P1471

P1471 on VW/Audi is EVAP Emission Control Leak Detection Pump Circuit Short to Ground — the ECM detected that the LDP (leak detection pump) electrical circuit shorted to ground. The LDP is a vacuum/pressure pump mounted near the EVAP canister that pressurizes the fuel-vapor system and watches for a pressure drop indicating a leak; when its motor circuit shorts, P1471 sets. Cheapest-first ladder: locate the LDP (typically near the charcoal canister at the rear of the vehicle on sedans, or under the rear of the engine bay on some Audis), unplug it, and measure the motor coil resistance at the pump connector — typical spec is 2-5 ohms; a reading near zero confirms an internal short. Probe the connector for the 12V feed (KOEO) and the ECM ground-switch line — back-probe with a meter while running the EVAP test through VCDS to watch the ECM pull ground. Inspect the harness for rodent damage where it runs along the underbody — the LDP wiring is a frequent rodent target on cars parked outdoors. Check the pump's internal filter for blockage (a clogged filter increases motor load and can fault the driver). Don't replace the EVAP canister on a P1471 — the code is about the pump motor circuit, not the canister; LDPs run $120-$280 and the canister is a $400+ part that's almost never the cause.

Vehicle-specific patterns: 2001-2005 VW Jetta / Golf / GTI Mk4 1.8T and 2.0L is the most common P1471 platform — the original Pierburg LDP under the right rear wheel well fails motor windings after 80-100K miles, and the connector corrodes from wheel-well road spray. 2006-2010 Jetta / Passat 2.5L five-cylinder shows P1471 from the same LDP failure pattern in a different location. 2003-2008 Audi A4 (B6/B7) 1.8T and 3.0L V6 throws P1471 from LDP failure plus the well-known carbon-canister cracking that can damage adjacent wiring. 2008-2014 VW/Audi 2.0 TSI EA888 platforms throw P1471 less often (newer LDP design) but show the same root cause when they do. Estimated repair: $140 (LDP DIY) to $500 (LDP + harness repair at a shop).