Hello all, So today I was driving up the interstate when my check engine light came on out of the blue. pulled over and checked the oil and just like everyone else for the most part, yep it was a quart low. filled and light is still on. So went by the local auto parts place and they hooked up the meter and it says that I have a water outlet malfunction, replace thermostat yada yada. I have had no issues with this car until now, and since we bought it only a month ago, this is a little disheartening. Any thoughts?

2008 A4 Cabrio 97,000 on the clock, meticulous service records, looks like they just drove it off the truck.

 

Additional info, I noticed tonight that the temp gauge was going up and down while driving. It would heat up fine and then the needle would go back down toward cool then back up again.

 

Temp gauge should run up to the middle of the gauge and lock there. If it drifts around, it's usually the t-stat. What was the actual code?

 

I agree with King that is sounds like the T-stat. My car once warmed up has the temp gauge needle right in the middle.

 

Medic here, thanks guys I had Auto Zone run the code P2181 and that is what they said, damn this thing is expensive to fix. It just suddenly started, and not real happy since we just got the vehicle and dealer isnt willing to help with it. Timing belt is next.

 

How do I know my turbo is gone for a fact few told me that because I changed the dv and the codes still there also I changed the plugs and they were coats with black and white build up..what could it be also I can't go past about 60 on one part of my highway after it starts to bog out and won't let me give any gas,thanks

 

T-stat does look like it is a pain to get at. Watched a video on youtube that showed it pretty well.

MyB7a4: Do you have boost at lower speeds? Recently my car would not accelerate quickly and I had under boost codes. Was simply a loose hose under the air box. Might check for vacuum leaks. If your turbo has gone you should see excessive smoke from the tail pipes when accelerating.

 

Yes I thought about getting new hoses on both sides it smokes randomly on start every other week but real quick not much

 

Normally if the turbo has gone you get smoke, and a lot of it. I would root around looking for a vacuum leak. Also, another fail on my part but onetime I didn't get my oil dipstick pushed all the way down and my car ran rough and threw codes. That is how sensitive these cars are to vacuum leaks.

 

Oh okay year the dipstdipstick works and I'll check my lines