Temp gauge

engine itself isnt to blame, you have a fault in the loom or the sensor is plugged into the wrong thing

the temp sensors on pretty much all VAG engines up to the end of the MK2 production are the same rating, just there are 2 shapes depending on the age/model. earlier models and 16vs use a single pin sensor with a black colar, later models use a 2 pin black sensor. using either sensor makes no difference, just the 2 pin one also requires an earth, the single pin ones earth thru the engine block.

The fact it still does it with sensor off tells you there is a wiring/clocks/level sensor relay fault, or you disconnected the wrong plug

ok well sounds easy enough just need to get a good look at it asap is its getting on my nerves now.

well i disconnected both switches that look identical in the from plasctic housing the one in the top from looking further down the loom has the yellow/red wire connected to the plug (spliced in) and an earth.

anyone got any more ideas? checked for the relay mentioned but it doesnt have that.