Fault Code: any thoughts? (Cooling System Malfunction)

VCDS Version: Release 14.10.0

            Address 01: Engine       Labels: 06H-907-115-CAB.clb

Control Module Part Number: 8K2 907 115 AL HW: 8K2 907 115 D
Component and/or Version: 2.0l R4/4V TF H12 0001
Software Coding: 010C010A190F0160
Work Shop Code: WSC 93201 999 04859
ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM20TFS0118K2907115AL 001001 (AU48)
VCID: 79F3DDAFF8D05DE9285-802C
1 Fault Found:

8113 - Performance Malfunction in Cooling System
P2181 00 [237] - -
MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 4
Mileage: 117254 km
Date: 2015.05.26
Time: 18:23:25

Readiness: 0000 0000

No direct experience, but searching P2181 yields tons of hits on “faulty thermostat.”

cool, I haven’t even googled it yet or anything. Just posted it before bed.

I have an extended warranty with no deductible so I imagine I will let Audi deal with it. It’s funny but I’m at a point in my life where it’s easier/less annoying to pay to DIY the repair vs. the hassle of taking a car to Audi, and getting a shuttle to work and then repeating the process that night. Of course that’s if it’s simple. The 2.0T looks so small in the engine bay I feel like I can climb in there and put a chair there to sit on while I do something (vs. the 4.2 cars where if you dropped a grain of salt it wouldn’t make it through as there are no gaps big enough)

Usually that code is caused by the thermostat sticking open but sometimes it is a faulty reading from the engine coolant temperature sensor.

Does it take forever for the engine to heat up?
After the engine has heated up do you notice the coolant gauge needle goes back down towards cold when sitting at a stop sign or red light?

There are some odd model specific issues that can cause that fault code too. Like the B6 S4s had a coolant line with a check valve for the driver’s side smaller heat exchanger that would stick open and cause the car to cool down too fast.

I’m with you. Hate hate hate going to the Audi service department.

Assume this is Mrs Sakimano’s car. Why not make her take it in?

NORMALLY that code is caused by a faulty thermostat like mentioned prior.

Does the cars temp warm up fully still?

when we see this code in any vw/audi replace t-stat ect sensor and coolant