whats the normal range for temps on a a4? mines running 205* most of the time? i thinking i need a cooler, but why is it running hot?

 

205 is normal or below normal depends. +240 is getting up there. These engines are designed to run hot. Helps with emissions.

 

i have seen as high as 214* how do i check the fluid, smell?

 

I have a cooler on mine, yet I see it go to 210 occasionally in city driving.

 

I believe the DIC doesn't sound a warning until the A4 reaches 260.

 

well thats good to know, i have been tyryin to keep mine below 200* pretty hard to do.

 

I run an A4, with a a Yank 2800 stall, no cooler. It will run from 190 - 205 (hot summer days included).

 

I can vouch for the fact that the DIC complains at 260. Got there at the track. Mine runs in the 200s most of the time. I'm putting a cooler on it to help with temps on the track.

 

Most trans information data out there says that any temps over 200* for an extended period of time shortens trans life-----
There are several things you can do to get the temps down down--

1st--install a 160* thermostat----The stock is 195* On a C5 the trans has a bulit in cooler in the radiator So if you cool down the coolant temps you also cool down the trans fluid--- BUT you must re-adjust your fan setting or the results are minimal--I have mine set at
#1 on 200 --off 196
#2 on 207---off 201
ALSO in addition you can by-pass the trans cooler in the radiator completely !!! Common practice--Mine runs another 5-10* cooler plumbed that way
Finally---If you bypass the trans rad. cooler--and install a 160* thermo and it's still running hot ( because of a stall converter) for example --Install an aftermarket trans cooler---AND not a cheapie tube and fin style but a stacked type ( looks like a mnii radiator) on the raditor shroud------

PS---A 160 thermo won't let the eng run that cold--It usually results the coolant temps to be around 180* on the freeway or on a cool day and on a hot day or in town never over 200*

 

Are you talking engine coolant temps OR trans temp???