Seat Tarraco Hybrid Check Engine Light and Power Loss

A faulty exhaust temperature sensor on a Seat Tarraco, especially a hybrid model, can certainly cause those symptoms. The engine management system relies heavily on sensor data to optimize fuel consumption and emissions. Reduced engine power and higher fuel consumption are classic signs. Leaks in the exhaust system are often the culprits behind these sensor failures, as they can cause inaccurate temperature readings. Think of it like trying to measure the temperature of your oven with the door slightly open – the reading won't be accurate, and the oven (engine) won't function efficiently. Does the car exhaust sound louder than usual?

Thanks for the quick reply! The car exhaust doesn't sound noticeably louder. Is there anything else I can check myself to confirm it's the exhaust temperature sensor, or is it best to just take it to a workshop for diagnosis?

Given that you don't notice a louder car exhaust sound, the leak may be very small, making it difficult to detect without specialized equipment. While visual inspections can sometimes reveal obvious issues, pinpointing an intermittent sensor fault requires diagnostic tools that can read the sensor data in real time. Continuing to drive with a faulty exhaust sensor can potentially cause further damage to other exhaust component systems, such as the catalytic converter, or lead to incorrect engine management. Therefore, my professional recommendation is to take it to a trusted workshop for a proper diagnosis. They can confirm whether it's indeed the temperature sensor and identify the root cause, such as a small exhaust leak.

Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation and advice! I took it to a trusted local workshop and they confirmed the exhaust temperature sensor was faulty, likely due to a small leak as you suggested. The car exhaust component has been replaced and the total damage was 265€. Engine management light is now off and the car is running smoothly again. Appreciate the help!