Troubleshoot Code P2181?

[forzamotorsport9]

so my MIL light is on.....the guys at autozone checked it for free and it says its a prob with the cooling system performance.

it could be a failed radiator or water pump, or simply the ECT.

the car drives fine, but i have been very light on the throttle since.

can anybody help me?

btw the code is p2181

[vwmeister]

I'll try to reply for you if it doesn't take all night to do so, It could be t-stat not opening or closing completely or on time, water pump impeller, ect sender, cooling fan operation or fan thermoswitch. Have fun narrowing it down. :)

[forzamotorsport9]

errrr how do reccomend going about this problem? take it to lujacks or what?

[Putter]

Watch the temp gauge. Is it over heating? Is it not heating all the way up? Does it take a very long time to get up to temp?

[forzamotorsport9]

im pretty sure that it hasnt overheated, its hovered around 190F, and i dont think its heating up any quicker then normal, but ill check tomorrow to make sure.

i think im just going to replace the CTS and see what happens. what would you reccomend.....

[vwmeister]

i think im just going to replace the CTS and see what happens. what would you reccomend.....

Probably the most inexpensive place to start for a DIYer with no clue and wants to avoid the stealer. :tu:

ECT senders are known to fail quite often. Make sure the new one has a green top.

[forzamotorsport9]

Probably the most inexpensive place to start for a DIYer with no clue and wants to avoid the stealer. :tu:

ECT senders are known to fail quite often. Make sure the new one has a green top.

it seems like a good place to start. do you know where i can get a new ECT sender from? Lujacks is going to triple the cost so thats a last resort....and im QC if it helps.

[vwmeister]

it seems like a good place to start. do you know where i can get a new ECT sender from? Lujacks is going to triple the cost so thats a last resort....and im QC if it helps.

Don't pay over $30ish for one from the dealer, including new o-ring.

[forzamotorsport9]

Don't pay over $30ish for one from the dealer, including new o-ring.

where do you recommend going?

btw it doesnt overheat and gets up to heat mabe a little sooner then normal but its hard to tell.

[vwmeister]

where do you recommend going?


The dealer, your only option I believe. Unless you get gouged bad. If so I can send you one.

part numbers are 059-919-501A ect switch, N 903 168 02 O-ring

[forzamotorsport9]

The dealer, your only option I believe. Unless you get gouged bad. If so I can send you one.

part numbers are 059-919-501A ect switch, N 903 168 02 O-ring

ill give them a call and see whats its like and if its bad ill let ya know.

i've been to the waterloo dealership..... some guy came out and fired up a blue R32 for my younger brother and i.

i got relatives up there so im usually up there at least a couple times a month during the summer.

[vwmeister]

ill give them a call and see whats its like and if its bad ill let ya know.

i've been to the waterloo dealership..... some guy came out and fired up a blue R32 for my younger brother and i.

i got relatives up there so im usually up there at least a couple times a month during the summer.


esctuning and others have them as well

[forzamotorsport9]

esctuning and others have them as well

sweet

[swirlfree]

Put it this way, If your temp gauge IS NOT reaching dead center (190)....replace your thermostat, done.If thats not it,make sure your water pump is working...you can look and see that once youve popped your hood. and finally...if all else fails replace with a green top sensor...my best bet is that its your thermostat...I ran the same code about 4 months ago. replaced the thermostat..prob fixed

[cadwiz]

I think there was a recall on it to get the one with the green top, when i started trouble shooting mine and buggin the crap out of Kevin they replaced mine for free. if i remember right.