2003 check engine code cooling system

[orangebug]

I had the check engine light to come on and the VAG Code is 18613 and it states that it is a Performance malfunction in cooling system. Does any one have more info on this code. thanks

[Kirk in Iowa]

This could be caused by a bad thermostat or perhaps a water pump.

The computer looks at how long it takes to reach a certain temp. If the timing is outside a preset range, this code may be thrown. So, you may have a water circulation problem....the water pump or the thermostat.

If you don't have a circulation problem, you may have a coolant temp sensor problem. The coolant temp sensor is very easy to change. I think the newer coolant sensor has a green body, the old one black.

Let us know what it is....

Kirk

[bratt]

does your temperature guage still work? are your fans working when it gets hott? does it overheat?

[orangebug]

The cars blue coolant light goes off about the same driving distance that it always has and it doesn't seem to be overheating at all. I will look into the coolant switch. The water level all seems to be normal also. Still sounds like a mystery as to why it would be causing such a fault. The VAG said that it was an intermittent fault. Thanks for assistance, I will keep in touch.

[orangebug]

I took the car to our local dealer and they ended up replacing the engine temperature sensor.