DS3 Air Conditioning Failure

I'm having trouble with what I think is the heat exchanger temperature sensor on my 2018 Citroen DS3 with a gasoline engine. I have 171665 km on the clock. An error message is constantly displayed, an error is stored, and the AC won't engage. Coolant levels are fine, and I checked the sensor wiring. Could this be a simple sensor issue, or something more complex in the HVAC system?

4 comment(s)

That sounds frustrating! I've heard of similar issues with DS3s around that year. The AC not switching on points to a possible issue with the temperature sensor, but it could also be the AC control unit. Have you noticed any fluctuations in the engine temperature gauge? Is the error message specific or generic?

The temperature gauge seems normal. The error message isn't descriptive; it just says 'Engine Fault: Repair needed' with the service light. How can I confirm if the AC control unit is at fault before replacing the sensor?

Okay, the steady temperature gauge is reassuring. That generic error message isn't helpful. Given the symptoms, a defective air conditioning control unit could very well be the problem, especially considering the age and mileage. Without specialized tools, pinpointing the exact cause is tricky. I'd advise getting it checked at a workshop.

I brought my DS3 to a local workshop. They confirmed the air conditioning control unit was defective, like you suspected! The repair cost me around 980€, but the issue is resolved, and my AC is working again. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

Join the discussion now: