ReallyBigAir
Member
Hello TDI'rs,
I've gotten the code - P2459 a couple of times and recently mentioned it to the dealer when I had the car in for a replacement clock spring. The dealer did a diagnosis and "recommended" replacing the thermostat @ $1100 for the parts and labor. Oh, and of course they charged me $119 for the diagnosis.
The car runs fine. During normal driving the water temp gauge indicates straight up - 190 degrees. Heater/defroster work fine. No obvious signs of a water temp issue. Currently, due to COVID shutdowns, most trips are short and I do hear regen happening pretty often. Also, the car consumes about a quart of oil every 900-1000 miles (oil consumption test performed twice by dealer, and they said it is within VM parameters).
Here's the text from the invoice:
"90200 scanned vehicle and found fault for regeneration too often. Performed test plan. Test plan informed me that the coolant values should match when the thermostat is open after 15 minutes. Upon waiting was not OK and that the thermostat may require replacement. Went further through the test plan and it checked various diesel systems including the upper and lower egr. Lower egr requires a certain coolant temperature otherwise it would not perform as like vehicles. During test plan the lower egr failed. Based on findings recommend replacing the thermostat. Customer declined repair (yes I did!) No repairs were performed for this concern."
What do you think? Based on this "diagnosis", would you replace the thermostat? Also, $1100 for parts and labor seems ridiculous for a thermostat replacement. I know it is a PITA on these engines, but WOW! I think it would cost less than $100 on most cars I've owned.
Feel free to chime in with any recommendations or thoughts. If there is a case for replacing the thermostat, could I DIY this with moderate technical skills and tools? What would be a reasonable charge from an independent mechanic?
Thanks in advance for any assistance or comments.....
I've gotten the code - P2459 a couple of times and recently mentioned it to the dealer when I had the car in for a replacement clock spring. The dealer did a diagnosis and "recommended" replacing the thermostat @ $1100 for the parts and labor. Oh, and of course they charged me $119 for the diagnosis.
The car runs fine. During normal driving the water temp gauge indicates straight up - 190 degrees. Heater/defroster work fine. No obvious signs of a water temp issue. Currently, due to COVID shutdowns, most trips are short and I do hear regen happening pretty often. Also, the car consumes about a quart of oil every 900-1000 miles (oil consumption test performed twice by dealer, and they said it is within VM parameters).
Here's the text from the invoice:
"90200 scanned vehicle and found fault for regeneration too often. Performed test plan. Test plan informed me that the coolant values should match when the thermostat is open after 15 minutes. Upon waiting was not OK and that the thermostat may require replacement. Went further through the test plan and it checked various diesel systems including the upper and lower egr. Lower egr requires a certain coolant temperature otherwise it would not perform as like vehicles. During test plan the lower egr failed. Based on findings recommend replacing the thermostat. Customer declined repair (yes I did!) No repairs were performed for this concern."
What do you think? Based on this "diagnosis", would you replace the thermostat? Also, $1100 for parts and labor seems ridiculous for a thermostat replacement. I know it is a PITA on these engines, but WOW! I think it would cost less than $100 on most cars I've owned.
Feel free to chime in with any recommendations or thoughts. If there is a case for replacing the thermostat, could I DIY this with moderate technical skills and tools? What would be a reasonable charge from an independent mechanic?
Thanks in advance for any assistance or comments.....
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