Probably the engine CTS, check the suggestions in this link.
wiki.ross-tech.com
2003 1.8t; Performance Malfunction in Cooling System
Had the CEL light up the other day, scanned with VCDS and got the following:
1 Fault Found:
18613 - Performance Malfunction in Cooling System
P2181 - 008 - - MIL ON
I'm guessing the ECT sensor on the back of the engine might be the fault, but looking for any advice on tracing down the cause for the fault.
2003 1.8t AWM with 5sp manual FWD. 207K miles.
I should add that the temp gauge in the instrument cluster seems to be operating normally, I've not noticed any performance issues in the car, or over/under heating.
1 Fault Found:
18613 - Performance Malfunction in Cooling System
P2181 - 008 - - MIL ON
I'm guessing the ECT sensor on the back of the engine might be the fault, but looking for any advice on tracing down the cause for the fault.
2003 1.8t AWM with 5sp manual FWD. 207K miles.
I should add that the temp gauge in the instrument cluster seems to be operating normally, I've not noticed any performance issues in the car, or over/under heating.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
That light also gets set for it not coming to temp as quickly as the ECU expects. Such as with a stuck open thermostat. Really noticeable in cold weather.
I'm suspecting the thermostat at this point. Watched the measuring block for G62, the instrument gauge came up to 190F but the measuring block never got above 75C.That light also gets set for it not coming to temp as quickly as the ECU expects. Such as with a stuck open thermostat. Really noticeable in cold weather.
That looks like a bad CTS, check measuring blocks for temp reading at the ECU and at the gauge.
If they are not about the same temp, the CTS or its wiring is faulty.
If they are not about the same temp, the CTS or its wiring is faulty.
To expand on Tom's last post:
The reason that he wants you to verify the temperature data via measuring blocks in the instrument cluster (not just by looking at the temp gauge), is that there's a 'flat spot' in the temperature gauge - from (about) 182-207F (83-97C), it points right at 190F. The logic is that 'drivers might freak out over the normal minor fluctuations in the engine temperature, therefore, we're going to hide that from the driver.'
The reason that he wants you to verify the temperature data via measuring blocks in the instrument cluster (not just by looking at the temp gauge), is that there's a 'flat spot' in the temperature gauge - from (about) 182-207F (83-97C), it points right at 190F. The logic is that 'drivers might freak out over the normal minor fluctuations in the engine temperature, therefore, we're going to hide that from the driver.'
Thanks for the input @cuppie & @Tomvw . Ended up being the Thermostat was not closing all the way, kept the engine from coming up to temp, held mostly at 75C.To expand on Tom's last post:
The reason that he wants you to verify the temperature data via measuring blocks in the instrument cluster (not just by looking at the temp gauge), is that there's a 'flat spot' in the temperature gauge - from (about) 182-207F (83-97C), it points right at 190F. The logic is that 'drivers might freak out over the normal minor fluctuations in the engine temperature, therefore, we're going to hide that from the driver.'
That's the reason my P2181 came on years ago, which is why I mentioned it. Glad you figured it out.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
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