2-Pin 1K0973202 VW / Audi Waterproof 3.5mm Coolant Temperature Sensor Connector

Direct-fit replacement for Volkswagen / Audi OEM part number 1K0973202 (also written as 1K0 973 202), a 2-pin waterproof 3.5mm pitch female connector used for coolant temperature sensor (CTS / ECT) harness connections on VW and Audi MQB and PQ35 platform vehicles. The 1K0 prefix identifies this as a VW Golf V / Jetta V (1K platform) part, though it is used across multiple VW Group platforms.

Key Specifications

• OEM Part Number: 1K0973202 / 1K0 973 202
• Pin Count: 2
• Gender: Female socket (with wire)
• Terminal Pitch: 3.5mm
• Wire Gauge: 18 AWG (0.5 mm²)
• Wire Length: 5.5 inches (140 mm)
• Waterproof Rating: IP68
• Housing Material: PA66 glass-filled nylon
• Terminal Material: Copper alloy, tin-plated
• Current Rating: Up to 10A per pin

VW Part Number Decoded – 1K0973202

• 1K0 – Vehicle platform code (VW Golf V / Jetta V, 2003–2010)
• 973 – VW commodity code for electrical connectors
• 202 – Specific connector variant (2-pin, 3.5mm waterproof)

Compatible VW / Audi Applications

• VW Golf V / VI (1K/5K, 2003–2013): Coolant temperature sensor harness
• VW Jetta V / VI (1K/5C): ECT sensor connector
• VW Passat B6 / B7 (3C): Shared PQ35 platform CTS harness
• VW Tiguan (5N): Coolant temperature sensor wiring
• Audi A3 (8P/8V): Shared MQB/PQ35 platform ECT connector
• Audi A4 (B8): Coolant temperature sensor harness
• Skoda Octavia (1Z/5E): Shared VW Group platform

Fault Codes Linked to 1K0973202 Connector Failure

• P0116–P0118 – Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit faults
• P0128 – Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature (caused by CTS signal fault)
• VCDS: 00537 – Coolant Temperature Sensor (G62) – implausible signal; 01314 – Engine Control Module

FAQ

Q: Can a bad coolant temperature connector cause poor fuel economy on VW?
A: Yes. A corroded 1K0973202 connector causes the ECM to receive an incorrect CTS signal, defaulting to a cold-engine fuel map (rich mixture) even when the engine is warm. This causes increased fuel consumption, rough idle, and black smoke from the exhaust.

Q: What diagnostic tool is needed?
A: Use VCDS (Ross-Tech) for VW/Audi-specific fault codes and live data. Check G62 sensor live value – should read approximately 90°C when fully warmed up.

Q: What crimping tool is needed?
A: Use a ratchet crimper rated for 18 AWG (0.5 mm²) – Engineer PA-09 or equivalent.

Package Contents

1 × 2-Pin Female Connector (1K0973202) with 18 AWG wire and terminal insert