p2181 cooling system perf. code

[dbw47]

this code has come up on my car two different times. seems to do it only when it cold in the morning. i changed the thermostat ou to a 180 this summer with no problems, now that the weather has changed its doing this when it happens the temp gage doesnot work. have cleared it twice with diablo anyone know if theres a fix for this problem thanks

[Hal H]

On ODB-II systems, if the coolant is taking too long to reach conditions/ temperature required for closed loop operation it will throw a code.

Very similar to if the t-stat was stuck open and not allowing a normal warm up cycle interval.

Or, conversely: the t-stat opens too soon and coolant temp is dropping below normal operating parameters. With the 180* stat and colder ambient temps, that might be the case.

Or: the particular t-stat you have is closing late and allowing a drop below 180* coolant. Might be time to check the t-stat if its working properly.

If you have EVIC, you can get to the 'easter egg' screen and observe what coolant temperature the vehicle system is seeing. Could even be a water temp sender a bit out of spec too...

[dbw47]

thanks for your help, i am not sure what easter egg screen is. can the fans be reset with the diablo tuner. ill try another day when its warmer because im in houston that wont be long and see what happens. if it doesnot do it then do i need to recalibrate fan or try maybe a 190 thermostat if they make one. i was told not to use stock thermostat when running a supercharger

[Hal H]

Originally Posted by dbw47

thanks for your help, i am not sure what easter egg screen is.

That is the 'hidden' screen if you have either an SRT or an R/T with Elect. Conv. Grp (steering wheels controls) where your car is equipped the the upgrade Elect. Veh. Info Ctr cluster. (not on SE's or R/T F-package [base cloth interior]).

If you do have this, hold the botton right [compass] button and the bottom left [music note] buttons down for at least 5 seconds until the display changes and it will put the diagnositic screens up (with the ignition on, engine running). Using the up/down buttons you can scroll through various screens. To get back to normal displays, press the menu button and you're back, or shut the ignition off and it resets as well.

There's one that will display coolant temp, rpm, % of throttle and oil PSI.

Again, you need the EVIC/ steering wheel buttons if your car is equipped with that to get to the display.