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Coolant Leak and Water Pump Failure on 2017 Audi A4

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 22, 4:32 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Audi A4 2.0T

I've noticed a persistent sweet smell coming from my 2017 Audi A4 2.0T, and recently, I've seen small puddles of a greenish-blue liquid under the front of the car when it's parked overnight. The coolant level in the reservoir seems to be dropping faster than it should, and I'm having to top it off regularly.

I've heard that water pump failures are somewhat common on these B9 A4 models. Could this be what I'm experiencing? What are the typical signs, and how expensive is this repair usually? I'm worried about potential engine damage if I don't address this quickly.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 4:32 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer: Your symptoms strongly suggest a failing water pump, which is indeed a known issue for the 2.0T engines (EA888 Gen 3) found in the 2017 Audi A4 and other models. The water pump on these engines is often integrated with the thermostat housing and is made of plastic components that can degrade over time.

Common Signs of Water Pump Failure:

  1. Visible Coolant Leaks: Greenish-blue puddles under the car, especially near the front passenger side, are a classic sign. The leak often originates from the pump's housing or seals.
  2. Sweet Smell: The distinct sweet odor of ethylene glycol (coolant) is noticeable, particularly when the engine is warm.
  3. Frequent Coolant Top-offs: A rapidly dropping coolant reservoir level indicates a leak in the system.
  4. Engine Overheating: While less common initially, a severe leak or complete pump failure can lead to the engine overheating, indicated by the temperature gauge rising above normal.
  5. Check Engine Light (CEL): In some cases, a P2181 code (Performance Problem in Cooling System) or other related codes might be triggered due to low coolant or inefficient cooling.

Causes:

  • Plastic Components: The original water pump/thermostat housing often uses plastic, which can become brittle and crack due to heat cycles.
  • Seal Degradation: Seals and gaskets within the pump can wear out, leading to leaks.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediately: A coolant leak, especially one requiring frequent top-offs, should be addressed as soon as possible. Driving with low coolant can lead to engine overheating and severe, costly damage (e.g., warped cylinder head, blown head gasket).
  • An Audi specialist or a reputable independent shop familiar with German cars can accurately diagnose the leak. They will perform a pressure test on the cooling system to pinpoint the exact source of the leak. Replacement of the water pump and thermostat assembly is a common repair for this issue. While the part itself isn't excessively expensive, labor can be significant due to its location and the need to drain and refill the cooling system properly.
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