VW Bora Climate Control Failure: Common Sensor Issue

Having faced a similar situation with my VW Golf (2002), I can share some relevant repair experience. As someone with moderate experience in car repairs, the symptoms you describe are quite familiar. The climate regulation system in my Golf showed identical issues, no response from AC and temperature control malfunction. Initially suspected a temperature sensor problem, but the actual cause turned out to be a loose cable connection to the HVAC sensor unit. The workshop diagnosed it through proper testing of the sensor circuit. They found a damaged wire harness that was causing intermittent connection issues. The repair involved fixing the connection and ensuring proper contact with the climate control module. Total cost was 95€ including diagnostic and repair work. Before jumping to sensor replacement, it would be helpful to know: Are you getting any specific error codes? Does the blower motor still work on manual settings? Have you noticed any unusual sounds from the climate control unit? When did these issues start, suddenly or gradually? These details would help determine if your Bora is experiencing the same connection issue or if it might need actual sensor replacement. The VW models from that era often share similar HVAC system designs and common failure points.

Thanks for the detailed info. Last service was at 134000km just 2 months ago. The blower still works manually, but only at full speed. The climate issues started gradually over the last month. Getting error code P0073 which points toward sensor diagnostics being needed. Checked the cable connections you mentioned but all seem tight. Temperature readings are completely off, showing -40C even on warm days. This makes me lean more toward a faulty temperature sensor rather than wiring, but would appreciate more input before making the repair decision.

Thank you for providing those additional details. The error code P0073 combined with the incorrect temperature readings strongly suggests a failing interior temperature sensor in your case, unlike my Golf where it was just the wiring. The -40C reading is actually a classic symptom of a defective temperature sensor, its a default value the system shows when it loses proper sensor input. Since youve already checked the connections and the issue developed gradually, this points more definitively toward sensor replacement being necessary. When my Golf had climate issues, the temperature readings were erratic but never showed that specific -40C value. The sensor diagnostics in your case are painting a clearer picture than what I initially experienced with my wiring problem. The good news is that temperature sensor replacement is typically straightforward and less expensive than many other climate regulation repairs. Based on my subsequent experience with similar VW models, you should expect to pay around 150€ for parts and labor if you go to a workshop. Before you proceed with the repair, one final check worth doing is measuring the sensor resistance with a multimeter if you have access to one. This helped confirm the diagnosis in my case and ruled out other potential climate issues.

Thanks for the input. After hearing about these similar climate issues and repair experiences, I think I'll proceed with the sensor replacement. The -40C reading and P0073 error code seem pretty conclusive, and its good to know its a relatively straightforward fix. Will book the repair next week and make sure they do proper HVAC sensor diagnostics first just to be thorough. Hoping the 150€ estimate holds true for my case. The fact that the temperature regulation problems developed gradually and the manual controls still partially work gives me confidence were heading in the right direction with the sensor replacement. Will update the thread once the repair is done in case anyone else runs into similar climate control problems with their VW. Really appreciate all the detailed feedback.