I've got a recurring error code which is listed as the fuel temperature sensor. I've been to Audi to get the part and the guy in the parts department seemed a little sceptical that there would be a fault with it. He suggested I speak with a technician, which I did, but that only left me wondering why I'd bothered. £117 + VAT for a diagnostic that I don't want and mightn't highlight any problems. He wouldn't even speculate as to the cause.

There are no physical symptoms, just the code.

It's a 1.9 TDi 110 SE (AFN). Does anyone have any ideas?

There are two possible codes, “17570 (P1162) Fuel temperature sender -G81. Short circuit to earth” or “17571 (P1163) Fuel temperature sender -G81. Open/short circuit to positive” and both will cause “Reduced power” according to VAG. The sensor on the AFN VEP pump is a common failure and the part (028 906 040 C) is dirt cheap at around £15 but getting the top cover off the pump is classed by VAG as a no go area and they insist on a new pump, even though they list and supply the part. Getting the top off the pump requires a special triangle socket, Bosch part number 0 986 612 605. The alignment of the top cover is quite important to get right. Without a functioning sender, the next time your car has a timing belt; it will not be possible to set the Commencement Of Injection.

I remember reading a recall for this, but I'm not certain the specifics but a very few number of people were qualified for the recall. Have you spoken with your Audi dealer?

I remember reading a recall for this, but I'm not certain the specifics but a very few number of people were qualified for the recall. Have you spoken with your Audi dealer?

Yes, I spoke with the dealer and all they said was it'll be £117 + VAT for a diagnostic. They seemed to be deliberately obtuse and showed no real interest in helping. No real surprise there.



There are two possible codes, “17570 (P1162) Fuel temperature sender -G81. Short circuit to earth” or “17571 (P1163) Fuel temperature sender -G81. Open/short circuit to positive” and both will cause “Reduced power” according to VAG. The sensor on the AFN VEP pump is a common failure and the part (028 906 040 C) is dirt cheap at around £15 but getting the top cover off the pump is classed by VAG as a no go area and they insist on a new pump, even though they list and supply the part. Getting the top off the pump requires a special triangle socket, Bosch part number 0 986 612 605. The alignment of the top cover is quite important to get right. Without a functioning sender, the next time your car has a timing belt; it will not be possible to set the Commencement Of Injection.

A short while ago I was loosing power dramatically. I had the code for the fuel temperature sensor and another one related to commencement of injection. I replaced the fuel filter and performance improved again so I cleared both the codes; this is the only one to return.

Is there a procedure to change the sensor, anything I can do to make sure reassembly is correct? Also, where is the little fella? How do I go about finding him?


Thanks guys.

It is under the cap on top of the injection pump. If you search the tinterweb you will find a guide.

It is under the cap on top of the injection pump. If you search the tinterweb you will find a guide.


Someone did a write up on Audizine.com for this a couple of months ago. You might start by searching over there.

Got a good deal of sarcasm from the audizine forums but got a lead to TDI Club forums which came up trumps. Cheers.

There's a tutorial here for anyone that needs the info...

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=75308

I'm having problems sourcing the tool to do the job...

http://www.kermatdi.com/catalog/mn3001.jpg

http://www.kermatdi.com/servlet/-strse-14/ALH-Metalnerd-Injection-Pump/Detail

Does anyone know of a UK distributor?

No luck finding a UK distributor. I thought about making a triangular box spanner from some round hollow section, but decided to give in and buy the MetalNerd socket from the States instead. Really friendly people. Hope it doesn't take too long to arrive.

Once it's done I'll post any conclusions.

There are two possible codes, “17570 (P1162) Fuel temperature sender -G81. Short circuit to earth” or “17571 (P1163) Fuel temperature sender -G81. Open/short circuit to positive” and both will cause “Reduced power” according to VAG. The sensor on the AFN VEP pump is a common failure and the part (028 906 040 C) is dirt cheap at around £15 but getting the top cover off the pump is classed by VAG as a no go area and they insist on a new pump, even though they list and supply the part. Getting the top off the pump requires a special triangle socket, Bosch part number 0 986 612 605. The alignment of the top cover is quite important to get right. Without a functioning sender, the next time your car has a timing belt; it will not be possible to set the Commencement Of Injection.



Hi can anyone suggest where I can purchase one of these sensors from?

I was quoted £30 + Vat from +TPS+

Any help on the matter is greatly appreciated

Grover

They are now £29.66 INCLUDING VAT from TPS and the current Bosch number is 02 464 509 015 and this should be easily available from any Bosch dealer if you can be bothered to struggle and search and wait for the sake of a tenner...

Thanks Crasher for confirming the cost.

After taking the 3 sided bolt could you advise if a standard bolt replacement is available and if a seal is required when the cover is removed?

thanks on advance

Grover

The seal is £5.26 from VW and part number 028 130 717 A, the bolts are not a part that can be ordered from VW so a scrap pump would be a good bet, I imagine any local diesel rebuild company could furnish you with one of these bolts. The CRITICAL part is that before removing the cover the IQ (Injected Quantity) should be noted and then after re-fitting the cover, the IQ should be reset to the same value by tweaking the cover around until a suitable reading is obtained. VAG's official line is that the sensor cannot be replaced, in fact you should not remove the cover and they do not allow their own technicians to remove it although they supply the sensor and gasket but the tool is not listed, all a little odd and contradictory. There whole attitude to this sensor (called G81) is strange, in the workshop system they tell you how to test it but not what to do if it is faulty... The IQ spec is between 2.0 ... 9.0 mg/stroke which is a bit vague but at a hot idle, 3 to 5 is considered correct and moving the plate left and right allows the IQ to be adjusted independently of the adjustment available using VCDS. If you were happy with the way it was running, replicate the original value.

The CRITICAL part is that before removing the cover the IQ (Injected Quantity) should be noted and then after re-fitting the cover, the IQ should be reset to the same value by tweaking the cover around until a suitable reading is obtained.

Sorry, but this is not necessary unless the entire quantity adjuster has been removed or the lower QA to pump bolts have been removed.
It's certainly a good idea to check you haven't disturbed anything you shouldn't, but adjustment should not be needed.

There is now a UK supplier of the triangle sockets here (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360662034121?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649), but I haven't used them myself.

The last one I had to do I hammered a wrong size socket on to the triangle one and replaced the bolt with a normal torx head from a local fastener place. I believe it was m6 x 65mm. However it shouldn't be necessary to replace the bolt if you have the right tool to retighten it.