P2181: Cooling System Performance issue. HELP!
#1
05-22-2011, 12:37 AM
P2181: Cooling System Performance issue. HELP!
Hi,
I'm new to the forum but I've had my 2003 Golf for about a year. It's a simple 4-cylinder, 2.0 L, Gasoline, 4 Door...and I think that is all I really know about it. I'm not remotely close to knowing much about cars, I can just deal with basic issues like replacing sideview mirrors, replacing wipers, replacing bulbs and changing oil. That pretty much sums up my automechanic abilities lol but I do have a scanner for when the check engine light comes on (mostly because I don't like not having any idea of what I'm dealing with and mostly because some people are just not trustworthy). The code came up as P2181 which is a Cooling System Performance issue. The freeze frame looked like this:
DTCFRZF P2181
FEULSYS1 CL
LOAD_PCT(%) 16.9
ETC (%) 17.2
SHRTFT1 (%) -3.9
LONGFT1 (%) 0.8
RPM (/MIN) 2280
VSS (KM/H) 48
Can anyone tell me what exactly is wrong? I don't know what to make of the readings. I know that some possible causes include (but are not limited to) a bad coolant temperature sensor (CTS), stuck thermostat, bad waterpump, bad electrical connector somewhere between the CTS & the ECU (car's "brain"), or a failed cooling fan. I hear that it is most likely the coolant temperature sensor since it's pretty common. I would just like an idea of how much it's going to cost me to get this fixed since I'm due for an inspection soon. A general estimate of part costs and labor would be greatly appreciated. There is a VW dealership pretty close to where I am and I can probably get an appointment there but there are also a bunch of auto shops in the neighborhood that I can go to. I guess I just need advice as to which route would cost me less but still get the job done. I'm kind of a newb when it comes to my car, it's rather sad, but I'm hoping some car savvy person decides to help me out.
Thanks ahead of time for the help!
I'm new to the forum but I've had my 2003 Golf for about a year. It's a simple 4-cylinder, 2.0 L, Gasoline, 4 Door...and I think that is all I really know about it. I'm not remotely close to knowing much about cars, I can just deal with basic issues like replacing sideview mirrors, replacing wipers, replacing bulbs and changing oil. That pretty much sums up my automechanic abilities lol but I do have a scanner for when the check engine light comes on (mostly because I don't like not having any idea of what I'm dealing with and mostly because some people are just not trustworthy). The code came up as P2181 which is a Cooling System Performance issue. The freeze frame looked like this:
DTCFRZF P2181
FEULSYS1 CL
LOAD_PCT(%) 16.9
ETC (%) 17.2
SHRTFT1 (%) -3.9
LONGFT1 (%) 0.8
RPM (/MIN) 2280
VSS (KM/H) 48
Can anyone tell me what exactly is wrong? I don't know what to make of the readings. I know that some possible causes include (but are not limited to) a bad coolant temperature sensor (CTS), stuck thermostat, bad waterpump, bad electrical connector somewhere between the CTS & the ECU (car's "brain"), or a failed cooling fan. I hear that it is most likely the coolant temperature sensor since it's pretty common. I would just like an idea of how much it's going to cost me to get this fixed since I'm due for an inspection soon. A general estimate of part costs and labor would be greatly appreciated. There is a VW dealership pretty close to where I am and I can probably get an appointment there but there are also a bunch of auto shops in the neighborhood that I can go to. I guess I just need advice as to which route would cost me less but still get the job done. I'm kind of a newb when it comes to my car, it's rather sad, but I'm hoping some car savvy person decides to help me out.
Thanks ahead of time for the help!
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