A/C Problems!!???

[jbthompson]

Hi guys! I need some help! It's when hella hot here in Fort Worth, 106 today. When it gets really hot, I have noticed the AC in my bug has trouble turning on. It's usually random and doesn't happen a lot, but it's weird. Today I went to the store, came out and drove away and no cold air, just warm air. After messing with the switch and switching it on and off about ten times it kicked on, but the engine was making a weird noise. I have a CEL with a p2181 code which is a coolant system code I believe but I can't figure it out! Any ideas??????

[D2Beetle]

What is your Engine code? For an AEG, a P2181 is either a Coolant Thermostat or Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.

[fighterinsnatch]

We had the EXACT same problem. It would'nt work the first time but we would let it sit for a few minutes and try again and it would work. I finally took it in to a mechanic and they said it was a coolant fan control module.

Please let us know if you find a fix.

[jbthompson]

I have the AEG 2.0 liter. I have replaced the Engine Cool Temp Sensor to the green one a few months back but after about 2 weeks the CEL came back on. I am going to check the fans this afternoon and make sure everything is working.....

[meinbug'04]

My CEL light came on about a month ago. I took it to the dealer and was told it was P2181 and that I would need a new Coolant sensor and thermostat. I found a local VW mechanic to work on it since my warrenty was up and the dealearship wanted $400 more. Four days after the fixes, the CEL light came back on. Mechanic cleared it, and it came on again. Darn light came back 2 days later. Was told I probably needed a new water pump. After researching the forums, also had him change the timing belt. That was last week.

And, the light is now back on as of yesterday. Does anyone have any other suggestions/insight to why this light keeps coming up and throwing the p2181 code? The car isn't running hot, nor am I noticing any performance issues.

I dont' see what else is left to change out

[jbthompson]

Yeah, I keep getting this code but am not noticing any engine overheating or leaks suggest a water pump malfunction. Weird!

[meinbug'04]

After looking around on several forums, it seems that this is an issue for Volkwagen cars of different makes. The only posting I saw that was different from replacing every part, was to re-set the codes and disconnect the battery for 14 hours.

Does anyone think that might work?