Audi in MA

My CEL came on and the code reads P1296/17704 which translates to 'Cooling System Malfunction.' In searching this forum, I found that this seems to be a common occurence and the fix is simply to replace the coolant temp sensor. However, in the description of the issue, many people have commented that the coolant temp gauge on their dashboard seems irratic. Mine doesnt seem to do that. So my questions are, does this code mainly signify a sensor error or is there anything else that can also be wrong? Anybody else have a similar issue?

Rahzel

I´ve got the CEL and TEMP gauge not responding, I also have the radiator fan controller inop so I don´t know if the fan is powerful enough to keep the coolant cool!?!?

I am having a dealer look at it as we speak, loaner at the moment.

fourwheelslide

...however I was getting a "racing fan" that sounded like a leaf blower on some cold starts and finally got a CEL. Threw VAG code 16502, which was a bad engine coolant temperature sensor. Replaced it and everything's been fine.

Here's a link to my post from last week and write-up.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/792737.phtml">ECT Replacement on B6 1.8t</a></li></ul>

shadyraven

I've had the CEL come on twice, but more often I get the leaf blower noise and more recently, a noise that sounds like a small pump motor that kind of hums away in the background. Everything seems to disappear if I turn of the engine and then restart.

Rahzel

I am talking about that ´´small pump motor that kind of hums away´´

shadyraven

I'm sure it's that fan.