VW Bora Temperature Sensor Issues Cause Multiple Failures

I had a very similar issue with my VW Golf 1.6 from 2006. As someone with some experience working on VWs, these sensor malfunction symptoms sounded familiar right away. My car showed identical problems, AC issues, frozen washer nozzles, and mirror heating failures. The outside temperature sensor was giving false readings, causing multiple systems to malfunction. After checking the error codes, the workshop found a damaged wire connection to the temperature sensor. The repair involved: Full diagnostic scan, Locating the faulty connection, Replacing the corroded plug connector, Sensor calibration and testing Total cost was 95€ including parts and labor. The workshop completed everything in about 2 hours. Since the repair, all systems have worked perfectly. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Have you scanned for specific error codes? Is the temperature display showing incorrect readings? Did these issues start suddenly or develop gradually? Has there been any recent work done near the vehicle temperature sensor? This information would help determine if your issue matches the sensor problems I experienced with my Golf.

Last service was at 27973km and the vehicle temperature gauge started showing incorrect readings shortly after. The issue seems worse compared to what you described. My workshop ran a diagnostic scan showing error code P0128 which points directly to a temperature sensor malfunction. They suggest a complete temperature sensor replacement rather than just fixing connections. The problems developed gradually over 2-3 weeks. The temperature monitoring system first showed inconsistent readings, then the auxiliary systems started failing one by one. No recent work was done in that area. Would replacing just the sensor be enough, or should I consider checking the entire temperature monitoring system? The quoted price for sensor replacement alone is 180€.

Thanks for providing those details about your Bora. Based on what you described, your situation does seem more severe than what I faced with my Golf. The P0128 code and gradual system deterioration definitely suggest a failing sensor unit rather than just connection issues like in my case. The sensor diagnostics pattern matches other cases where complete sensor replacement was necessary. In my experience working with these VW models, when multiple systems are affected and the vehicle temperature sensor shows progressive failure, a partial fix rarely solves the problem long-term. The 180€ quote for sensor replacement is reasonable considering the part quality and labor involved. I would recommend: Complete sensor replacement, Full system sensor calibration after installation, Testing all affected systems, Clearing fault codes, Verifying proper temperature monitoring While the price is higher than my repair, replacing just the connections in your case might lead to continued issues and potentially more expensive repairs later. Given the similar problems across our VW models, a proper sensor replacement should resolve all the connected system failures. Want to know your thoughts on moving forward with the full replacement?

With the workshop quoting 180€ for a complete temperature sensor replacement, I think I will proceed with their recommendation. Your experience confirms that my issues are more severe and require a full sensor replacement rather than just fixing connections. The gradual system failures and error code P0128 make it clear that the temperature monitoring system needs proper attention. The outside temperature sensor seems to be the root cause affecting multiple systems in my Bora. I will schedule the sensor replacement and ask them to perform full sensor diagnostics and calibration afterward. Better to fix it properly now than risk more expensive repairs later if other systems get damaged. Thanks for sharing your repair experience. It helped confirm that these temperature sensor issues in VWs often affect multiple systems and require proper diagnosis and replacement to resolve completely. Will update once the repair is completed.