Hello from Australia - a no bullshit explanation of how a thermostat works and how how you can diagnose the problem to a large degree. Well done! It’s nice to know there people in this world who are not time waisters milking UA-cam.
A lesson from one DIYer to the other DIYers out there.... On the BPY (2.0 turbo FSI) watch out for those slider pins on the alternator. I barely got them to move after soaking them with penetrating oil overnight.
Hi Charles, vid was super, super helpful!!!! Bit late on the vid but had to add this as it happened on my 2.5 B7 Passat .. In my case it was failing partially closed which cause the car not completely overheat but partially heat up and cool down in weird random cycles. Firstly, the car started to overheat only when idling and then gradually as I kept driving would also overheat at speeds 30~40. On side note... why, oh why, did VW put the thermostat in between the intake manifold and the engine block!!!???? It turned a 5 min job into 3hr+ job 😥
Have this code on my 2008 VW Eos. Also the temperature gauge would never reach 190 degrees which is the middle. It would hover between 145 degrees or 170 degrees. If I'm driving in the freeway it stays at the one quarter near cold. That's how I knew it was bad and stuck open so I sent it to my mechanic. Will update how much it cost me.
Hi Charles I work mostly on VW and other European cars and what I see most of the time is the thermostat opening too early some cars will display a fault for coolant system temperature not reach or something like that but some car are really good at hiding the fact that the coolant is not getting hot enough one motor come up to mind is the FSI engine what I do is always go for a test drive and check with a scann tool and make sure that the tempeture that the ECM and Cluster is the same or close and go for a test drive at a constant speed and check if the engine coolant reaches at least 90 deg cel but most of the time it will be at 75 deg cel then you know that it's not good but a stuck thermostat in A VW is not very common but a broken water pump is I would say for a common engine the 2.5 L five is not easy to replace especially on a New Beetle I have yet to replace a water pump on a TSI engine .
I'd like to know more about thermostats and how they work in extreme cold starts, how they influence (or don't) glow plug operation on TDI, stuff like that. Great video!
my 08 gli fsi tstat has been stuck open for over three years never had a problem check engine light came on once in winter does not get cold in texas I run most of my old cars without them most days its around 105 daily its not needed always stays 3/8 of the way even cooler on highway
I like these videos....i'm the sort of person who wants to know everything - If stuff is prone to fail, I want to know - rather than the 'don't tell me so I don't worry about it' kind. Knowledge is power...keep banging out the knowledge buddy! :)
When My TOYOTA thermostat failed was opening and closing very veeeeeerrry slowly. It wasn't stuck open and wasn't stuck closed. It was misbehaving though
P2181 check engine light is on. Engine warms up and maintains temps in the normal range in both hot (110 F) and cold (20 F) weather. Any ideas what has failed?
I replaced that thermostat on my dodge avenger cuz i changed the thermostat housing so it was easy to do all at once. I bled it but now im getting that code.
Mine is currently stuck open. (Luckily) I don’t know if it’s just stuck open a little or all the way. Once in a long while, I’ll have to clear the code. Engine does eventually get to temp and my heat in the winter takes a little longer to get real hot. Other than that, it seems ok.
Charles, I enjoy all your videos great information. I have a 2006 VW Jetta GLI, I get a P2182 code about every 3 to 5 days. The car is not overheating and the temperature gauge is working just fine. Checked coolant flow with the hose off at the coolant recovery tank and get coolant flow at cold engine start up. So the thermostat must be stuck open all the time. I am on vacation and will be returning home in 2 months. Since it is summer, I was wondering if replacing the thermostat could wait until I am back home.
For my p2181 was that instead of the thermostat stuck open/closed. It was the coolant temp gauge on dash not working properly such as either showing actual temperature or stay on low side all the time. I'm about to change the temperature sensor first and see if this fixes the problem..
I'm glad you posted this video when you did. I've got a B5.5 Passat with the 2.8 and I'll occasionally get this P2181 code for "cooling system performance". I'm thinking it's probably my thermostat (replaced the coolant temp sensor, didn't help) that is stuck open because the car runs just fine but takes quite a while to warm up to normal coolant temp. Usually a good 15 - 20 minutes of normal driving on a 70 degree day. Is it usually ok to run the car like this and just clear the occasional code? It's a big job on the 2.8 that I'd rather avoid altogether if it's safe. The labor cost would be about half the value of the car lol
did one just last week, after the car was at operating temp the bottom radiator hose that comes off the bottom of the housing was cold, not even warm. the thermostat was stuck closed.
We have a 2015 EOS and are up at a higher altitude (Santa Fe, New Mexico) and the check engine light came on. Ran FIXD scan, says P2181. Car is driving fine, no issues, not getting hot, no noise. interior heater is working fine. All dealers are super backed up and we are leaving in a few days. Could it just be the altitude is messing with the sensor but the car is actually ok?
Any thoughts on the over cooling issues with these vehicles. P2181 code ., Cooling system performance.Not really looking forward to doing that thermostat and housing would it be possible fuel temperature sensor?
I recently replaced my waterpump, it came with a new thermostat in it and a new temperature sensor , now i get this code .. i have heat in the car, it doesn't overheat, but noticed my electric fans don't seem to come on now, temp Guage goes up to 190 but never goes over... im lost here😢
I have a 2.0l with 220k km and now im having coolant issues, i already replaced the expansion coolant tank, but the problem remained.. the pressure is really high in the coolant system. So high that i think the coolant escapes through the expansion cap. I also had no heat when i turned on the heatblower inside the drivers cabin. And my oil temperature went up to 120 degrees celsius and meanwhile the blue light of cold coolant was on at the instumental panel in the dashboard, i always found that the engine was running on the hotter side during the last 100k km's.. i supose that my problem is a thermostat that has been cloghed slowly? I ordered a new one that opens up @ 75°celcius It might be something else going on but atleast i will replace it to be sure that it cant be the thermostat if the problem remains after replacement
@@TheMandeep125 Its at a friend for repair atm It aint repaired yet but i can tell you that i am 100% sure that my headgasket is blown. And i also had crazy oil consumption on cylinder nr4. I think i might have broken rings there or perhaps it is just the headgasket allowing oil comming in to cyl nr4. What caused your similar problem with your 2.0l im curious to know what went wrong with your engine. Also, mine is a modified one with 272 catcams + catcams retainers &springs, 35mm exhaust valve + exhaust ports ported and polished On a non restricted xflow 8vhead(no bumps above the intake valves) , and 13.5:1 cr
I live in FL and have the P2181 code. I suspect the engine is running cooler (stuck open) so should I care about replacing this asap? I run the heat maybe once or twice a year down here. Note: This came on weeks after I did my timing belt service which required me to replace the coolant. Could an incorrect mix of coolant/water be the case, such as too much coolant? If so, changing the coolant again would be easy. Thanks for any feedback.
Could the P2181 be from a bad water pump also? My 2003 Jetta heats up slowly, once it heats up the temperature gauge slowly dips while driving, then goes back up when sitting.
So, it's a regular thermostat inside, the kind that used to cost about $6. Now with a VW you have to buy the entire housing for, what, $140? What's the advantage of this? If they used an aluminum housing in the first place, it might have cost a little more than plastic, but you wouldn't be replacing the housing when the thermostat conks out.
On my Mercedes the thermostat is inside an aluminium housing with a sensor. Easily accessible though, Mercedes actually seems to care about making things easy to get to, most engine bays are really spacious
The genuine VW one is only $52, the oem ones are $29. Aftermarkets can be even cheaper. So it’s non issue at all, plus it makes sure the housing get renewed to increase reliability. If it were built as an aluminum part it will be more expensive, and for a service life of a car about 10 years, it makes sense to use cheap plastic parts.
I'm having the same code on mine, I just replaced the water pump, it came with a new thermostat and temp sensor but I get this code now and I don't think my electric fans are working
what part of the tsi do you think would be the best place to drain the coolant in order to replace the water pump/thermostat? would there be a hose that you could contain the pressured outpour easier than others, or better to just have the car been cold before starting? great job on the videos and thanks again
+HumbleMechanic thanks, that's kind of how I thought about it but thought I'd check in case you had one of those secret tips that only experienced mechanics learn about
What if I take the thermostat off??? I have a 2010 golf gti 2.0 stage 2 just got the engine fix couple of months ago because overheating it was stock by then, and just changed my coolant sensor and installed a dv valve, the drive it's awesome but do I really need the thermostat on it??
I have this code on my Audi B8 2013 1,8 tfsi, engine reach 90 temp fast. Then down to 50-70 up and down, never stabilize. Would you say thats a pretty clear sign of thermostat failure ?
I have a 2.0T B7 A4 Quattro, MIL came on with a P2181 code. Temp sensor has been reading between 1/4 and 1/2 (never stays at 1/2) Heat works. Car DOES NOT overheat at all. How do I know if its the Thermostat or the Sensor...Is there a clear cut way to tell Sensor Vs. Thermostat? If I had to take a guess, id say mine is stuck open mostly all the time. (although it does go to halfway and stay some time) The MIL I reset and that was 2 weeks ago, it never came back on, but again the gauge on the dash shows it running colder than normal most of the time. Any input would be most appreciated.
Hey Charles! I got the code p0599 in my gti mk6, I have to replace the thermostat or, the water pump, or the complete replacement water pump with the base? Thanks!
+humble mechanic, hey i feel like my B6 BPY takes quite a bit of driving before the engine warms up is that normal(in comparison to other makes and models) ?
I came here looking for the same answer. It always gets to temperature (200F) but it takes a long time on those winter days, especially compared to my TSI. Did you ever find an answer to your question?
I got this code on my 2005 jetta GLI 1.8T the p2181 is the thermostat the most usual or could it be the fan, because I noticed that when the fan turns on, the temperature gauge goes just barely past the middle. still it's concerning since its vw
the one million dollar question. 04 golf, story behind the issue. had the head mechined after valves were bent. replaced timimg belt and water pump. after that, check engine came on. p2181. so far replaced thermastat, Coolant Temp Sensor. reaches 190 deg. fans kick on when ac is on. no over heating. need help!
I have a 2009 gti with the tsi engine and I have the p2181 code but my concern is that I’ve noticed that when I turn the car off I get a burning coolant smell in the cabin, could the smell be caused by the thermostat or could it possibly be something else like water pump, a heater core, radiator etc.? I haven’t noticed any difference coolant temps or level. And my heater works fine
Question: My girlfriend's Jetta(CCTA engine) has been throwing this code lately, and has been running exceptionally cool at speed(1-2 ticks below 190 on the gauge), and I believe the P2181 code was related to this. It does however heat up to the normal 190 temp once I slow down and get into traffic. The car never overheats that I can tell, doesn't leak anything that I can tell, and the coolant level always seems fine(if not even a tad high). I was told the water pump was replaced/repaired before I bought it(still attempting to confirm this). I checked the heat, and it does blow hot air just fine.Would you be more likely to suspect the Coolant Temp Sensor or the thermostat? Or other components? How hard is/are this/these to replace? Is it something I can replace myself in an hour or two in my local DIY garage? Is this something I should address immediately, or is it not a big deal so long as it's not overheating?Additionally, my girlfriend said she was driving down the road(with the P2181 CEL on), and she said the car "dinged" or chimed at her for no apparent reason, she said the temp was ok, and pulled over and said everything seemed normal, she said the coolant level was fine and nothing was steaming or leaking or smelled like coolant. Would the car chime in such a way for a code like this?
One of the two sensors (most likely not the one for the fan, unless your fans seem to always be on) or sometimes just air in the system that's easily bled out via the reservoir cap or the bleed screw on the hard coolant pipe.
I'm getting code P00B7 on my Mk7. Would changing thermostat housing/waterpump be a suitable repair? I already ordered the kit on shopdap just want to confirm before diy tearing apart half my engine. Please let me know what you think?
So how much it cost to replace ? I have a stocked open thermostat. VW dealer is asking roughly 600$ & + for the job and parts for a 2007 rabbit. Is it possible, wtf ?
Okay fellas help a lady out. I own a 2005 VW Bettle. Thermostat code showed up in April. Next day had a new thermostat put in. Problem solved. Today (4 momths later) check engine light came on immediately took it to AutoZone code P2181 Again. I drove it home (about an hour drive) no change in performance. What's my next move?
Ok guys. I just replaces the heater core on a 98 beetle (not fun). I still don't have water flow. I am going to change thermostat and temp sensor (stock). My question is could it be the water pump or just a clog in the system. Thanks. Any help rocks.
A little more info. Before I started the car, the radiator hoses were nice and playable. When I started the car, and it built up pressure, the hoses were hard like cables.
So for my 2004 R32, my P2181 code was resolved after the temp sensor was changed last Tues. This morning, the check engine light came on again, 1 wk after the "fix". If the dash gauge temp needle consistently sits at 190 deg, could this suggest it's the Thermostat? How hard is it to change this on the R32 Phaeton V-6 engine? Could it also be the fan motor or the radiator itself? Great video.
+Peter Simon Kim It could be the fans, be sure to check and see if they are coming on. I will say that p2181 is almost always the thermostat. It is not a hard job. You can use my MK3 Thermostat video as a guide. Yours will be a little different, but not awful. Other option, you can just give me your R32.. LOL :)
+HumbleMechanic ---- I have to correct myself. The Temp Sensor they changed out last week was that going from the engine to the dial or gauge on the dash. The actual coolant Temp Sensor was not changed out. Since my initial post, I also checked the heater, and they they blow heat through the vents right away as per someone else's suggestion w/ the key on ---- wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/18613/P2181/008577
+HumbleMechanic --- But the mechanic I went back to this afternoon who did the work last week also mentioned that it is possible for the MAS (mass air sensor) to go bad causing this. Is this right? Time for a new air filter, especially if my K&N looks grungy?
Hey Charles, so two days ago I left work, and I noticed my temp gauge was not getting up to temp. When I would be driving, it seems to get to temp. But when I stop, it seems to drop down. I do not have any codes. Also, the heat seems to be plenty hot. Is it the thermostat? Like I said it just started. I’ve been trying to fix a lot of the things not working properly on my car, and now I have another lol. As before, it’s a 2007 GLI Fahrenheit, with 197,000 miles. So all the things going bad, it just seems to be that time in its life.
Could you maybe mention the other things that could cause under heating, and or how to trouble shoot? As I mentioned, it does NOT have any codes. Also, I replaced the coolant temp sensor about 8 months ago.
So i have a weird problem with my golf MK3 1.6 aft motor. The car wil get up to 90C (operatingtemp) when stationary, but when driving it drops down to about 75C. How is this happening?
Mmmm, could be. My friend thinks i'm driving without thermostat, but the heat works and it gets up to 90 when stationary. I will change the thermostat en look what happens. Could it have something to do with the coolanttempsensor?
Hi.. I put aluminum water pump on my MK6 couple months ago, recently my car have the P02181. At the moment isnt overheating, but the car misfires. My question is... this can still be a bad thermostat? For being open all the time the car may run cooler and the coolant temp. sensor can get trigger for this? To be on the safe side should I change both? Thanks!
Ruben La Rosa I know, i highly dout that is the thermostat. But the car start misfiring all of the sudden. I have the check engine ON but the only code is P02181.
@@erikpratts4871 budd i dont think a thermo can give u these issues but if it does its serious the problem. Thermost only control where coolant liquid goes..
+abirch2014 Last winter I was having intermittent problems with the engine temp (would never get up to temp, would take an abnormally long time, or would get up to temp but then drop again) on my 07 GTI (BPY) when the weather was cold. This was most noticeable during the winter when the temps dropped near or below freezing and I couldn't get any hot air to come out of the vents. It started out only happening every once in a while but became increasingly worse. I didn't always get a CEL, maybe only %65 of the time. Since this was a stuck (or partially stuck) open position situation, it would only be noticeable when there was a need for the thermostat to be completely closed, that is when it's cold outside and the engine needs more help in warming up before allowing coolant to flow. FWIW, I had the thermostat replaced this summer and have since had no problems with my engine temps.
+dudemulligan good to know. I was hoping to wait to change the thermostat since I'm also due for timing belt and water pump change as well. Hoping do due those and the dsg fluid next weekend.
HumbleMechanic i have looked under the car and its leaking on the left side of the car running off the oil pan to the ground. Now the person i bought from says her father replaced the water pump and timing belt a year ago. Would it be possible that its the water pump again? my car leaks coolant as soon as you put it in? I cant even drive it down the street literally withought all the coolant leaking out causing it to overheat?
bro, I've been getting this code for longest time. Found information that confirms it's the stat. My car does a little jerk or misfire. Think it can be related to this problem with the thermostat?
I have a mk5 gti fsi and I think I might have a failed/failing thermostat but not sure. I noticed that if I turn the heat all the way up and the fan max with the weather being around 30F or colder I can actually get my temp gauge to drop a few ticks. It also will only do it sometimes. No check engine light or fault codes and heat is rather bad. If I put the heat above 75F the heat will eventually get colder. This problem seems only apparent on cold days. My heat honestly is meh at best. My car also seems to take decent amount time to warm up when its pretty cold out. I kind of rely on my heated seats to heat me up. My car has around 100K miles on it. I have VCDS. Is there anyway I can for sure test it or should I just take it in to the dealership? Is it something else?
+thefsxflyer My stuck open thermostat problem started out the same way and got progressively worse over the course of one winter. Of course, YMMV. I'd suggest using the Torque app or similar method to monitor your temps via the OBD2 port while driving and see if turning on your heat has a significant and lasting impact to your coolant temps.
hey i could really use a hand i just picked up my first car, a 2010 audi a4 2.0t manual, i and only a few weeks from having my g2, i have fixed a ton of little anying gremlins new led tail lights all that snazzy stuff.... but i picked it up from a buddy for a good price when he had picked it up it was winter the first day of summer the car overheated i mean it was only 8 degrees out.... so we did the pump and noticed still it was warm we then had to rig up the rad fans to a switch cause guesss what... they never ever turned on he drove a far distance to work and back mostly high way, i just replaced the radfan module and ripped out all the wiring and the switch, but i still have not had the fans turn on, could this be my thermostat or even possibly my (cts) coolant temp sensor??????? if someone could give me a bit of advice it would be greatly appreciated im sorry for the long comment i just wanted to add as much detail as possible. thank you in advance.
HumbleMechanic how would I ensure it’s doing so? Yesterday I let it run for a bit and checked the top rad hose it was hot carefully reached down to give the bottom line the little “squishy squishy “and and was substantially cooler
So I’m getting the p2181 code on my 07 GTI BPY as Well. The temp gauge stays between 120 (minimum) and 180 (operating temperature) and occasionally it will get up to temp. When up to temperature it has full boost no problem. When it is between low and operating temperature I only get 5psi or boost. Is this normal? And do you believe that changing the thermostat could solve the boost insure? Thanks Charles!
Alex Kotan have you changed it? And fixed it? I’m getting the same problem! Highway mph then goes down and stops and goes on regular streets acts Normal
![How to Fix P2181 Engine Code in 4 Minutes [3 DIY Methods / Only $7.36]](/img/n.gif)
Hello from Australia - a no bullshit explanation of how a thermostat works and how how you can diagnose the problem to a large degree. Well done! It’s nice to know there people in this world who are not time waisters milking UA-cam.
So thankful you’re on UA-cam, these MK4’s sure like to be worked on.
A lesson from one DIYer to the other DIYers out there.... On the BPY (2.0 turbo FSI) watch out for those slider pins on the alternator. I barely got them to move after soaking them with penetrating oil overnight.
Hi Charles, vid was super, super helpful!!!!
Bit late on the vid but had to add this as it happened on my 2.5 B7 Passat .. In my case it was failing partially closed which cause the car not completely overheat but partially heat up and cool down in weird random cycles. Firstly, the car started to overheat only when idling and then gradually as I kept driving would also overheat at speeds 30~40.
On side note... why, oh why, did VW put the thermostat in between the intake manifold and the engine block!!!???? It turned a 5 min job into 3hr+ job 😥
Have this code on my 2008 VW Eos. Also the temperature gauge would never reach 190 degrees which is the middle. It would hover between 145 degrees or 170 degrees. If I'm driving in the freeway it stays at the one quarter near cold. That's how I knew it was bad and stuck open so I sent it to my mechanic. Will update how much it cost me.
Hi Charles I work mostly on VW and other European cars and what I see most of the time is the thermostat opening too early some cars will display a fault for coolant system temperature not reach or something like that but some car are really good at hiding the fact that the coolant is not getting hot enough one motor come up to mind is the FSI engine what I do is always go for a test drive and check with a scann tool and make sure that the tempeture that the ECM and Cluster is the same or close and go for a test drive at a constant speed and check if the engine coolant reaches at least 90 deg cel but most of the time it will be at 75 deg cel then you know that it's not good but a stuck thermostat in A VW is not very common but a broken water pump is I would say for a common engine the 2.5 L five is not easy to replace especially on a New Beetle I have yet to replace a water pump on a TSI engine .
Phenomenal video man, help me understand the part much much more.
I'd like to know more about thermostats and how they work in extreme cold starts, how they influence (or don't) glow plug operation on TDI, stuff like that. Great video!
my 08 gli fsi tstat has been stuck open for over three years never had a problem check engine light came on once in winter does not get cold in texas I run most of my old cars without them most days its around 105 daily its not needed always stays 3/8 of the way even cooler on highway
I like these videos....i'm the sort of person who wants to know everything - If stuff is prone to fail, I want to know - rather than the 'don't tell me so I don't worry about it' kind. Knowledge is power...keep banging out the knowledge buddy! :)
When My TOYOTA thermostat failed was opening and closing very veeeeeerrry slowly. It wasn't stuck open and wasn't stuck closed. It was misbehaving though
P2181 check engine light is on. Engine warms up and maintains temps in the normal range in both hot (110 F) and cold (20 F) weather. Any ideas what has failed?
any luck in diagnosing? i’m currently having the same issue.
I replaced that thermostat on my dodge avenger cuz i changed the thermostat housing so it was easy to do all at once. I bled it but now im getting that code.
Mine is currently stuck open. (Luckily) I don’t know if it’s just stuck open a little or all the way. Once in a long while, I’ll have to clear the code. Engine does eventually get to temp and my heat in the winter takes a little longer to get real hot. Other than that, it seems ok.
Charles is the nicest guy on UA-cam
Awe. Thank you 🙏
Charles, I enjoy all your videos great information.
I have a 2006 VW Jetta GLI, I get a P2182 code about every 3 to 5 days. The car is not overheating and the temperature gauge is working just fine. Checked coolant flow with the hose off at the coolant recovery tank and get coolant flow at cold engine start up. So the thermostat must be stuck open all the time. I am on vacation and will be returning home in 2 months. Since it is summer, I was wondering if replacing the thermostat could wait until I am back home.
For my p2181 was that instead of the thermostat stuck open/closed. It was the coolant temp gauge on dash not working properly such as either showing actual temperature or stay on low side all the time. I'm about to change the temperature sensor first and see if this fixes the problem..
Going to do the timing belt on my vw v6 2.8l. Definitely going to replace the thermostat while im in there :O
I'm glad you posted this video when you did. I've got a B5.5 Passat with the 2.8 and I'll occasionally get this P2181 code for "cooling system performance". I'm thinking it's probably my thermostat (replaced the coolant temp sensor, didn't help) that is stuck open because the car runs just fine but takes quite a while to warm up to normal coolant temp. Usually a good 15 - 20 minutes of normal driving on a 70 degree day. Is it usually ok to run the car like this and just clear the occasional code? It's a big job on the 2.8 that I'd rather avoid altogether if it's safe. The labor cost would be about half the value of the car lol
+Jake L HAHA, yea that is not a cheap repair. I would not wait too long. At some point it may cause an overheat condition.
did one just last week, after the car was at operating temp the bottom radiator hose that comes off the bottom of the housing was cold, not even warm. the thermostat was stuck closed.
We have a 2015 EOS and are up at a higher altitude (Santa Fe, New Mexico) and the check engine light came on. Ran FIXD scan, says P2181. Car is driving fine, no issues, not getting hot, no noise. interior heater is working fine. All dealers are super backed up and we are leaving in a few days. Could it just be the altitude is messing with the sensor but the car is actually ok?
How difficult is it to replace the thermostat on an Audi A3 2.0T TFSI engine? Would this qualify as a DIY job for someone with a moderate skill level?
I'm going to do the TB, thermostat/water pump on my V6 V30 Passat....fun, fun....
I need a diagram for the 2010 Jetta 2.0 CBFA turbo Wolfsburg edition thermostat replacement video or diagram
Any thoughts on the over cooling issues with these vehicles. P2181 code ., Cooling system performance.Not really looking forward to doing that thermostat and housing would it be possible fuel temperature sensor?
Buddy of mine had this code but i also noticed he filled the coolant reservoir to almost the top. Could the resevoir cause that code?
I recently replaced my waterpump, it came with a new thermostat in it and a new temperature sensor , now i get this code .. i have heat in the car, it doesn't overheat, but noticed my electric fans don't seem to come on now, temp Guage goes up to 190 but never goes over... im lost here😢
Hi Hello. I wanted to know what kind of thermostat I need for my Passat Engine 2.0 Diesel 2008 vehicle
I have a 2.0l with 220k km and now im having coolant issues, i already replaced the expansion coolant tank, but the problem remained.. the pressure is really high in the coolant system. So high that i think the coolant escapes through the expansion cap. I also had no heat when i turned on the heatblower inside the drivers cabin. And my oil temperature went up to 120 degrees celsius and meanwhile the blue light of cold coolant was on at the instumental panel in the dashboard, i always found that the engine was running on the hotter side during the last 100k km's.. i supose that my problem is a thermostat that has been cloghed slowly?
I ordered a new one that opens up @ 75°celcius
It might be something else going on but atleast i will replace it to be sure that it cant be the thermostat if the problem remains after replacement
Have you figured this out? I'm having this same problem.
@@TheMandeep125
Its at a friend for repair atm
It aint repaired yet but i can tell you that i am 100% sure that my headgasket is blown. And i also had crazy oil consumption on cylinder nr4. I think i might have broken rings there or perhaps it is just the headgasket allowing oil comming in to cyl nr4.
What caused your similar problem with your 2.0l im curious to know what went wrong with your engine.
Also, mine is a modified one with 272 catcams + catcams retainers &springs, 35mm exhaust valve + exhaust ports ported and polished
On a non restricted xflow 8vhead(no bumps above the intake valves) , and 13.5:1 cr
Does this process work for my 2010 2.5L engine?!?
I live in FL and have the P2181 code. I suspect the engine is running cooler (stuck open) so should I care about replacing this asap? I run the heat maybe once or twice a year down here. Note: This came on weeks after I did my timing belt service which required me to replace the coolant. Could an incorrect mix of coolant/water be the case, such as too much coolant? If so, changing the coolant again would be easy. Thanks for any feedback.
Could the P2181 be from a bad water pump also? My 2003 Jetta heats up slowly, once it heats up the temperature gauge slowly dips while driving, then goes back up when sitting.
So, it's a regular thermostat inside, the kind that used to cost about $6. Now with a VW you have to buy the entire housing for, what, $140? What's the advantage of this?
If they used an aluminum housing in the first place, it might have cost a little more than plastic, but you wouldn't be replacing the housing when the thermostat conks out.
+Garth Goldberg The advantage? More money for VW. It's an advantage, just not for you. :p
+Garth Goldberg its only about $50
On my Mercedes the thermostat is inside an aluminium housing with a sensor. Easily accessible though, Mercedes actually seems to care about making things easy to get to, most engine bays are really spacious
The genuine VW one is only $52, the oem ones are $29. Aftermarkets can be even cheaper. So it’s non issue at all, plus it makes sure the housing get renewed to increase reliability. If it were built as an aluminum part it will be more expensive, and for a service life of a car about 10 years, it makes sense to use cheap plastic parts.
What are some of the differences between the thermostat (or diagnosis) for a p2181 code in a 2.0t TSI engine?
I'm having the same code on mine, I just replaced the water pump, it came with a new thermostat and temp sensor but I get this code now and I don't think my electric fans are working
what part of the tsi do you think would be the best place to drain the coolant in order to replace the water pump/thermostat? would there be a hose that you could contain the pressured outpour easier than others, or better to just have the car been cold before starting? great job on the videos and thanks again
I usually just drain the coolant by taking off the hoses at the water pump. It makes a little mess, but I feel like I will make a mess either way
+HumbleMechanic thanks, that's kind of how I thought about it but thought I'd check in case you had one of those secret tips that only experienced mechanics learn about
What if I take the thermostat off??? I have a 2010 golf gti 2.0 stage 2 just got the engine fix couple of months ago because overheating it was stock by then, and just changed my coolant sensor and installed a dv valve, the drive it's awesome but do I really need the thermostat on it??
Is a 2.0 TDI, 170 hp of 2011, easy for Thermostat change? Greetings from Switzerland!
I have this code on my Audi B8 2013 1,8 tfsi, engine reach 90 temp fast. Then down to 50-70 up and down, never stabilize. Would you say thats a pretty clear sign of thermostat failure ?
i changed the thermostat ,sensor and changed radiator fluids and i still get the freakn code p2181.
I have a 2.0T B7 A4 Quattro, MIL came on with a P2181 code. Temp sensor has been reading between 1/4 and 1/2 (never stays at 1/2) Heat works. Car DOES NOT overheat at all. How do I know if its the Thermostat or the Sensor...Is there a clear cut way to tell Sensor Vs. Thermostat? If I had to take a guess, id say mine is stuck open mostly all the time. (although it does go to halfway and stay some time) The MIL I reset and that was 2 weeks ago, it never came back on, but again the gauge on the dash shows it running colder than normal most of the time. Any input would be most appreciated.
Wat is p2177 code for a turbo 2004 volks wagon
Hey Charles! I got the code p0599 in my gti mk6, I have to replace the thermostat or, the water pump, or the complete replacement water pump with the base? Thanks!
+humble mechanic, hey i feel like my B6 BPY takes quite a bit of driving before the engine warms up is that normal(in comparison to other makes and models) ?
I came here looking for the same answer. It always gets to temperature (200F) but it takes a long time on those winter days, especially compared to my TSI. Did you ever find an answer to your question?
I got this code on my 2005 jetta GLI 1.8T the p2181 is the thermostat the most usual or could it be the fan, because I noticed that when the fan turns on, the temperature gauge goes just barely past the middle. still it's concerning since its vw
the one million dollar question. 04 golf, story behind the issue. had the head mechined after valves were bent. replaced timimg belt and water pump. after that, check engine came on. p2181. so far replaced thermastat, Coolant Temp Sensor. reaches 190 deg. fans kick on when ac is on. no over heating.
need help!
I have a 2009 gti with the tsi engine and I have the p2181 code but my concern is that I’ve noticed that when I turn the car off I get a burning coolant smell in the cabin, could the smell be caused by the thermostat or could it possibly be something else like water pump, a heater core, radiator etc.? I haven’t noticed any difference coolant temps or level. And my heater works fine
Probably have a coolant leak too.
Question: My girlfriend's Jetta(CCTA engine) has been throwing this code lately, and has been running exceptionally cool at speed(1-2 ticks below 190 on the gauge), and I believe the P2181 code was related to this. It does however heat up to the normal 190 temp once I slow down and get into traffic. The car never overheats that I can tell, doesn't leak anything that I can tell, and the coolant level always seems fine(if not even a tad high). I was told the water pump was replaced/repaired before I bought it(still attempting to confirm this). I checked the heat, and it does blow hot air just fine.Would you be more likely to suspect the Coolant Temp Sensor or the thermostat? Or other components? How hard is/are this/these to replace? Is it something I can replace myself in an hour or two in my local DIY garage? Is this something I should address immediately, or is it not a big deal so long as it's not overheating?Additionally, my girlfriend said she was driving down the road(with the P2181 CEL on), and she said the car "dinged" or chimed at her for no apparent reason, she said the temp was ok, and pulled over and said everything seemed normal, she said the coolant level was fine and nothing was steaming or leaking or smelled like coolant. Would the car chime in such a way for a code like this?
same thing is happening to me did you ever find out what the problem was ? im thinking might be a wire problem.
One of the two sensors (most likely not the one for the fan, unless your fans seem to always be on) or sometimes just air in the system that's easily bled out via the reservoir cap or the bleed screw on the hard coolant pipe.
I'm getting code P00B7 on my Mk7. Would changing thermostat housing/waterpump be a suitable repair?
I already ordered the kit on shopdap just want to confirm before diy tearing apart half my engine. Please let me know what you think?
Drinking a green tea as I watch this. Hey, was that a beard hair floating around in the hot water with the Thermostat? LOL
So how much it cost to replace ? I have a stocked open thermostat. VW dealer is asking roughly 600$ & + for the job and parts for a 2007 rabbit. Is it possible, wtf ?
Wow !! explained nice 👍
Was really helpful, thanks.
I think mine is stuck closed my car over heats and barely has heat with the coolant Reservoir cap on and the reservoirs boils
Okay fellas help a lady out. I own a 2005 VW Bettle. Thermostat code showed up in April. Next day had a new thermostat put in. Problem solved. Today (4 momths later) check engine light came on immediately took it to AutoZone code P2181 Again. I drove it home (about an hour drive) no change in performance. What's my next move?
Probably a dumb question but if the thermostat is bad will that effect the ac in the vehicle?
It can, but that’s not common. Usually you have engine issues before ac issues
@@HumbleMechanic No problems with the AC until my check engine light came on. Used the OBD scanner and it showed my thermostat was bad.
Ok guys. I just replaces the heater core on a 98 beetle (not fun). I still don't have water flow. I am going to change thermostat and temp sensor (stock). My question is could it be the water pump or just a clog in the system. Thanks. Any help rocks.
A little more info. Before I started the car, the radiator hoses were nice and playable. When I started the car, and it built up pressure, the hoses were hard like cables.
Is it hard to change a thermostat in a 2013 Volkswagen beetle 2.0 turbo TSI motor?
not really. Its part of the water pump assembly. You really do best to replace the whole thing
So for my 2004 R32, my P2181 code was resolved after the temp sensor was changed last Tues. This morning, the check engine light came on again, 1 wk after the "fix". If the dash gauge temp needle consistently sits at 190 deg, could this suggest it's the Thermostat? How hard is it to change this on the R32 Phaeton V-6 engine?
Could it also be the fan motor or the radiator itself? Great video.
+Peter Simon Kim It could be the fans, be sure to check and see if they are coming on. I will say that p2181 is almost always the thermostat. It is not a hard job. You can use my MK3 Thermostat video as a guide. Yours will be a little different, but not awful.
Other option, you can just give me your R32.. LOL :)
+HumbleMechanic ---- I have to correct myself. The Temp Sensor they changed out last week was that going from the engine to the dial or gauge on the dash. The actual coolant Temp Sensor was not changed out. Since my initial post, I also checked the heater, and they they blow heat through the vents right away as per someone else's suggestion w/ the key on ---- wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/18613/P2181/008577
+HumbleMechanic --- But the mechanic I went back to this afternoon who did the work last week also mentioned that it is possible for the MAS (mass air sensor) to go bad causing this. Is this right? Time for a new air filter, especially if my K&N looks grungy?
+HumbleMechanic --- You probably deserve MORE than an R32, my friend!!! Oh, if I just had the power...
+Peter Simon Kim Never seen a MAF cause a malfunction in cooling system fault. Not saying it's impossible, but it's an out there concept.
How difficult would it be to replace the thermostat on a 07 Jetta 2.5L?
Not awful. But I think the intake manifold has to come off.
+Phillip Martinez if you have the tools and know-how it's a 30minute job.
extremely helpful keep it up!
newer Mazda will set this code if you start the engine to warm it up on a cold day, and have the heat on while it's warming up.
Hey Charles, so two days ago I left work, and I noticed my temp gauge was not getting up to temp. When I would be driving, it seems to get to temp. But when I stop, it seems to drop down. I do not have any codes. Also, the heat seems to be plenty hot. Is it the thermostat? Like I said it just started. I’ve been trying to fix a lot of the things not working properly on my car, and now I have another lol. As before, it’s a 2007 GLI Fahrenheit, with 197,000 miles. So all the things going bad, it just seems to be that time in its life.
Could you maybe mention the other things that could cause under heating, and or how to trouble shoot? As I mentioned, it does NOT have any codes. Also, I replaced the coolant temp sensor about 8 months ago.
I have a 2014 Volkswagen beetle the temp light is on the temp reaches 195 degrees and rests there. Is that to hot to drive
which temp? 190 coolant is totally normal.
My 2007 Volkswagen Passat 2.0t has that code, how long would it take a diy person to change it?
it's the fsi
+Enrique Hinojosa In the 4-5 hour range maybe. I think it pays about 3 hours. Not the worst job, but not a ton of fun either.
So i have a weird problem with my golf MK3 1.6 aft motor. The car wil get up to 90C (operatingtemp) when stationary, but when driving it drops down to about 75C. How is this happening?
sticking thermostat maybe?
Mmmm, could be. My friend thinks i'm driving without thermostat, but the heat works and it gets up to 90 when stationary. I will change the thermostat en look what happens. Could it have something to do with the coolanttempsensor?
Hi.. I put aluminum water pump on my MK6 couple months ago, recently my car have the P02181. At the moment isnt overheating, but the car misfires. My question is... this can still be a bad thermostat? For being open all the time the car may run cooler and the coolant temp. sensor can get trigger for this? To be on the safe side should I change both? Thanks!
Hi i m not Humble, but missfire from a MK6 i would go directly to spark plugs or ignition coils weird to hear that a thermostat could give this faults
Ruben La Rosa I know, i highly dout that is the thermostat. But the car start misfiring all of the sudden. I have the check engine ON but the only code is P02181.
@@erikpratts4871 budd i dont think a thermo can give u these issues but if it does its serious the problem. Thermost only control where coolant liquid goes..
@@erikpratts4871 check this link www.shopdap.com/blog/post/vw-audi-20t-tsi-common-problems.html
Still tea bagging it up! - I have 2-3 cups of tea a day, but then again I'm british - surprised you drink so much tea! Tea's good for you anyway :)
+blower I find a lot of mechanics are more into tea these days instead of coffee.
Im appreciate it my friend!!!! I subscribed and everything....
Thank you
I have this fault come up only when the temp is under 40 degrees. Why would that be?
+abirch2014 thermostat not opening/closing properly?
+David F. I meant when the weather is under 40.
Well, yeah I get that. I'm saying its a thermostat issue. Either that or a faulty coolant sensor.
+abirch2014 Last winter I was having intermittent problems with the engine temp (would never get up to temp, would take an abnormally long time, or would get up to temp but then drop again) on my 07 GTI (BPY) when the weather was cold. This was most noticeable during the winter when the temps dropped near or below freezing and I couldn't get any hot air to come out of the vents. It started out only happening every once in a while but became increasingly worse. I didn't always get a CEL, maybe only %65 of the time. Since this was a stuck (or partially stuck) open position situation, it would only be noticeable when there was a need for the thermostat to be completely closed, that is when it's cold outside and the engine needs more help in warming up before allowing coolant to flow. FWIW, I had the thermostat replaced this summer and have since had no problems with my engine temps.
+dudemulligan good to know. I was hoping to wait to change the thermostat since I'm also due for timing belt and water pump change as well. Hoping do due those and the dsg fluid next weekend.
would it cause coolant leaking? i have a 99 vw beetle
Possible. The housing can leak. The coolant flange on the side of the head is a more common place. But over 20 years old, it can be anywhere.
HumbleMechanic i have looked under the car and its leaking on the left side of the car running off the oil pan to the ground. Now the person i bought from says her father replaced the water pump and timing belt a year ago. Would it be possible that its the water pump again? my car leaks coolant as soon as you put it in? I cant even drive it down the street literally withought all the coolant leaking out causing it to overheat?
bro, I've been getting this code for longest time. Found information that confirms it's the stat. My car does a little jerk or misfire. Think it can be related to this problem with the thermostat?
Hi, did the thermostat solve the misfire/jerking? Im experiencing the same thing on my a3 2.0tfsi except i have no codes showing up?
Good info
I have a mk5 gti fsi and I think I might have a failed/failing thermostat but not sure. I noticed that if I turn the heat all the way up and the fan max with the weather being around 30F or colder I can actually get my temp gauge to drop a few ticks. It also will only do it sometimes. No check engine light or fault codes and heat is rather bad. If I put the heat above 75F the heat will eventually get colder. This problem seems only apparent on cold days. My heat honestly is meh at best. My car also seems to take decent amount time to warm up when its pretty cold out. I kind of rely on my heated seats to heat me up. My car has around 100K miles on it.
I have VCDS. Is there anyway I can for sure test it or should I just take it in to the dealership? Is it something else?
+thefsxflyer My stuck open thermostat problem started out the same way and got progressively worse over the course of one winter. Of course, YMMV.
I'd suggest using the Torque app or similar method to monitor your temps via the OBD2 port while driving and see if turning on your heat has a significant and lasting impact to your coolant temps.
+dudemulligan I went to the shop and it ended up being my thermostat. LOL My car now idles around 95C instead of the 70C. Heat is way better too.
How hard is this job in a mk4 golf 1.8t?
Not too bad. Biggest worry is the fragile vacuum lines
@@HumbleMechanic Thanks! I'll give it a shot.
hey i could really use a hand i just picked up my first car, a 2010 audi a4 2.0t manual, i and only a few weeks from having my g2, i have fixed a ton of little anying gremlins new led tail lights all that snazzy stuff.... but i picked it up from a buddy for a good price when he had picked it up it was winter the first day of summer the car overheated i mean it was only 8 degrees out.... so we did the pump and noticed still it was warm we then had to rig up the rad fans to a switch cause guesss what... they never ever turned on he drove a far distance to work and back mostly high way, i just replaced the radfan module and ripped out all the wiring and the switch, but i still have not had the fans turn on, could this be my thermostat or even possibly my (cts) coolant temp sensor??????? if someone could give me a bit of advice it would be greatly appreciated im sorry for the long comment i just wanted to add as much detail as possible. thank you in advance.
Make sure that water pump is moving water. Broken belt or balance shaft can mean the pump isn’t pumping
HumbleMechanic how would I ensure it’s doing so? Yesterday I let it run for a bit and checked the top rad hose it was hot carefully reached down to give the bottom line the little “squishy squishy “and and was substantially cooler
Is this a hard job on the 2.5?
A little harder than the 2.0
On a 1.9 tdi you don't have to take any other parts to get access nor is the thermostat built into the housting
Nope. Most of the older gen "A" platform cars were like that.
Having so much headache with my 2.0 2008 vw thermostat fuckkkkk
So I’m getting the p2181 code on my 07 GTI BPY as Well. The temp gauge stays between 120 (minimum) and 180 (operating temperature) and occasionally it will get up to temp. When up to temperature it has full boost no problem. When it is between low and operating temperature I only get 5psi or boost. Is this normal? And do you believe that changing the thermostat could solve the boost insure? Thanks Charles!
Alex Kotan have you changed it? And fixed it? I’m getting the same problem! Highway mph then goes down and stops and goes on regular streets acts Normal
Typical volkswagen... replace the entire stupid housing + bury it so it takes 4 hours to get to. Most cars this takes 10 mins to replace and $10. FML
#humblemachanic wy dus VW and Audi make parts from plastic
They learned from BMW who uses all plastic too.
first