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ralfschneider1

PT Cruiser Temp Sensor Issues Disabling AC System

Looking for help with ongoing temperature sensor issues in my 2001 PT Cruiser Diesel (17967 KM). Getting error messages in the dash and the AC wont work at all. Pretty sure its related to the heat exchanger temperature sensor but had a really sketchy repair job last time at a shop. Has anyone dealt with similar engine cooling problems? Would love to hear your experiences and recommendations for getting this fixed properly. Also wondering what the typical repair costs might be for the sensor calibration if thats actually the issue.

4 comment(s)

felixmoon1

Had the same temperature sensor problems in my 2004 PT Cruiser CRD Diesel. The cooling system symptoms matched exactly, AC failure and error codes related to the heat exchanger. After getting it diagnosed, the main issue was a faulty temperature sensor that was sending incorrect readings to the engine cooling control module. The sensor calibration was part of the repair process, but the technicians discovered the heat exchanger also needed cleaning due to debris buildup affecting the temperature readings. The repair involved: Replacing the main temperature sensor, Cleaning the heat exchanger, Full sensor calibration of the new components, Testing the entire cooling system This was a serious repair that required specialized diagnostic equipment. The temperature sensor malfunction can lead to engine overheating if not addressed promptly. The cooling system needs to work correctly to prevent potential engine damage. The symptoms point to similar issues in your case. Would recommend getting it checked by a shop that specializes in Chrysler cooling system diagnostics and has proper sensor calibration equipment.

ralfschneider1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details. My PT Cruiser had matching issues and I ended up getting it fixed about 6 months ago. The temperature sensor malfunction was exactly the problem, plus they found a small coolant leak near the heat exchanger that was making things worse. Curious what you paid for the full repair? Mine came to 780€ for parts and labor, including the sensor calibration work. Just wondering if that lines up with your experience. Have you had any other engine cooling problems since getting it fixed? My temperature gauge has been steady and AC working great, but always good to know what to watch out for.

felixmoon1

Great to hear you got those cooling system issues resolved. After the repair work on my PT Cruiser, everything has been running perfectly with no temperature sensor alerts or AC problems. The total cost for my repair was actually higher at 980€ since they discovered the air conditioning control unit was also defective and needed replacement along with fixing the heat exchanger. The temperature gauge has stayed consistent since the fix and the engine cooling performance is back to normal. The shop did a thorough job addressing the defective heat exchanger and recalibrating all temperature sensors in the system. No issues have cropped up in the 2 years since the repair. Your repair cost of 780€ seems reasonable given they only needed to address the sensor and minor coolant leak. The extra work on my air conditioning control unit explains the higher price tag on mine. Just keep an eye on your temperature gauge during regular vehicle maintenance checks. A properly functioning cooling system is crucial for engine longevity. But since youve had no problems in 6 months, the repair work seems to have been done right.

ralfschneider1 (Author)

Finally got my PT Cruiser fixed properly. After dealing with those frustrating temperature sensor issues, I found a certified mechanic who really knew their stuff. The whole experience was way better than my previous repair attempts. The diagnostic process was thorough, they spotted the faulty temperature sensor right away and found a hidden coolant leak near the heat exchanger. The mechanic explained everything clearly and showed me exactly what needed fixing in the cooling system. Total bill came to 780€, which covered: New temperature sensor, Coolant leak repair, Full sensor calibration, System testing Best part is the car runs perfectly now. The temperature gauge stays steady, AC works great, and no more error messages. Really glad I got it done right this time instead of settling for another questionable repair job. This was about 6 months ago and havent had a single issue since. Just sharing this update since the proper fix made such a huge difference.

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