P2181 Audi/VW Fault Code: Coolant Performance Issue
For Volkswagen’s and Audi’s, a P2181 fault code is rather common because the cooling system parts are very similar. If you plug in an OBD-2 scanner and get P2181, you will more than likely see “P2181 – Cooling System: Performance”. What does this mean exactly because the cooling system includes many engine components? Well, this guide will walk you through what you can check to alleviate this fault code. We will be writing this for the 2.0t TSI or FSI engine because it is probably the most common engine when it comes to VW and Audi. If you need assistance in searching for parts/guides, leave a comment below and we will assist you in any way we can.
P2181 Audi/VW Symptoms
- Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminating
- Coolant light illuminating
- Car overheating
- Engine not reaching optimal temperature levels (Generally 190)
- Low or no heat
- Rough idle
- Engine stalling
Causes of P2181 Engine Code
- Bad Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS)
- Stuck thermostat
- Faulty water pump
- Failed cooling fan or cooling fan control module
- Bad electrical connector somewhere from the CTS to the ECU
We know this is a bunch of causes, but we’ll break it down to where you should start first. The most common causes for this engine code is going to be the CTS or the thermostat. That’s not to say those are the only things you should check, but those are the main solutions when it pops up.
How to Repair an Audi/Volkswagen with a P2181 Engine Code
We would advise starting with the two main causes: bad CTS and stuck or bad thermostat. If you are wanting to take your car into the shop to get a diagnosis, remember you would be paying an hour of labor just for diagnosis, which can be anywhere from $75 – $150. On top of that, you will be paying for the parts needed to resolve this issue. So all in you could be looking at anywhere from $100 – $400 depending on what is causing the code to pop.
Replacing the CTS on Your Volkswagen 2.0t
This should be the first test because it is cheap and an easy DIY. We would say maybe 50% of the cases with this engine code is resolved by just replacing the coolant temperature sensor.
CTS Replacement: https://amzn.to/2UQDT59
DIY Difficulty: Easy
Video DIY Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1bCJvHsyQ0
Replacing the Thermostat on Your Volkswagen 2.0t
The other 40% of the cases with this engine code is resolved by replacing the thermostat, so this should be your second test. We’ll show you guides on how to diagnose and replace if need be. To diagnose if it is a faulty thermostat or water pump do these simple steps. What happens is that the thermostat either gets stuck open or stuck closed, with stuck closed being the most common. With it being closed, it would overheat your engine.
Thermostat Replacement: https://amzn.to/3hewmpq
DIY Difficulty: Intermediate
Replacement Video DIY Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM6FzBMNQIc
Great Video explaining the thermostat function: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_inruGy8kE
Replacing the Water Pump on Your Volkswagen 2.0t
The next few replacements/diagnosis are rare to cause the P2181 engine code for your Audi or VW, but they can still cause it. A water pump transports coolant from the radiator to the engine ensuring engine temperatures are running at optimal levels. The water pump plays a big part in the cooling system of the engine. So if your engine is overheating and throwing this code, it is either your water pump or thermostat.
Water Pump Replacement: https://amzn.to/3vWCabW
DIY Difficulty: Intermediate
Replacement Written DIY Guide: https://www.golfmk6.com/forums/index.php?threads/diy-tsi-water-pump-replacement.268583/
Replacement Video DIY Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UmY8rReArc&t=13s
Replacing the Cooling Fans on Your Volkswagen 2.0t
Again, this is a rare cause of the code but is possible. If you turn on your vehicle and turn on your A/C and notice these fans aren’t spinning, there’s a high possibility you need to replace these.
Cooling Fans Replacement: Order Here
DIY Difficulty: Intermediate
Replacement Video DIY Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrJ_hI4R-DM
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are getting the P2181 engine code, you can drive on it but only for a short time period. It is something that should be addressed ASAP because it could lead to major engine damage if ignored. Like we stated above, we did this for the 2.0t engine, but if you are getting this code on another engine, please reach out and we can assist in looking for guides or parts! We hope this write-up helps you and your vehicle.
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