18617 - Coolant Temp Sensor on Radiator Outlet (G83) problem

[TheLarneMan]

Folks,
I have a problem with my 2005 Golf GT TDI 140 (BKD).

For the past couple of weeks the two radiator cooling fans have been running at high speed while the car is running. They both start up just after I switch on the ignition and don't stop until I shut the engine off. The fans run whether the engine is hot or cold. I checked the fuses and they are fine.

I checked it with VCDS and it showed this error:

18617 - Engine Coolant Temp Sensor on Radiator Outlet (G83)
P2185 - 000 - Signal too High
Freeze Frame:
RPM: 2058 /min
Torque: 0.0 Nm
Speed: 108.0 km/h
Load: 0.0 %
Voltage: 14.29 V
Bin. Bits: 11000000
Temperature: 90.0'C
Temperature: 72.9'C

If I clear the code, it reappears immediately.

I went to my local Trade Parts Specialist, gave him my chassis number and bought a new sender (S06A919501A), seal ring (N90316801) and spring (S032121142).

I thought it was going to be a simple job of replacing the sensor on the lower radiator hose, but I couldn't find any sensor down there. I searched everywhere for a coolant sensor and I couldn't find one except for the coolant temp sensor at the thermostat (I think this one is known as G62 whereas my error relates to G83 lower radiator).

I checked the Haynes manual and it says my engine code doesn't have a sensor in the lower radiator hose. Now I'm confused.

Does anybody know if I should have a sensor in the lower radiator hose? According to VCDS, it's broken. According to TPS, the part shows up for my chassis number (I saw the diagrams on his screen and I know I bought the right part). According to Haynes, I don't have that sensor. According to my eyes, I can't find it anywhere

Has anybody any info or suggestions as to how I could proceed? If my car doesn't have that sensor why would VCDS be complaining about it? If I DO have it, where exactly is it?
Any input welcomed.
Cheers.

[TdiBlacky140]

I this is an old thread but I've the same engine and similar problem.

The sensor referred to the lower rad sensor is located in the plastic coolant junction at the side of the engine over the gear box and under the air filter housing. With the air filter housing removed it's in at the side of the engine in in plastic junction.

The other sensor is at the thermostat housing at the front of the engine as you have found.

Could you find a value for each individual sensor within VCDS? I can only find 1 sensor referenced about 3 times in VCDS but can't find the other sensor value, please tell me where you found it referenced.