well, since last year i noticed my heat not coming out as hot as it should be. i have to keep it on "HI" just to get any sort of heat at all, and it comes out warm at best. any ideas. also, i think the element in the heated drivers seat has bit the dust. i keep it on 6 and it feels like 1.

happened to me once. You'll have to replace it.

somewhat similar to my problem.. If you replace the thermostat, do you have to drain the coolant first? or will the coolant be gushing out when you remove the T-stat? My coolant fluid is fairly new and too cold to be out draining and flushing..

TIA

Me and a lot of people here in europe has the same problem. The thermostat is the wound point. My watertemperature is about 70° celsius ( 158° fahrenheit ), but it should be at 90° ( 194 F ). My heater still works normal.

The problem is, that the thermostat is a cheap crap, and it wouldnt close correctly. I ordered a thermostat with a stronger spring from Fa. Behr in Germany ( thermostat-vendor for audi ). I phoned with the engineer in germany and his advice was to order the better thermostat, they offer. As soon as i get it, ill test it and tell u my experience with it.

So long
Andreas_AUT

In the old days (1980's & before) the t-stats would stick in the closed position & the engines would overheat & cause big problems.

I did it during the timing belt change, & it wasn't too bad. It can still be changed w/out the timing belt removed, but you'll just have to do a little wiggling (the part that is). I can't remember off hand, but it seems like there's only like 3 bolts to remove to gain access to it. Special attention needs to be paid to which position it is installed in though. You'll still have a little coolant seep out when you remove the old t-stat, so keep a rag handy.