VW Atlas Temp Sensor Failure Blocks Key Features

Had a similar situation with my 2018 VW Tiguan. The outside temperature sensor malfunction showed identical symptoms, AC issues, frozen washer nozzles, and non-functioning heated mirrors. The vehicle temperature sensor was not the component itself but the wiring harness connecting to it. Found corroded terminals where the temperature sensor cable connects to the main harness, likely from water intrusion. The sensor plug had trapped moisture which froze and expanded during cold weather, damaging the connection. This became a bigger job than expected since accessing the wiring meant removing several trim pieces and partially disconnecting the front bumper. The car temperature sensor and entire wiring section needed replacement due to extensive corrosion damage. Worth checking the connection points first before replacing the sensor. If you see any green crusty buildup or whitish residue around the plug, that indicates corrosion. This commonly affects the outside temperature sensor on VW models from that generation. The repair resolved all three issues completely since they were all tied to that single failed connection. Would recommend getting it checked soon, as continuing to operate with damaged wiring can potentially affect other systems.

Thanks for the detailed response about your Tiguan sensor diagnostics. Good to know about checking those connection points, definitely helps narrow down where to look. Was starting to get quotes for my Atlas but hoping I can just deal with wiring rather than complete sensor replacement. Since you went through the repair already, can you share what you ended up paying? Also curious if you had any other related issues pop up afterward or if the fix took care of everything permanently? The frozen washer nozzles are really becoming a pain now that temperatures are dropping, so want to get this sorted before winter hits full force.

Just wanted to follow up on my earlier post. After seeing the mechanic, the outside temperature sensor fault on my Tiguan was indeed fixed. Turned out to be exactly what I suspected, a damaged connection at the plug. The final cost came to 95€ for repairing the cable connection. Much better than a complete temperature sensor replacement, which would have cost significantly more. The sensor diagnostics confirmed it was just the wiring causing all those problems. Since the repair six months ago, everything has worked perfectly. The AC runs normally, washer nozzles spray without freezing, and the heated mirrors function as they should. No related issues have appeared since the sensor replacement work was done. For your Atlas, definitely have them check the wiring connections first. The symptoms match exactly what I experienced, and it could save you money if its just a connection problem rather than a full sensor issue.

Took my Atlas to the shop yesterday after reading about your Tiguan experience. Really glad I did, turns out the vehicle temperature sensor wiring was exactly the problem, just like you mentioned. The mechanic found corrosion at the connection point, pretty much matching what you described. They had to remove some trim pieces to access it, but the actual repair was straightforward. Total bill came to 120€ for the sensor calibration and wiring fix, which feels reasonable considering all the functions it affects. Already tested everything this morning, AC kicks on properly, washer nozzles work great, and the heated mirrors are back in action. The car temperature sensor readings are now accurate too. Such a relief to have this sorted before the weather gets worse. Really appreciate the guidance on checking the wiring first. Saved me from unnecessarily replacing the entire outside temperature sensor assembly. Hopefully this helps anyone else running into similar issues with their temperature sensors.