Does anyone have a code description for fault P2181.

Thanks,
Brad

 

Thermostat stuck open, likely will require replacement of the thermostat housing and thermostat. Good time to replace the (most likely) plastic pipe in there as well.

 

Thanks for your quick response, and may you have a wonderful day..-b

 

Likewise.
PS there is a TSB on specified fault code, when applied to 2008/09 V8 Cayennes.

 

Where can I find that TSB? Code just popped up on mine but no overheating yet.

 

A stuck "open" thermostat would not cause overheating. It would actually "over cool" the engine and not allow it to get to warm up temps. A stuck "close" thermostat would cause overheating in a very short period.

 

So it's either or? I guess that would mean that mine is stuck open. I spoke to the Porsche dealer and they said that its a good time to replace the internal plastic cooling pipes as well. The new ones are metal and should last forever. The whole thermostat and housing with seals and gaskets with the cooling pipes runs about $1,300 in parts alone. But considering the price of one of these engines it's well worth the maintenance cost.

 

Why does the failure of the thermostat also require the replacement of the housing?

I have an extended warranty that specifically excludes thermostats and in the fine print if the failure of a non-covered part (thermostat) causes the failure of a covered part (housing) neither is covered by the warranty.

Prestige Audi/Porsche in Denver have been very helpful but the warranty company is playing hard ball.

If the housing needs to be replaced unrelated to the stuck open thermostat I think it should be covered saving me big $$$

If anyone can explain why the housing needs to be replaced as well I would love to know.

 

1st thermostat replaced at 60k ish
thermostat stuck open again at 104k. Replaced again along with new water pump just because of miles. Updated thermostat is on 4th revision
My shops done a little over 20 957's past couple year

 

I do not buy that the housing has to be replaced as well. I did mine without the housing at over 25K miles ago and have had no issues. My guess is that the housing may get damaged in the thermostat socket removal, so they just replace it proactively; regardless of whether it needs it or not.

 

There is a class action lawsuit over the plastic coolant pipes and people who replaced them get compensation.

 

bingo. non trained shops can damage housing when removing due to location of thermostat