Audi
Cooling system performance fault: coolant temperature drops below what it should be once warm. Usually the thermostat or a temperature sensor.
P2181 fault code: what it means
P2181: Cooling system performance fault: coolant temperature drops below what it should be once warm. Usually the thermostat or a temperature sensor.
Usual causes, most likely first
- thermostat stuck open
- faulty coolant temperature sensor (G62/G83)
- sensor wiring or corroded plug
- low coolant from a leak
P2181 by make
BMW
Cooling system performance fault. On BMW with an electric water pump, check the pump and thermostat first.
Jeep
Cooling system performance: engine running colder or hotter than expected.
Mini
Cooling system performance fault. Engine temperature not behaving as expected.
Skoda
Cooling system performance fault: coolant temperature drops below what it should be once warm. Usually the thermostat or a temperature sensor.
Volkswagen
Cooling system performance fault: coolant temperature drops below what it should be once warm. Usually the thermostat or a temperature sensor.
What the repair usually costs
- Water pump replacement (belt-driven, not behind timing cover)NZ$340–NZ$770 · A$340–A$760
- Water pump with timing belt kit (timing-belt-driven pump)NZ$770–NZ$1,970 · A$780–A$1,970
- Water pump inside timing cover (chain engine)NZ$980–NZ$2,100 · A$1,020–A$2,160
- Radiator replacement (Japanese car / small SUV)NZ$470–NZ$960 · A$450–A$940
Not sure what P2181 means on your car? Ask Credov.
Before you clear it
Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.