Hi Everyone,

Thanks to this site I have been able to save myself some serious $ and I thank all of you for sharing!

I am now running into an set of error codes on my wifes ride that I feel like i might be chasing my tail a little bit.

2008 A4 2.0L Quattro (b7)

throwing a 2181, 0455 & 0171

Dealer replaced fuel filter and said it would be another $500 buck to swap out the CTS (coolant temp sensor).... HA.

I swapped out the CTS for $23 and 1/2 Hour
Coolant level is Right at the Max line...
only other thing for the 2181 I can find is swap out the thermostat; even thought it isn't overheating and haven't noticed anything odd...

I don't have vac testing equipment and can't hear any obvious leak... thought about replacing the gas cap just to make sure it is sealing right and to rule it out.

Anyone run into these before to gimme some direction... not sure what to try next if with out just throwing $ at it

 

P2181 for me was the thermostat. I replaced the CTS and it didn't help. A stuck thermostat usually won't cause it to overheat, it will cause the opposite problem. Is your car's temp gauge reading less than half or wandering at all once it should be up to temp? Find an independent German-knowledgeable shop to save some money.

As to the others, not sure.

 

Roger that... glad to see i am not too far off track.

the temp gauge seems to hold steady about 1/2 way; but will swap it out just to be sure.

seems weird that it throws all 3 at the same time...


Thanks for the info your Majesty

 

It's possible your N80 evap purge valve is bad too (P0455). Not sure how to pressure test that one, but if you just want to throw a part at it...

I know those are two things that have definitely failed on my 2006 in the last 4 years:
N80
T-stat (and CTS)
One active engine mount
Diverter Valve
PCV
LPFP
Coil packs

It all starts to add up!