VW Nivus Climate Control Failure Points to Faulty Sensor

As someone with some repair experience, I dealt with a very similar issue on my 2021 VW T-Cross. The symptoms were nearly identical, particularly the climate control system acting up and windshield related functions failing. After multiple error codes, I took it to a workshop where they diagnosed a faulty cable connection at the humidity sensor. The main issue was corrosion at the plug connection, which affected the entire climate control system and visibility functions. The windshield fogging detection was completely off, causing the AC and mirror heating to malfunction. The repair involved replacing the connection cable and cleaning the sensor contacts, costing 95€. After the fix, they performed a sensor calibration to ensure proper communication with the climate control unit. To better assist with your case, could you share: Have you noticed any warning lights on the dash? When did these issues first appear? Does this happen more frequently in specific weather conditions? What error codes is your car showing? This information would help determine if your Nivus is experiencing the exact same issue I had with my T-Cross. These symptoms often point to either a wiring problem or sensor failure in the climate control system.

Thanks for the detailed response. Just had my 33000km service last week, so this issue is quite recent. The dashboard warning light for the climate control system started flashing intermittently, showing error code P0538. The automotive sensor diagnostic report from my OBD scanner shows the humidity sensor is sending erratic values to the control unit. The timing suggests the problems could be related to a botched sensor calibration during the service, rather than just a faulty component. The windshield fogging detection seems particularly unreliable in damp conditions. Would you recommend going back to have them specifically check the wiring connections first before replacing any parts? The symptoms match your experience exactly, especially the climate control system misbehavior.

Thanks for providing those additional details. Based on the P0538 code and the timing right after your service, this definitely sounds like the same electrical issue I encountered. The erratic humidity sensor values match my experience exactly. Given the car just had service work, I highly recommend having them check the wiring connections first. In my case, the intermittent climate control system issues were caused by a loose connection that occurred during routine maintenance when they accessed the sensor area. The visibility systems and sensor calibration can be very sensitive to any disturbance in the wiring. The workshop should focus on: Inspecting connector pins for proper seating, Checking for corrosion or moisture in the plug connection, Verifying the sensor calibration settings were properly reset after service, Testing the windshield fogging detection system in various conditions Since your symptoms appeared right after service, theres a good chance its just a connection issue rather than a failed component. This would be a much simpler and less expensive fix than replacing the entire sensor unit. My repair only needed connector cleaning and proper reseating of the cables. Let us know what you find out after they check the connections. The timing and error codes strongly suggest this is a straightforward electrical issue related to recent maintenance work.

Based on your feedback and the error code readings, I will definitely have them inspect the wiring connections first. The timing right after the service is too suspicious to ignore. I contacted the service center and scheduled a follow-up visit. They acknowledged that several climate control system components were accessed during the recent maintenance. The car sensor diagnostics showing erratic humidity readings strengthens the case that this could be a simple connection issue rather than equipment failure. The dashboard warning light continues to be inconsistent, but the visibility systems are now acting up more frequently, especially during cold morning starts. The windshield fogging detection seems completely unreliable. I have documented all symptoms and their correlation with the recent service work. Will insist they perform a thorough check of all connector pins and sensor calibration settings before considering any parts replacement. This should save both time and money if its just a loose connection like in your case. Will update once they complete the inspection and hopefully all it needs is proper reseating of cables and recalibration of the climate control unit.