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liam_werner71
Audi A2 Power Loss Linked to Faulty Temp Sensor
4 comment(s)
uwerichter75
I dealt with very similar symptoms on my Audi A3 1.4 from 2003. Having some experience with exhaust system issues, I first noticed the same problems, check engine light, power loss, and increased fuel consumption. The exhaust temperature sensor was indeed the culprit, but there was actually a small leak in the exhaust system near the sensor connection point. The engine management system was getting incorrect readings, causing these symptoms. My workshop ran a diagnostic scan which pointed to the exhaust sensor area. They performed a smoke test to confirm the leak location. The total repair came to 265 Euro, including the new sensor and fixing the leak. To help further with your case, could you share: Have you noticed any unusual exhaust sounds? Did you get any specific error codes from the diagnostic? Are there any other symptoms, like unusual smells or visible exhaust smoke? Has the car had any recent exhaust component repairs? Getting this information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with my car. Its worth having a proper diagnostic done before replacing parts, as exhaust system problems can sometimes have similar symptoms but different root causes.
uwerichter75
I dealt with very similar symptoms on my Audi A3 1.4 from 2003. Having some experience with exhaust system issues, I first noticed the same problems, check engine light, power loss, and increased fuel consumption. The exhaust temperature sensor was indeed the culprit, but there was actually a small leak in the exhaust system near the sensor connection point. The engine management system was getting incorrect readings, causing these symptoms. My workshop ran a diagnostic scan which pointed to the exhaust sensor area. They performed a smoke test to confirm the leak location. The total repair came to 265 Euro, including the new sensor and fixing the leak. To help further with your case, could you share: Have you noticed any unusual exhaust sounds? Did you get any specific error codes from the diagnostic? Are there any other symptoms, like unusual smells or visible exhaust smoke? Has the car had any recent exhaust component repairs? Getting this information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with my car. Its worth having a proper diagnostic done before replacing parts, as exhaust system problems can sometimes have similar symptoms but different root causes.
liam_werner71 (Author)
Latest service was at 189000 KM and diagnostics confirmed error code P0116. After getting the diagnostics, I had a local workshop check it further. They used their scanner which revealed two additional fault codes related to the heat sensor. The mechanic mentioned the wiring near the exhaust component looked damaged, possibly from heat exposure. Since my car is quite high mileage at 190737 KM, they suggested replacing both the temperature sensor and the surrounding wiring harness. The engine management system seems to be getting incorrect readings, which explains the performance issues. No unusual sounds from the exhaust and no visible smoke. Just the power loss and increased fuel consumption remain consistent issues. Looking to get this fixed soon as the car is getting quite thirsty. Would appreciate hearing if anyone had success with just replacing the wiring versus a complete sensor replacement.
liam_werner71 (Author)
Latest service was at 189000 KM and diagnostics confirmed error code P0116. After getting the diagnostics, I had a local workshop check it further. They used their scanner which revealed two additional fault codes related to the heat sensor. The mechanic mentioned the wiring near the exhaust component looked damaged, possibly from heat exposure. Since my car is quite high mileage at 190737 KM, they suggested replacing both the temperature sensor and the surrounding wiring harness. The engine management system seems to be getting incorrect readings, which explains the performance issues. No unusual sounds from the exhaust and no visible smoke. Just the power loss and increased fuel consumption remain consistent issues. Looking to get this fixed soon as the car is getting quite thirsty. Would appreciate hearing if anyone had success with just replacing the wiring versus a complete sensor replacement.
liam_werner71 (Author)
Latest service was at 189000 KM and diagnostics confirmed error code P0116. After getting the diagnostics, I had a local workshop check it further. They used their scanner which revealed two additional fault codes related to the heat sensor. The mechanic mentioned the wiring near the exhaust component looked damaged, possibly from heat exposure. Since my car is quite high mileage at 190737 KM, they suggested replacing both the temperature sensor and the surrounding wiring harness. The engine management system seems to be getting incorrect readings, which explains the performance issues. No unusual sounds from the exhaust and no visible smoke. Just the power loss and increased fuel consumption remain consistent issues. Looking to get this fixed soon as the car is getting quite thirsty. Would appreciate hearing if anyone had success with just replacing the wiring versus a complete sensor replacement.
uwerichter75
Having gone through this exact repair on my A3, I can confirm that replacing just the wiring often isnt enough. When the engine management system gets faulty readings, its usually a combination of both sensor and wiring issues. After my initial repair, the problem actually came back within 2 months when I only replaced the wiring. The full sensor replacement along with new wiring was the only solution that permanently fixed it. The exhaust temperature sensor is a critical component that needs to be in perfect working condition. The P0116 code matches what I experienced. With high mileage cars like ours, heat degradation of both the sensor and wiring is common. I ended up spending 320 Euro for the complete fix, sensor replacement and wiring harness together. My fuel consumption returned to normal within a few days after the repair, and the engine power was back to its usual level. The check engine light hasnt come back since. Based on my experience, I would strongly recommend replacing both components at once to avoid having to do the job twice. The labor cost is basically the same either way since they have to access the same area.
uwerichter75
Having gone through this exact repair on my A3, I can confirm that replacing just the wiring often isnt enough. When the engine management system gets faulty readings, its usually a combination of both sensor and wiring issues. After my initial repair, the problem actually came back within 2 months when I only replaced the wiring. The full sensor replacement along with new wiring was the only solution that permanently fixed it. The exhaust temperature sensor is a critical component that needs to be in perfect working condition. The P0116 code matches what I experienced. With high mileage cars like ours, heat degradation of both the sensor and wiring is common. I ended up spending 320 Euro for the complete fix, sensor replacement and wiring harness together. My fuel consumption returned to normal within a few days after the repair, and the engine power was back to its usual level. The check engine light hasnt come back since. Based on my experience, I would strongly recommend replacing both components at once to avoid having to do the job twice. The labor cost is basically the same either way since they have to access the same area.
uwerichter75
Having gone through this exact repair on my A3, I can confirm that replacing just the wiring often isnt enough. When the engine management system gets faulty readings, its usually a combination of both sensor and wiring issues. After my initial repair, the problem actually came back within 2 months when I only replaced the wiring. The full sensor replacement along with new wiring was the only solution that permanently fixed it. The exhaust temperature sensor is a critical component that needs to be in perfect working condition. The P0116 code matches what I experienced. With high mileage cars like ours, heat degradation of both the sensor and wiring is common. I ended up spending 320 Euro for the complete fix, sensor replacement and wiring harness together. My fuel consumption returned to normal within a few days after the repair, and the engine power was back to its usual level. The check engine light hasnt come back since. Based on my experience, I would strongly recommend replacing both components at once to avoid having to do the job twice. The labor cost is basically the same either way since they have to access the same area.
liam_werner71 (Author)
Thanks for the detailed feedback. After considering the repair options, I decided to go ahead with replacing both the temperature sensor and wiring harness together. Better to fix it properly the first time rather than risk having to do the work twice. Booked the car in next week for the full repair. The quote came in at 295 Euro, which seems reasonable based on other responses. The workshop confirmed they will perform a full diagnostic check after installation to ensure the engine management system is getting correct readings. The temperature fluctuation issues and power loss have gotten slightly worse this week, so Im glad to have a repair scheduled. Hoping this resolves both the performance problems and high fuel consumption. Will update the thread once the repair is complete in case others run into similar exhaust sensor issues with high mileage A2s. Always helpful to know if these fixes actually solve the problems long-term.
liam_werner71 (Author)
Thanks for the detailed feedback. After considering the repair options, I decided to go ahead with replacing both the temperature sensor and wiring harness together. Better to fix it properly the first time rather than risk having to do the work twice. Booked the car in next week for the full repair. The quote came in at 295 Euro, which seems reasonable based on other responses. The workshop confirmed they will perform a full diagnostic check after installation to ensure the engine management system is getting correct readings. The temperature fluctuation issues and power loss have gotten slightly worse this week, so Im glad to have a repair scheduled. Hoping this resolves both the performance problems and high fuel consumption. Will update the thread once the repair is complete in case others run into similar exhaust sensor issues with high mileage A2s. Always helpful to know if these fixes actually solve the problems long-term.
liam_werner71 (Author)
Thanks for the detailed feedback. After considering the repair options, I decided to go ahead with replacing both the temperature sensor and wiring harness together. Better to fix it properly the first time rather than risk having to do the work twice. Booked the car in next week for the full repair. The quote came in at 295 Euro, which seems reasonable based on other responses. The workshop confirmed they will perform a full diagnostic check after installation to ensure the engine management system is getting correct readings. The temperature fluctuation issues and power loss have gotten slightly worse this week, so Im glad to have a repair scheduled. Hoping this resolves both the performance problems and high fuel consumption. Will update the thread once the repair is complete in case others run into similar exhaust sensor issues with high mileage A2s. Always helpful to know if these fixes actually solve the problems long-term.
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uwerichter75
I dealt with very similar symptoms on my Audi A3 1.4 from 2003. Having some experience with exhaust system issues, I first noticed the same problems, check engine light, power loss, and increased fuel consumption. The exhaust temperature sensor was indeed the culprit, but there was actually a small leak in the exhaust system near the sensor connection point. The engine management system was getting incorrect readings, causing these symptoms. My workshop ran a diagnostic scan which pointed to the exhaust sensor area. They performed a smoke test to confirm the leak location. The total repair came to 265 Euro, including the new sensor and fixing the leak. To help further with your case, could you share: Have you noticed any unusual exhaust sounds? Did you get any specific error codes from the diagnostic? Are there any other symptoms, like unusual smells or visible exhaust smoke? Has the car had any recent exhaust component repairs? Getting this information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with my car. Its worth having a proper diagnostic done before replacing parts, as exhaust system problems can sometimes have similar symptoms but different root causes.