2021 Audi Q8 MIL On with Cooling System DTCs
Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin 01 20 82 2058767/6 for certain 2021 Audi Q8 vehicles experiencing a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination due to cooling system issues. This TSB addresses DTCs P218100, P017B00, P308100, and P01E400, often linked to a faulty thermostat.

Symptoms
Owners of affected 2021 Audi Q8 vehicles may notice the "MIL on" warning light illuminated on their dashboard. In some cases, the cooling fan might run permanently. These symptoms indicate a potential issue with the vehicle's cooling system.
Fault Codes / DTCs
If your Audi Q8 MIL on DTCs are stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM), J623 (address word 0001), they are likely related to this issue. At least two of the following DTCs will typically be present:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P218100 | Fault in cooling system |
| P017B00 | Sensor for cylinder head temperature, implausible signal |
| P308100 | Engine temperature too low |
| P01E400 | Sender 3 for coolant temperature, implausible signal |
Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions
Diagnosis involves checking the thermostat. If the coolant is still warm, the thermostat should be placed in cold water to see if it restores its original closed condition. A faulty thermostat will show a gap between its chamber and seal, indicating it needs replacement. Technicians are required to document this with photos attached to the repair order.
Important Warnings
Audi explicitly states that replacing the coolant temperature sender will not resolve this issue. Claims submitted for parts replacement of the coolant temperature sender will be subject to review and may not be covered under warranty. This TSB, 01 20 82 2058767/6, supersedes previous bulletin Group 01 number 20-65 dated June 8, 2020.
Repair Procedure Summary
The primary repair involves replacing the faulty thermostat. The process includes:
- Removing the existing thermostat.
- Inspecting the thermostat for proper closure. If a gap is present between the chamber and seal, the thermostat is deemed faulty.
- Replacing the faulty thermostat.
- After the replacement, the coolant circuit must be refilled with G12evo coolant.
Required Tools or Parts
Technicians will require specific parts and tools for this repair:
- Part Number 06M121115K: Thermostat (Quantity: 01)
- Part Number 06M121688: Seal ring (Quantity: 01)
- Coolant G 12E0501GDSP: Up to 2 units
- Tool Number T40425: Thrust Piece (needed for seal replacement only)
Fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws as needed should be sourced according to the repair manual or ETKA/ELSA.
Warranty Information
This repair is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage falls under G10, requiring owner verification. If your vehicle is outside of these warranty parameters, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only, and repair costs may apply. The service number for this claim is 1958, with a damage code of 0017.
Owner Action
If your 2021 Audi Q8 is displaying the "MIL on" warning light or exhibiting symptoms like the cooling fan running continuously, and you suspect an Audi Q8 MIL on DTCs issue, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Provide them with details of the symptoms and any diagnostic trouble codes you may have observed.
Source: NHTSA ID: 10179047
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does it mean if my 2021 Audi Q8 has DTC P218100?
- DTC P218100 in your 2021 Audi Q8 indicates a "fault in cooling system." This is often caused by a faulty thermostat that isn't closing completely, leading to the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminating.
- Will replacing the coolant temperature sender fix the MIL on issue in my Audi Q8?
- No, according to Audi Technical Service Bulletin 01 20 82 2058767/6, replacing the coolant temperature sender will not resolve the issue. The problem is typically a faulty thermostat, and claims for replaced senders will be reviewed and likely not covered.
- What are the common symptoms of a faulty thermostat in a 2021 Audi Q8?
- Common symptoms include the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminating on your dashboard and the cooling fan running permanently. Diagnostic trouble codes such as P218100, P017B00, P308100, and P01E400 may also be stored in the ECM.
- Is the thermostat replacement covered under warranty for my 2021 Audi Q8?
- Yes, the thermostat replacement is generally covered under Audi's new vehicle limited warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage may also apply under G10, subject to owner verification.
Other revisions of this TSB
- 2023 Audi A6 Check Engine Light & Harness Chafing TSBP218100
- 2021 Audi Q7, Q8, A8, S8 Red Coolant Warning Lamp TSBP218100, P017B00
- 2021 Audi Q7/Q8 MIL On with Cooling System DTCsP218100, P017B00, P308100
- 2021 Audi V8 TFSI Red Coolant Warning Lamp TSBP218100, P017B00
- 2021 Audi Q7, Q8 MIL On with Cooling System DTCsP218100, P017B00, P308100
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