Audi in MA

My CEL came on and the code reads P1296/17704 which translates to 'Cooling System Malfunction.' In searching this forum, I found that this seems to be a common occurence and the fix is simply to replace the coolant temp sensor. However, in the description of the issue, many people have commented that the coolant temp gauge on their dashboard seems irratic. Mine doesnt seem to do that. So my questions are, does this code mainly signify a sensor error or is there anything else that can also be wrong? Anybody else have a similar issue?

A4noobster

Here is my experience, hope it helps.

The temp gauge never seemed erratic, however it never got to the 12 o'clock position (usually sitting between C and 12 o'clock).

The coolant light flashed here an there (once every two days on average).

No error codes were found.

Replaced blue square temp sensor for 16 bucks from ECS, all was well.

Good luck.

TomRitt (Homebrewed)

climate control digital coolant temp readout (see tech section), the temps were different.

ddderekkkkk

I had the same problem. Noticed same thing. Also after I reset the CEL and then drove again, just before / after the CEL came on again, you would notice the discrepencies in temperature read out.

Change the Temp Sensor and you'll be set.

David.Norton

it is really two sensors, one goes to the dash, the other to the ECM. Mine was intermittant, and I had the same experince as you, no indication on the dash.