adrianice1

Mini Cooper temperature sensor fault

Okay, I'm officially pulling my hair out! My 2017 Mini Cooper Diesel is throwing a fault for the outside temperature sensor. The error is stored in the error memory, and it's causing a bunch of issues. The air conditioning won't switch on, the spray nozzles are frozen even when it's not that cold, and the mirror heating is completely dead. I suspect it's the cable or plug connection. Any ideas?

4 comment(s)

Sounds like a dodgy vehicle temperature sensor alright. The air conditioning not kicking in is a classic symptom, as the system uses that sensor to determine if it's cold enough to activate. The frozen spray nozzles and mirror heating issues also point to the same thing. Have you checked the wiring and the plug connection to the outside temperature sensor? Sometimes a loose or corroded connection can cause these problems. It's usually located behind the front bumper.

Thanks! When you say 'corroded connection', what exactly should I be looking for? Is it just visual, or do I need to test something with a multimeter?

Yeah, 'corroded' usually means you'll see some greenish or whitish deposits on the metal parts of the connector. Sometimes the wires themselves can be damaged near the connector. You can try cleaning the contacts with electrical contact cleaner, but honestly, if it's all looking nasty, it might be best to just get the sensor replaced at a workshop. Sounds like the temperature monitoring system is completely off because of the sensor, which is why you are experiencing all those issues.

Just wanted to update you. Took the Mini to the shop, and you were spot on! It was the outside temperature sensor causing all the havoc. They replaced it, and everything is working perfectly now. Cost me 95€. Thanks for your help!

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