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Need Help in Solving the P2181 code error

Tiny
EECALPOLY
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 101 MILES
I have 2005 vw jetta with 101k miles and the check engine light came on. Took to a local mechanic and an error code P2181 showed up. On his diagnostic software, it didn't display that code to make corrective actions. Did some research on the code and it refers to engine cooling. It seems complex.
How do I go about fixing it?
What specific parts are involved?
Are there manuals online I can refer to?
What tools are required?
Does youtube have vid on how to fix it?
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Saturday, February 25th, 2012 AT 11:02 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
This code is often caused by a faulty oxygen sensor on the VW Jetta. A fairly simple repair, the oxygen sensors are located on the exhaust, underneath the vehicle.
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Saturday, February 25th, 2012 AT 11:06 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
Are you sure about that?
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Sunday, February 26th, 2012 AT 1:05 AM
Tiny
EECALPOLY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It's not the o2 sensors. They were changed sometime ago. Code P2181 is related to engine cooling performance based on my research. The code was cleared and hasn't appeared as of yet over 40 miles.
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 AT 4:57 AM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
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  • 1,883 POSTS
Faulty thermostats are common. They can be easily diagnosed by monitoring engine temp via scan tool. While at steady cruise, temp shouldn't drop below 80c.
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 AT 5:12 AM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
Alternativly, from a cold start, monitor the temperature of the upper & lower radiator hose
at idle. The lower hose should remain cool to the touch for quite some time, while the top
hose should get quite warm/hot.

If the lower hose gets warm before the top hose gets hot, the thermostat is opening too soon.
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 AT 5:38 AM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
.
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
I think he knows that already.
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Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 AT 2:31 AM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
Here's VW's description (see picture). For the Expert.
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Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 AT 11:05 PM

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