View Full Version : CEL due to Thermostat
TsmithA4
01-22-2014, 11:32 PM
So last night my CEL popped on and I didn't have the slightest idea on what the issue(s) may be... Woke up this AM and took my car into the shop to have the error codes pulled and the guy tells me that I need a new Thermostat and seeing how the one that's in there now is the original, I'm not too surprised.
This part is covered under my warranty (I think) so hopefully I'm good on that end but the issue at hand is that I don't have time to leave my car at the mechanic for a day right now as I have a hectic schedule. The mechanic who pulled he error code and then other, both told me I can still drive the car worry free and that nothing would me damaged. I know that when it comes to the CEL, the yellow light is just a warning so no serious damage but I want to know how long can I go on driving with this underlying issue as I probably won't have a free day until later next week
So if anyone else has any experience with a bad (or going bad thermostat that's stuck open) I'd really like to get your feedback.
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leftovers
01-23-2014, 04:55 AM
It'll be fine to wait. I drove mine for a month before I fixed it. I thought I was going to wait until I did the timing belt service, but once I realized I could the thermostat on its own, I decided to fix it.
jimrobbington
01-23-2014, 05:09 AM
Just watch your temps. Luckily our thermostat usually gets stuck open, so we don't have to worry about over heating
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The CEL for the thermostat, at least in my case before I changed it, would come on for a few days or a week then disappear for a few weeks before popping back up again. I drove without changing the thermostat for several months; in my case it was stuck open and the temp would stick around 1/4. I would pull my codes every time the CEL came on just to make sure it wasn't anything else.
Hugh@EuropaParts
01-23-2014, 05:57 AM
Same here... I'm due for a timing belt soon so I'll change the thermostat once I'm in there. My temp gauge usually hits 1/4 as well... been driving like this since the start of the winter season.
2kwik4u
01-23-2014, 06:28 AM
Another vote for driving it like it is. Heater temp will drop a little bit, and will take awhile to come up to temp, and gas mileage will suck more than normal, but otherwise no harm. Ours was stuck "open" for at least 9-10 months, as it started at the end of winter last year, and obviously isn't hurting anything in the summer. Just fixed it a few weeks ago, wife is enjoying the newly found increase in heater temp, but otherwise no change.
You'll be fine.
pDubs
01-23-2014, 06:33 AM
I drove like this for a little while as well. I got the CEL and went to advance auto to have the code read. He told me the code and I basically did a google search and search on here for the code. I found out it was definitely the thermostat that needed replaced. I made a 3 hour trip with the CEL on before replacing the T-stat. That's nice it's covered under warranty, I wouldn't expect it to be.
TsmithA4
01-23-2014, 08:55 AM
Thanks everyone for their feedback. Initially I was in panic mode about how I was going to be able to to fix this right away as I didn't want anything serious to happen to the car.
So I guess It won't hurt to wait a few days until I have more time.
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PDX04a4
01-23-2014, 02:22 PM
If for whatever reason your t-stat is not covered by the warranty it's a pretty easy job to do. You don't even need to take apart your bumper, you can just pop the hood, drain the coolant at the lower coolant temp sensor, unbolt the alternator and swing it out of the way and then there are a few screws to release the thermostat (plus a couple clips holding the pipes to the thermostat itself). The screws holding the assembly tight in the area are a little pain in the ass to get to, but I could probably do the whole job in an hour now.
Kingzilla17
01-23-2014, 04:09 PM
I just got this as well. Code P2181, all the threads I find suggest the T-stat needs to be replaced. Worth a shot since it does not look to difficult to swap out.
nan07
01-23-2014, 04:19 PM
this is the diy i used http://www.audiforums.com/forum/b7-models-71/thermostat-diy-please-176550/
not hard at all, just take your time
Kingzilla17
01-23-2014, 05:02 PM
Any specific T-stat to purchase? I saw the one below linked in a previous thread and would like a confirmation that its good or have to spend extra for the OEM T-stat.
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-Quattro-2.0T/Search/SiteSearch/Thermostat/ES1876863/
kegobeer
01-23-2014, 05:51 PM
I don't skimp when it comes to internal components - I'd spend the extra amount and go OEM. Check GAP or Europaparts for the best price. GAP is probably a bit cheaper, though.
Kingzilla17
01-23-2014, 09:11 PM
I don't skimp when it comes to internal components - I'd spend the extra amount and go OEM. Check GAP or Europaparts for the best price. GAP is probably a bit cheaper, though.
Yeah was kind of thinking the same thing. Now the part number for the T-stat is: 06D121111G correct? I'm pulling it up on GAP and the link below is what I am getting. I'm always paranoid ordering from them because I would hate to order the wrong part number. If anyone can advise. Thank you.
http://genuineaudiparts.com/parts/index.cfm?make=Audi&year=2006&model=&searchText=06D121111G&action=oePartSearch&siteid=214407
B7Joe
01-23-2014, 10:01 PM
Yeah was kind of thinking the same thing. Now the part number for the T-stat is: 06D121111G correct? I'm pulling it up on GAP and the link below is what I am getting. I'm always paranoid ordering from them because I would hate to order the wrong part number. If anyone can advise. Thank you.
http://genuineaudiparts.com/parts/index.cfm?make=Audi&year=2006&model=&searchText=06D121111G&action=oePartSearch&siteid=214407
ECS also has a kit with everything you need, including coolant. I ordered it and everything looks to be excellent quality. All German or Italian made parts/fluids, and other hardware is OEM. Going to install this weekend. Great deal at $82 shipped for everything. You may want to check that out. While I don't skimp myself, I don't believe in paying more if I don't have to. A thermostat after all is a pretty simple component. Not sure how I feel about OEM quality considering my original failed with just 44k miles on the clock. ;)
ECS also has a kit with everything you need, including coolant. I ordered it and everything looks to be excellent quality. All German or Italian made parts/fluids, and other hardware is OEM. Going to install this weekend. Great deal at $82 shipped for everything. You may want to check that out. While I don't skimp myself, I don't believe in paying more if I don't have to. A thermostat after all is a pretty simple component. Not sure how I feel about OEM quality considering my original failed with just 44k miles on the clock. ;)
Link to the kit? Couldn't find it on their site. Is it the Wahler thermo ?
I think ECS includes new bolts as well.
kegobeer
01-24-2014, 05:01 AM
Link to the kit? Couldn't find it on their site. Is it the Wahler thermo ?
I think ECS includes new bolts as well.
I just searched for "thermostat" on the ECS website, and it was the very last item in the results. For my car, this is the link:
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-FWD-2.0T/Search/SiteSearch/Thermostat/ES2586522/
Kingzilla17
01-24-2014, 10:51 AM
This looks like the option that B7Joe was suggesting. May order this one but doing some searching on replacing the sensor and also don't need the coolant since I still have two new jugs I got from the dealer. Having extra wont hurt I guess.
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-Quattro-2.0T/Engine/Cooling/ES2608151/