What are the probable causes of DTC P2181? - Cooling System for Audi A6

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P2181 Cooling System Performance Code

something is up with your cooling system

P0011 - Camshaft positioning sensor
P2181 - Engine cooling temperature sensor.
If you have a repair manual (chilton/haynes/etc) these should be fairly simple fixes.
Camshaft positioning sensor for my car was $35 and took about 15 minutes to change.

2carpros.com suggested the P2181 is also fairly easy to replace
http://www.2carpros.com/questions/volkswagen-jetta-2004-volkswagen-jetta-code-p2181-engine-cooling-performance

CODE P2181 COOLING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE MALFUNCTION CONDITIONS. POSSIBLE CAUSE FAULTY ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.FAULTY THERMOSTAT.

p2181 = cooling system performance

p0068 = Throttle position sensor inconsistent with mass air flow sensor.

P2181 - Performance Malfunction in Cooling System
Possible Solutions
* Check Engine Coolant Temperature Sender (G62)
* Check Coolant Thermostat
* Check Engine Cooling System
o Put the key on, fan speed on 1, and push the a/c switch. Are both fans kicking on? If not, you found the problem.
o Put the key on and fan speed on 1. Does heat come out readily from the vents?
+ No. Probably the water pump is gone.
+ Yes. Probably the thermostat is gone. good- luck!!

P0420= Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
P0300=Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0301=Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
P0172=System Too Rich Bank 1
P2181=Cooling System Performance
you need to write these down,have someone clear the codes in the car,then go for short ride and recheck which if any code reappears.it's like domino's affect,one sensor can start a chain affect with the others.

Hi jdbrown2005
Code p2181 is a cooling system fault.
On occasions it is caused by a faulty cylinder head gasket...
But more often a problem with one of the following.
First check the coolant level... thermostat..fan motor thermo switch and water pump. It is usually of these that cause the problem
Hope this helps you
John

Im actually going through the process of fixing this problem with my car. the P2181 is a performance cooling error, usually brought up by thermostat, radiator issues, or ECT sensor. You should narrow it down and check both radiator and thermostat to prevent later issues. If all is well go to your local autozone, pep boys, checkers..etc. and have them erase the DTC error. If you are looking for a more long term solution you can purchase many different software such as VAG-COM or any other software used to run test on vehicals. Be sure you know what you are doing though because messing with your cars computer can have long term effects that can be pricey.

P2181 is a overheating engine, the engine is probably dieseling because it is badly overheated, dieseling is when the engine keeps running after the key is turned off and makes a knocking type noise, this can be caused by a defective thermostat, low coolant level, blown head gasket and other thing as well. You need to get this looked at before you destroy the engine.