2003 VW Beetle Turbo 1.8L

[RoguerySaint]

Hello Everyone,

I need help, I just purchased a 2003 VW Beetle Turbo 1.8L. I took it to go through emissions and it failed. Prior to doing that the check engine light came on and won't go off. So I decided to play Nancy Drew and buy a car code reader to figure out what's wrong with my car. I keep getting the code P2181, which is the Cooling System Performance. I've checked the coolant and changed it out. Still getting the same code and the check engine light won't go off. Please adivse because I'm about to pull my hair out. Thanks.

[kaiser]

it's either the coolant temp sensor or the thermostat, the performance code is usually the thermostat.

[RoguerySaint]

Thank you. I will look into this right away. To be on the safe side could replace both and call it a day?

[kaiser]

can't hurt, neither are expensive.

a bad cts (coolant temp sensor) will usually cause your car to run rich and a bad t-stat usually stays open and makes the car run too cool.

[RoguerySaint]

Thank you. Looking for my parts now.