beaudawg

Address 01: Engine
Controller: 8E0 910 560 G
Component: 4.2L V8/5V G 0010
Coding: 0007711
Shop #: WSC 63251
1 Fault Found:
18613 - Performance Malfunction in Cooling System
P2181 - 008 - Implausible Signal
Readiness: 0000 0000


I checked and cleared the code with VAG-COM as I needed to continue using my car, and would rather not have the CEL on in case something "important" were to go wrong. It came on 14-15 minutes into my drive, after starting from a cold (overnight) start. Temp gauge was just above 1/4 mark. After clearing the code, temp gauge acted normally the rest of the day.

Overnight cold start this morning, and after a 20+ minute commute, car still wasn't up to temperature, again between the 1/4 and 1/2 mark. No CEL again. . . yet. Figure the ECU probably has to see the same fault a few times before throwing the code.

Seems like a sticking thermostat to me, but after the trouble everyone else has had with this code, should I just start documenting and preparing for the worst?

5k mile service is scheduled for the 28th, hopefully the CEL will return by then. I will be taking the VAG-COM log with me though, just to get the ball rolling.

gregmag

<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/vag/msgs/6552.phtml">Some light reading</a>

beaudawg

So. . . what car do I want next

JDBlueAudiS4

Have you had the IBRecall TSB done yet?

beaudawg

Sounds like a stuck thermostat to me (just like all the other P2181 victims). IIRC, the IBRecall is for the after-run coolant pump, so shouldn't come into play.

I'd be happy if I was wrong though.

JDBlueAudiS4

who knows

beaudawg

If that is true, sweet! Guess I didn't read all of the details.

gregmag

After the service I did notice that the temp jumped up way quicker than before the visit.

beaudawg

Good to hear the fix has worked for somebody.

gregmag

I would surmise yes but no one has told me yes directly.