Code P3081

Tiny
SZALKUSKT
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 111,000 MILES
Also, the temperature gauge goes to low range then back to normal range intermittently. I do not believe that the engine is overheating. How many sensors and where are they located that are related to this?
Sunday, August 12th, 2018 AT 12:02 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.

The code indicates the engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) is indicating the engine isn't warm enough. The sensor which correlates with this tells the computer the coolant temperature. From that, the computer determines what the fuel/air ratio should be for the engine.

Since the gauge is giving you trouble at times inside, (which is a different sensor), I have a feeling the thermostat is stuck open and not allowing the vehicle to meet the minimum recommended operating temp. However, the sensor could be the issue.

Pic 1 is the ECT. It shows where it is located and what to look for.

I have attached the directions for checking the sensor, but to be honest, it is very extensive. You indicated that you are a mechanic, so I am sure you are familiar with this type of trouble shooting information. All remaining pictures correlate with these directions.

______________________________________

COMPONENT TESTS AND GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor, Checking

NOTE: Use only gold-plated terminals when servicing terminals in harness connector of sensor.

Recommended special tools and equipment
- V.A.G 1526 multimeter or V.A.G 1715 multimeter
- V.A.G 1594 connector test kit
- Wiring diagram

Requirements

- The respective fuses of Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220- must be OK.
- Parking brake must be engaged or else daylight driving lights will be switched on.
- For vehicles with automatic transmission, selector lever must be in position -P- or -N-.
- Engine must be cold.

Function test, vehicles with engine code AEG
- Connect diagnostic tester. See: Computers and Control Systems > Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes > Diagnostic Tester, Connecting
- Switch ignition on.
- Under address word 33, select "Diagnostic mode 1: Check measured values."
- Select the measuring value "PID 05: Coolant temperature".
- Check specified value of coolant temperature:
If specified value is not obtained:
- Continue test according to the following table:
If specified value is obtained.
- Start engine and let run at idle. The temperature must climb uniformly.

NOTE:
- The temperature increases in increments of 1.0 degree C.
- If the engine shows problems in certain temperature ranges and if the temperature does not climb uniformly, the temperature signal is intermittent and the sensor should be replaced.

Continuation of test if indication is approx. -46.5 degrees C
- Disconnect 4-pin connector from Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62- with Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2- (arrow).

Vehicles with old connector shape
- Bridge terminals 1 + 3 of connector using the respective adapter cables and observe the indication on display.

Vehicles with new connector shape
- Bridge terminals 3 + 4 of connector using the respective adapter cables and observe the indication on display.

Continued for all connector shapes
If indication jumps to approx. 141.0 degrees C
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- -Replace Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62- with Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2-.

WARNING:
- The cooling system is under pressure.
- Danger of scalding when opening.

- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. See: Computers and Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- Generate readiness code. See: Computers and Control Systems > Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes.

If indication remains at approx.-46.5 degrees C
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- Check wires according to wiring diagram.

Continuation of test if indication is approx. 141.0 degrees C
- Disconnect 4-pin connector from Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62- with Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2- (arrow).

If indication jumps to approx. -46.5 degrees C
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- Replace Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62- with Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2-.

WARNING:
- The cooling system is under pressure.
- Danger of scalding when opening.

- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. See: Computers and Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- Generate readiness code. See: Computers and Control Systems > Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes.

If indication remains at approx. 141.0 degrees C
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- Check wires according to wiring diagram.

Checking wiring
- Connect test box to control module wiring harness, connect test box for wiring test. See: Computers and Control Systems > Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes > Test Box, Connecting For Wiring Test

Vehicles with old connector shape (see pic)
- Check wires between test box and 4-pin connector for open circuit according to wiring diagram.

Terminal 1 + socket 67
Terminal 3 + socket 53

Wire resistance: max. 1.5 Ohms

Vehicles with new connector shape (see pic)
- Check wires between test box and 4-pin connector for open circuit according to wiring diagram.

Terminal 3 + socket 93
Terminal 4 + socket 108

Wire resistance: max. 1.5 Ohms

Continuation for all connector shapes
- Check wires for short circuit to each other, to vehicle Ground (GND) and to B+.

Specified value: Infinite Ohms

If no malfunctions are found in wires:

Vehicles with old connector shape
- Perform a resistance measurement at Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62- terminal 1 (Ground) and 3 (signal).

Vehicles with new connector shape
- Measure resistance at Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62-, terminals C (signal) and D (Ground).

Continuation for all connector shapes
Range A displays resistance values for temperature range of 0 to 50 degrees C, range B displays resistance values for temperature range of 50 to 100 degrees C.

Read-out examples:
- 30 degrees C is in range A and corresponds to a resistance of 1.5 to 2.0 kilo Ohms
- 80 degrees C is in range B and corresponds to a resistance of 275 to 375 Ohms

If specified value is not obtained:
- Replace Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62- with Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2-.

WARNING:
- The cooling system is under pressure.
- Danger of scalding when opening.

- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. See: Computers and Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- Generate readiness code. See: Computers and Control Systems > Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes.

If no malfunctions are detected in the wires and the resistance values are OK:
- Replace Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-.

Function test, vehicles with engine code AVH, AZG, BBW, BEV
- Connect diagnostic tester. See: Computers and Control Systems > Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes > Diagnostic Tester, Connecting
- Switch ignition on.
- Under address word 33, select "Diagnostic mode 1: Check measured values."
- Select measuring value "PID 05: Coolant temperature".
- Check specified value of coolant temperature:
If specified value is not obtained:
- Continue test according to the following table:
If specified value is obtained:
- Start engine and let run at idle. The temperature must climb uniformly

NOTE:
- The temperature increases in increments of 1.0 degree C.
- If the engine shows problems in certain temperature ranges and if the temperature does not climb uniformly, the temperature signal is intermittent and the sensor should be replaced.

Continuation of test if indication is approx. -40.0 degrees C
- Disconnect 4-pin connector from Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62- with Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2- (arrow).
- Bridge terminals 3 + 4 of connector using respective adapter cables and observe indication on display.

If indication jumps to approx. 140.0 degrees C
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- Replace Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62- with Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2-.

WARNING:
- The cooling system is under pressure.
- Danger of scalding when opening.

- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. See: Computers and Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- -Generate readiness code. See: Computers and Control Systems > Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes.

If indication remains at approx. -40.0 degrees C
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- Check wires according to wiring diagram.

Continuation of test if indication is approx. 140.0 degrees C
- Disconnect 4-pin connector from Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62- with Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2- (arrow).

If indication jumps to approx. -40.0 degrees C
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- Replace Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62- with Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2-.

WARNING:
- The cooling system is under pressure.
- Danger of scalding when opening.

- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. See: Computers and Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- Generate readiness code. See: Computers and Control Systems > Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes.

If indication remains at approx. 140.0 degrees C
- End diagnosis and switch ignition off.
- Check wires according to wiring diagram.

Checking wiring
- Connect test box to control module wiring harness, connect test box for wiring test. See: Computers and Control Systems > Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes > Test Box, Connecting For Wiring Test
- Check wires between test box and 4-pin connector for open circuit according to wiring diagram.

Terminal 3 + socket 93
Terminal 4 + socket 108

Wire resistance: max.1.5 Ohms

- Check wires for short circuit to each other, to vehicle Ground (GND) and to B+.

Specified value: Ohms

If no malfunctions are found in wires:
- Measure resistance at Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62-, terminals C (signal) and D (Ground (GND)).
Range A displays resistance values for the temperature range of 0 to 50 degrees C, range B displays resistance values for the temperature range of 50 to 100 degrees C.

Read-out examples:
- 30 degrees C is in range A and corresponds to a resistance of 1.5 to 2.0 kilo Ohms

If specified value is not obtained:
- Replace Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G62- with Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2-.

WARNING:
- The cooling system is under pressure.
- Danger of scalding when opening.

- Erase DTC memory of Engine Control Module (ECM), Diagnostic mode 4: Reset/erase diagnostic data. See: Computers and Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Diagnostic Mode 4: Reset/Erase Diagnostic Data
- Generate readiness code. See: Computers and Control Systems > Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes.

If no malfunctions are detected in the wires and the resistance values are OK:
- Replace Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-.

__________________________________________

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, August 13th, 2018 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
SZALKUSKT
  • MEMBER
  • 274 POSTS
Are you sure there are two different sensors? I am only seeing one on the thermostat housing. It is held in with a clip and has an o-ring
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Saturday, August 25th, 2018 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Here are more diagrams on the coolant sensor location and a guide to help you see what you are in for when changing the sensor out:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2018 AT 10:53 AM

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