julianschulze7

Peugeot 108 Outside Temperature Sensor Problems

Hi, hoping someone can lend some insight. I've got a 2016 Peugeot 108, gasoline engine, with a weird issue. My outside temperature sensor seems to have gone bonkers at 140314 km. I'm getting an error stored in the error memory, the AC won't switch on, the spray nozzles froze solid even when it wasn't that cold, and the mirror heating isn't working either. I've checked the basics - fuses are fine. From what I've read, it sounds like a faulty outside temperature sensor can cause all these problems since many systems rely on that input. I am suspecting that the cable or plug connection of the component is defective. Anyone else experienced something similar with their 108?

4 comment(s)

Sounds plausible. The outside temperature sensor is typically a thermistor, a resistor whose resistance changes with temperature. The ECU (Engine Control Unit - basically the car's computer) reads this resistance to determine the outside temperature. If the wiring or connector is corroded or damaged, the ECU will get an incorrect reading, or no reading at all. Have you checked the wiring and connector for corrosion or damage? It's usually located behind the front bumper.

Thanks for the quick reply! I haven't dug too deep into the wiring yet, mostly because I wasn't 100% sure where to start looking. Behind the front bumper, you say? Is there a specific side I should be focusing on, or is it pretty central? Also, is there a way to test the sensor itself with a multimeter, or is it best just to replace it?

Yes, behind the front bumper, often near the fog light. Side varies but check centrally first. You can test it with a multimeter. You'll need to find the correct resistance value for a given temperature (should be online or in a repair manual). But honestly, given the symptoms, and that it could be intermittent, it's likely a failing sensor or wiring. Considering the cost of diagnostics and your time, and the cost of the sensor it may be easiest to bring to a workshop.

Thanks for the advice! I followed your advice and took it to a local garage. Turns out you were spot on, it was the connector to the sensor. They cleaned it up, but the sensor itself was also failing. Replaced it all for 95€. Everything's working perfectly now – AC's blasting cold air, mirror heating is toasty, and no more error codes!

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