P1296 Code - 2001 AUDI A6 2.7T Quattro

AlizKhan · **Joined:** Sat May 17, 2008 3:12 pm **Posts:** 6

Hey guys,

My 2001 AUDI A6 2.7T Quattro recently sent me the check engine light on the dashboard.
I called up a Private guy who came over with a ODB II Ez-Scan 4000 AutoxRay.

We got the Ez-Scan giving us the code "P1296 Manufacturer Specific PowerTrain Trouble Code"
We both didn't know what this was about.
Does anybody out there know what this code is about and how serious the issue is?

Please get back.

Thanks for your time in reading.

Sponsored Links · **Joined:** 29 Jun 2004 08:12 pm **Posts:** N/A

johnw087 · **Joined:** Mon May 19, 2008 12:00 pm **Posts:** 12

does the car have abs if so it could be that the abs sensor on the rotor could have gone out check continuity between the wires when you depress the brake with car running

AlizKhan · **Joined:** Sat May 17, 2008 3:12 pm **Posts:** 6

According to this site:
P1296:= Cooling system malfunction

The AUDI Has two Temp Gauges on the front dash, One I believe is for the car temp (Which never goes over 90 degrees but reaches 90 degrees after 5 - 8 mins of driving [Which is normal for any car]. The other I believe is the oil temp gauge which hardly reaches 90 degrees (only if i'm driving for over an hour) It always oscillates inbetween 60 - 90.

Correct me if i'm reading the gauges wrongly?

Hope this clears up some things?

What can I check for?
Any Suggestions?

Thanks?

Darkrooms · **Joined:** Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:44 am **Posts:** 1424

Well, first of all, your vehicle only reaching 90 deg. F IS NOT normal. That's what's setting 1296. The PCM monitors how long it takes to reach normal operating temp. If it takes too long, it sets this code. Your vehicles normal running temp is going to be 190-200 deg. F. So, usually it's the thermostat. If it's never been replaced, start there.

AlizKhan · **Joined:** Sat May 17, 2008 3:12 pm **Posts:** 6

Thanks Darkrooms;

I checked the Engine Diagram, The Thermostat Seems to be where the water pump is located.
The Water pump and timing belt were already changed by the previous owner.

I doubt I can replace this Thermostat my self (I am not a mechanic)

How Serious is this Issue?

Can I wait for 6 Months and then look into this? Just looking for a suggestion.

I did reset the CEL and It came back on after 4 days. So I don't think its something very serious.

Any Suggestions would be appreciated.

Darkrooms · **Joined:** Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:44 am **Posts:** 1424

On the 4 cylinder the thermostat is buried but do-able. On the v-6 it's actually under the timing covers I believe, but Im not sure. It's not something you may want to do your self. Its never a good idea to procrastinate when it comes to your cooling system, however, as long as you don't overheat it, the worst you'll do is decrease your fuel mileage considerably.

AlizKhan · **Joined:** Sat May 17, 2008 3:12 pm **Posts:** 6

Hey Darkrooms,

My Mistake.

I did not mean Fahrenheit. I meant Celsius.

The AUDI Has two Temp Gauges on the front dash, One I believe is for the car temp (Which never goes over 90 degrees but reaches 90 degrees Celsius after 5 - 8 mins of driving [Which is normal for any car]. The other I believe is the oil temp gauge which hardly reaches 90 degrees Celsius (only if i'm driving for over an hour) It always oscillates inbetween 60 - 90 Celsius .

Correct me if i'm reading the gauges wrongly?

Hope this clears up some things? Would your suggestions change now?

What can I check for?

AlizKhan · **Joined:** Sat May 17, 2008 3:12 pm **Posts:** 6

I have an Idea but wish to confirm with you guys,

How about If I do an Oil Change with a Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 Liters 5W-30 and then Reset the CEL.
You think this may help.

I've heard this Oil runs up to 15 degrees cooler then other oils and keeps the engine cool.

Any Suggestions?

jeff compton · **Posted:** Fri May 23, 2008 3:34 pm

My suggestion is pay a tech to replace the thermostat! That oil is excellent but your car is running too cold not to hot, cooler running oil isn't the solution

AlizKhan · **Joined:** Sat May 17, 2008 3:12 pm **Posts:** 6

Thanks to all you guys but guess what!

The Check Engine Light just went off it self?
Maybe it is not the thermostat?

jeff compton · **Posted:** Mon May 26, 2008 8:56 am

maybe not!

giaregan · **Joined:** Thu Oct 01, 2009 10:23 pm **Posts:** 1

i have an 2000 Audi A6 2.7T -- also with the check engine light on. i just had the diagnostics run and because the cause isn't serious, i want to turn this light off...can someone tell me how to do that?

P1296 Code - 2001 AUDI A6 2.7T Quattro

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