2004 Volkswagen Passat Logo
Posted on May 10, 2010
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

Vw passat code p3081 what is it? And how do i fix it thanks

2 Answers

david mcclellan

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

  • Master 530 Answers
  • Posted on May 10, 2010
david mcclellan
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

Joined: May 08, 2009
Answers
530
Questions
0
Helped
303349
Points
1839

P3081 is the error code for the engine not reaching correct operating temperature. It could be an issue with the thermostat or the ECT (coolant temperature sensor) valve.

As far as how to repair those items, your best bet is to purchase a repair manual. It will save a lot of time and frustration.
Good luck hope this helps.

Anonymous

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

  • Contributor 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jul 21, 2010
Anonymous
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

Joined: Jul 21, 2010
Answers
1
Questions
0
Helped
6032
Points
2

I had the same problem on my 03' VW Passat with a V-6 engine. The OBD engine check code P3081 indicated and issue with the fuel emission which was related to incorrect engine operating temperature. The radiator cooling fan was always "ON' irregardless of the hot or cold engine temp. Since I had a similar problem on my older 89' Golf Cabriolet, I reckoned it was just a matter of replacing the thermal switch for the radiator fan. I bought a thermal switch from an independent VW parts supplier and had it installed by a mechanic from an independent repair shop. Problem solved! The radiator fan now only turns on when the engine is at the optimal operating temperature and the the code P3081 no longer appears on the OBD scanner.

  • dmitryk99 Mar 15, 2011

    Golfstream, I am having the same issue with my 2005 VW Passat, 2.8L V6... I called the VW dealer and they told me it is a thermostat... You mentioned you had the thermal switch replaced; is that the only item to be concerned with?

×

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Trouble code p000a on 06 vw passat. can i drive with this code or will it cause more damage to the car

Cam shaft positioner malfunction. You can drive it. Just have bad gas mileage. Probably run rough to. If it starts making a bunch of chattering noise, time to have it fixed. I wouldn't take it on any long trips either.
1helpful
1answer

The code on my car vw new jetta 2005 its a 2.5 the codes is reading on my car p0322 and code p3081 the reading was took when my epc light came on and my engine light on and i have a oil link i smell r

code p3081 refers to engine temperature too low===causes--allow engine to warm up---cooling system fault
I would check for a thermostat stuck open

code p0322 refers to crank shaft position (CKP) sensor/engine speed (RPM) sensor--no signal===causes--wiring---CKP/RPM sensor---ECM
1helpful
1answer

VW Passat 08 plate Fault Coad P0299 and P2196

What seems to be the problem with the car, other than the codes?
0helpful
1answer
0helpful
1answer

I want to find out more on the vw passat alarms

I'd suggest you join VW Vortex forum and post your question under your VW model discussion forum. You have a higher rate of hitting it dead on for your car solutions and how fast you receive suggestions. Just hit the address abive to take you there. Any VW forum will work and not necessarily VW Vortex, I just happen to use them.
Please rate any suggestions given in your search for a solution. Thank you.

0helpful
1answer

Need radio codes for VW PASSAT 1999 gamma

Sorry...this code is only available from a VW Dealer or a Radio Decoding Service

Will not be available for free from anywhere on the Internet
0helpful
1answer

NEED A RADIO CODE FOR A VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2001

Phone VW and give them the vin number of your car and they will give you the code for the radio
6helpful
1answer

EPS and Check engine light on 2004 Volkswagen Passat Turbo

I note that you posted your question 14 Feb 09, so happy belated Valentine's Day! Anyway, I own a 2004 VW Passat 1.8 and am currently facing the same problem (EPC light and check engine light on) and subsequently, I coded it out, which was P0322. I took my other vehicle (more reliable) into the VW dealership in Olympia Washington. I was going to replace the EPC sensor, which typically handles what is sent to the car's brain, telling it how much gas it needs to run. However, the technicians at the dealership told me to code it out before investing any money without knowing exactly what should be replaced.

I took the code and determined the "crank sensor" was defective. If you call around, you should be quoted anywhere between $48 and $90 respectfully. If your VW was lurching like it was missing for a split second at a usual speed, or died at stops, then I would say you were experiencing the same problem I was having. Hopefully, this will fix your problem? The part is pretty inexpensive, but I think what VW charges to replace the sensor, is highway robbery. Anyone in your family mechanically inclined? Good luck! ([email protected])
83helpful
11answers

Vw passat radio code

Passat 97 need to re-enter code ( 4 ) digit, however it shows the number 2 on the on screen when the radio is turned on.
Help. I need to know the steps to reset. thanks
3helpful
1answer

VW Passat transmission

I got same problem now. Did you find a Solution or figure out why transmission will not engage after being towed. Same engine works great just won't shift in to gear and go.

Thanks john
Not finding what you are looking for?

6,042 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Volkswagen Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Bradley
Bradley

Level 2 Expert

105 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

Are you a Volkswagen Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...