P1296 Cooling system Malfunction
 

I have a 2000 Audi A4 with a 2.8l. I keep getting a P1296 code. The odd thing is the temp gauge works normal, and the MIL will come on and off randomly. I'm not thinking it is a thermostat being as the timing belt, WP and thermostat was just done about 8 months ago. Not even 5k miles have been put on since then. I'm leaning towards the ECT being the problem. Just looking for any ideas before I dig into this. Thanks.

Coolant temp sensor.. It has 2 outputs: 1 for the gauge 1 for the ecu

Check this out. The "Special Notes" may be useful.

thanks jeckle, I checked the freeze frame, said it was the sensor, replaced it and now it works great. Much appreciated

I've got exactly the same problem on my 2001 but I'm not seeing any freeze frame data. I don't see the check boxes that you're supposed to see here:

Ross-Tech: VCDS Tour: Fault Codes

Did your freeze frame data show up like this? If not where / how did you find it?