I usually lurk this forum, but posts here have helped me with so many repairs that I wanted to contribute.
I purchased VCDS and the first thing that I noticed is that both my EGT sensors were malfunctioning. Here are the codes:
17861 - Exhaust Gas Temp Sensor 1 (G235)
P1453 - 001 - Open or Short to Plus
17867 - Exhaust Gas Temp Sensor 2 (G236)
P1459 - 008 - Implausible Signal
The EGT re-solder is well documented on this website, I followed the same steps as others have, with a few minor adjustments:
First unbolt the EGT sensors from the firewall:
Gently pry off the tops with a mini screwdriver (make sure they don't break). The circuitboard is covered with silicone gel.
Remove as much of the silicone gel as you can with a toothbrush and a paper towel (this part took me the longest). Make sure the circled contacts are completely free of silicone gel.
Clean the whole circuitboard with electrical contact cleaner and compressed air. I got some at home depot. Visually inspect the contacts and make sure they are completely clean. It's really important to get any residual silicone gel off of the solder joint.
Now you are ready to solder. Use a good soldering iron and use a copper sponge to clean the tip before soldering.
Coat all surfaces of the solder joint with soldering flux, heat the joint, and apply a little bit of fresh solder. Pay attention to where the solder contacts the circuit board and make sure you get a good connection (took me two tries).
When you've re-soldered all five contact points, put the lids back on and connect the sensors (don't bolt to the firewall yet). Clear DTCs with vag-com and log exhaust temps, engine measuring block 112. If sensors still don't work, disconnect again and re-solder.
If both sensors work, take the lids off, and apply silicone gel to the circuitboard. I cleaned the board again before applying. Silicone protects from heat and moisture (obviously these sensors are fragile). Let it cure without the lid on.
Re-attach lids using your favorite adhesive (for me zip ties) and bolt back onto the firewall.
Treat yourself since you just saved $500 on new sensors and who knows how much on labor (sensor probes are attached to the downpipes $$$$)
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