2003 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Logo
Posted on Oct 28, 2008
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Engine light wont turn off

My engine light wont turn off, and it is throwing a code (P2181). What doews this code mean?

  • Anonymous Mar 19, 2014

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Marvin

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  • Volkswagen Master 85,242 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 28, 2008
Marvin
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P2181 is a overheating engine, the engine is probably dieseling because it is badly overheated, dieseling is when the engine keeps running after the key is turned off and makes a knocking type noise, this can be caused by a defective thermostat, low coolant level, blown head gasket and other thing as well. You need to get this looked at before you destroy the engine.

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Error code p2181

something is up with your cooling system
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My car is running codes P0011 and P2181. Can you tell me what that is please. 2004 vw jetta gl

P0011 - Camshaft positioning sensor
P2181 - Engine cooling temperature sensor.
If you have a repair manual (chilton/haynes/etc) these should be fairly simple fixes.
Camshaft positioning sensor for my car was $35 and took about 15 minutes to change.

2carpros.com suggested the P2181 is also fairly easy to replace
http://www.2carpros.com/questions/volkswagen-jetta-2004-volkswagen-jetta-code-p2181-engine-cooling-performance
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Got a P2181 code?

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What does the diagnostic code P2181 mean on a Subaru Impreza WRX?

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Check Engine Light - P2181

Hi,first thing your cambelt and tensioner should have been replaced 13k miles ago,it would pay you to replace the water pump at the same time as they are known for impellor failure = cooling system fault=P2181 code,hope this helps.
Darren
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03 beetle has chack engine light and the code is P2181

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CEL is ON. OBD code P2181. I already replaced the ECT 3 mo ago due to OBD code P0118.

P2181 is a overheating engine.  
Can be:
Bad fan themoswitch, temp sensor themostat water pump impeller fan motor or fuse on battery
check to see if fans work by turning on Air Conditioner (fans should run with A/C on). Turn A/C off, warm engine, check to see if fans come on, if they do NOT it may be thermo switch on radiator on lower left side, has 3 wire plug, takes 1-1/8" wrench/socket to remove.  This thermo switch controls fans when temp reaches 195F, if fans do not come on at engine temp 190-195F try  replace switch VW part number: 1J0-959--481-A  You can verify if the switch is bad by shorting wire 1 and 2 (fans should come on when jumpered).
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