Coolant pump "B" - just how important is it ?

[Ringsby4]

I've been getting the EPC warning and VCDS throws code P261A indicating the electric pump open circuit.I know these pumps were subject to recall in the USA and mine was apparently done (here in Australia) some years back.
I read in this forum that the advice at the time was to pull the plug until the car was booked in for the new part swap which should open the circuit.
Anyone still running like that ? I understand that after a hard drive the extra coolant circulation would be beneficial to the turbo and other components.How much of a hurry should I be in to replace the pump that's if there's no obvious wiring fault ?

[lilasian2112]

If I recall correctly, this is for after the car turns off to keep the coolant circulating since turbos usually get pretty hot even under mild driving in hot climates. Worst case scenario your turbo will get fried.

I believe there was even a lawsuit settlement for that issue as peoples turbo were needing to be replaced.

Sent from my LE2127 using Audizine Forum mobile app

[findalex]

Your understanding of how it works is correct. If you drive really hard, you can achieve similar turbo cool down by just leaving the car idle for a little bit before you turn off the engine (like the old school turbo timers). I think if you change your oil and more coolant more frequently, you'll avoid most potential problems.

[Ringsby4]

I love the statement on the TSB "The continued coolant circulation pump sporadically fails." Like a lot of other stuff on our cars......
However,can anyone remember when going through the warranty wait for the pump whether disconnecting it stopped the EPC warning ? I'm asking this because I have another intermittent issue going on that will also throw an EPC when it sees fit and I don't want to get any more now with these 2 ongoing issues !

[Ringsby4]

Interesting thread here on the s4 forum where the way to run the pump full time is discussed;
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...100-duty-cycle
Circuit dia showing +VE, ground and control wire to trigger pump from the ECU ( upper left hand corner 1st post ),Next time I have Heidi on the hoist I might try operate the pump manually and see what's going on.