Overheating problems and illuminated check engine light in a 2016 Passat VW - experiences and possible solutions

Hey, I had a similar problem with my 2018 Passat VW, so basically the same sled, just a little newer. I'm not a master of wrenches but thought I'd share my experience. It could be anything of course, but in my case it was due to damage to the wiring harness. The thing was pretty much ruined and even though I'm not a mechanic, I quickly took it to the workshop. I had a pretty fair mechanic at the time who helped me get the biz up and running again for just 110 euros. Can you possibly provide more details? Is your coolant okay? Have they ever checked your wiring harness? The more info I have, the better I might be able to help. Hope this helps a little, if only to estimate the cost a little.

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for the tip about the wiring harness! I hadn't thought of that yet. I've already topped up my coolant a few times, but it always seems to disappear again. As far as I know, nobody has ever checked the wiring harness. I will definitely take this up with the garage. I'm a little reassured that you say the repair wasn't too expensive for you. If I'm really lucky, maybe it's just the thermostat and not a more serious fault. Anyway, thanks for your help!

(Translated from German)

Hey, I once had to go through a similar situation with my own Passat. It was always the coolant thermostat! The symptoms were the same: overheating and the engine indicator light was on. They then replaced the thermostat at the garage and everything was fine again. It's quite common for the thermostat to become a problem as it tends to fail after a certain time. In my case, replacing the thermostat wasn't cheap because there are always parts and labor involved and the thermostat itself costs something. In my case it was around 250 euros, so a bit more expensive than a wiring harness, but still better than if the whole engine was ruined. So I recommend you have it checked at the garage, because if that's the reason, then it's a fairly simple replacement. I hope this helps you and you get your car running again soon. Keep us up to date!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for the quick reply! I already suspected that it could be the coolant thermostat. If that really is the culprit, then I'm happy to accept the cost of around 250 euros, better than a broken engine, which would be really bad. And as you say, replacing the thermostat seems to be quite easy. So I'll definitely talk to my garage and ask them to check it out. Just one more question: did your thermostat failure damage other components or was it really "just" the thermostat? I really hope that nothing more has happened to me. And don't worry, I'll keep you up to date! Thanks again for your input, it's really helpful.

(Translated from German)

My engine temperature isn't showing, the needle doesn't move, and Carly shows a coolant temperature sensor G2 error.

(Translated from Spanish)

Start by checking the coolant temperature sensor and its wiring for any visible damage or loose connections. A faulty sensor or connection can cause the temperature gauge to malfunction. If everything looks fine, consider replacing the sensor. Let me know how it goes or if you have any further questions!