by 1.8TWolfsberg at 1:49 PM 3-12-2004

$13 for the coolant sender?? I got mine for $4

[1.8TWolfsberg]

that same lil green thing you got for $4? Did you get a buddy or someone to hook you up with a discount...or maybe employee cost?

O well...at least everything is cool for me now

[1.8TWolfsberg]

[johnny5gti]

Quote, originally posted by barelyboosting1.8t »

Props for trying to be helpful. BUT..........do people really need instructions on how to do this???

mightb e a simple task but he gets an A for effort

[A1.8T]

You never know it always helps out to see pictures. I did mine 2 months ago, good write up!

[numb401]

Good job, I think im gonna pick one up

[1.8TWolfsberg]

thanks for the props guys....i try to help everyone I can. I have more DIYs in the MKIV DIY page

[gt2437]

Quote, originally posted by Turbonium20V »

$13 for the coolant sender?? I got mine for $4

VW probably jacked the price up when they saw how many of them were being purchased.

[DubAdicted]

I just bought one last week, $4.

[SpooledAWP]

Quote, originally posted by DubAdicted »

I just bought one last week, $4.

ok...so you bought one for $4...and how much did you pay for shipping then...probably added up to be close to $13...

nice write up Ant

[1.8TWolfsberg]

1 more good 'ol bump

[FLAWLESS]

I did mine a few weeks ago as well. It in fact did improve my gas mileage by about 40 miles per tank, no joke.

I paid $4.03 for mine at a local VW dealer. All three dealers in my area that I called had them in stock at that price.

[jjbraunius]

very useful - thank you very much!
I had no idea where to locate the sensor in the first place so the pictures definitely helped and not to even mention the money saved...

Keep up the good work, looking forward on HOW-TO change clutch and HOW-TO FIRE YOUR DEALER


Modified by jjbraunius at 5:28 AM 4-30-2004

[placenta]

great write up thanks.

if i have a 2004, do you think i already have this green top?

[placenta]

I have a black coolant temp sensor..

has this sensor swap ever been related to my type of limp issues in any way? Cuz its cheap enough, I'll try it too. But I kinda want to do one fix at a time, so i can see what really fixes it.

[Jay24]

Quote, originally posted by barelyboosting1.8t »

Props for trying to be helpful. BUT..........do people really need instructions on how to do this???

You should do a search. It's surprising how many ppl can't find it... And then you have the few ppl that have actually injured themselves somewhat severely doing the swap.....

[asphalt_guy]

Quote, originally posted by placenta »

great write up thanks. if i have a 2004, do you think i already have this green top?

Bump for a reply on whether 2003 or 2004 sensors need to be replaced? Anyone know whether we need to do this?

[YllwTRB]

Very nice write up...

[Plat1.8T]

Thanks to this write up, my temp sensor on my 03 jetta will be replaced and stop causing my CEL to go on

Thanks 1.8TWolfsberg

Quote, originally posted by asphalt_guy »

Bump for a reply on whether 2003 or 2004 sensors need to be replaced? Anyone know whether we need to do this?

Another guy above said he replaced his on his 04 because he had the black version. I haven't changed mine yet, but my car was throwing CEL's because of this. Im interested to see if I have the black or green version...


Modified by Plat1.8T at 8:34 AM 5-10-2004

[placenta]

i just got my green top, but im not gonna bother installing it unless i have some problems. cuz my cars perfect right now.

[Frosty_spl]

the green top didnt help my only-when-its-cold stumbling problem.

[hugemikeyd]

Quote, originally posted by Frosty_spl »

the green top didnt help my only-when-its-cold stumbling problem.

call the dealer and see if you need an ECU update, i just had mine redone (over my REVO! ) but it supposedly clears up cold start issues

[SnowGTI2003]

I just got back from the dealer to get a new green-top sensor. ( $9 Canadian for all 3 bits) According to them it's a good idea to replace them anyways. The original black sensors are extremely failure prone and they seem to be replacing them daily.

By the way.. he knew the part numbers off by heart... I *think* they might have done a few of these by now.

[Alan_G_1.8T]

Before beginning this procedure, ensure you allow your engine to completely cool down. The system is pressured and if you remove your temperature sender while it is still hot, coolant will spray out and potentially cause severe burns.

Had the exact same issue and error on my 2001 W.E. Jetta. If you release the pressure from your coolant reservoir by popping the cap, you don't have to wait for the car to completely cool down. My sensor was changed not 15 minutes after shutting the car off and it didn't spray any coolant at all. Just release the coolant pressure beforehand.

[placenta]

Ive had a question about this job that ive never seen answered straight up. It seems like you dont have to drain any coolant to do this?? Even tho the sensor is in a low spot? Doesnt coolant pour out even if its cold?

[hugemikeyd]

all i can say is to make sure you do NOT open the coolant reseviour, leave it closed then:

1) let the car sit overnight
2) remove holder clip
3) wiggle in a circular motion
4) after it comes out make sure the o-ring came out with it
5) insert new one making sure its fully seated
6) insert retaining clip
7) unplug old one/plug in new one
8) done

[placenta]

Doesnt coolant pour out even if its cold?

[kfcninjaboy]

yeah. It will pour out even if it's cold. .. but.... it won't burn you if it's cold. that's the only point.

[placenta]

damn.. then i gotta set up a bucket and everything.. and then i gotta worry about possible air pockets.. aw well.. maybe ill only lose a tablespoon if i do it quick.