Audi Q3 Climate Control Failure: Sensor Problems

As someone with some car repair experience, I dealt with a very similar HVAC sensor issue on my 2018 Audi Q5. The climate control symptoms matched yours exactly, no automatic temperature control and AC failure. After scanning for codes, the workshop found that the temperature sensor connection had worked itself loose over time. The main issue was a damaged wire and corroded plug connecting to the climate control module. They fixed the cable connection and cleaned the plug contacts, which resolved the temperature sensor issues completely. The total repair cost was 95 Euro, mainly covering diagnostic time and connection repair. Looking back, there were early warning signs, occasional temperature fluctuations and the climate control becoming less responsive before failing completely. For your Q3, I would recommend having a professional diagnose it first, as the HVAC sensor system is quite complex. The repair could be as simple as a connection fix like mine, or might require actual sensor replacement. To help further, could you share: What error codes are showing up? Did you notice any intermittent climate control issues before the complete failure? Does the manual fan control still work, or is it completely unresponsive? This information would help determine if your sensor issues match what I experienced with my Q5.

Service history: Last maintenance at 196658 KM with oil change and filter replacement. I appreciate the detailed response about the temperature sensor issues. After reading about your experience, I checked the wiring connections around the climate regulation module myself before considering a full sensor replacement. The manual fan still functions, but the automatic climate control remains completely dead. Error code P0533 shows up consistently, pointing to the AC pressure sensor circuit. When the temperature control first started acting up, I did notice the system would occasionally reset itself while driving, which seems similar to the warning signs you mentioned. Currently leaning towards professional diagnosis since the temperature sensor system is more complex than initially thought. Would you mind sharing how long the repair took in your case? Want to plan accordingly if I need to leave the car at the workshop.

Thanks for the follow-up and error code details. My Q5 repair took about 2 hours total, but your P0533 code points to a slightly different issue than what I experienced. While my temperature sensor problem was purely electrical, this code typically indicates problems with the AC pressure sensor circuit rather than the interior temperature sensor. The fact that your manual fan still works matches my experience, but the P0533 suggests the climate control issues might involve both the temperature reading system and AC pressure monitoring. In my case, the temperature sensor connection fix resolved everything, but your situation may require attention to the AC pressure circuit as well. When the workshop handled my climate regulation problems, they first did a full system diagnostic which helped identify the exact connection issues. Given your error code, I would strongly recommend the same approach rather than focusing solely on the temperature sensor. The intermittent system resets you mentioned were indeed similar to my early warning signs. However, since we are seeing different error codes, it would be worth having both the temperature sensor and AC pressure circuits checked. The total repair time might be longer than my 2-hour fix if both systems need attention. Would you be able to check if the climate control issues vary with engine speed or when the car is stationary vs moving? This detail helped diagnose my sensor problem.

I understand the additional complexity with the P0533 code. Knowing that both the AC pressure sensor and temperature monitoring systems might be involved makes me more certain about choosing professional diagnosis over DIY attempts. The system resets I experienced could indeed point to multiple sensor issues as you suggested. Since posting my initial question, I did test the climate control behavior at different engine speeds. The system remains unresponsive regardless of whether the car is idling or moving, unlike your case where there were variations. This consistent failure pattern, combined with the P0533 error code and the HVAC sensor diagnostics history, suggests I might be dealing with a more complex issue than a loose connection. Two hours seems reasonable for a basic sensor repair, but I will plan for a longer service window given the possible dual system involvement. Will schedule the workshop visit and have them perform complete sensor diagnostics on both the temperature control and AC pressure circuits. Thanks for helping me understand the distinctions between different climate issues. Having proper context about the potential scope of repairs really helps with planning the next steps.