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uwelange5

VW Phaeton temp sensor causes multiple system failures

My VW Phaeton 2001 diesel (30371km) is having issues with temperature-related functions. The AC wont work, washer nozzles freeze up in cold weather, and mirror heating is dead. Got an error code stored and suspect an outside temperature sensor malfunction. Anyone dealt with similar symptoms? Really want to avoid another bad workshop experience. Has anyone successfully fixed this with a temperature sensor replacement or should I look elsewhere? Any tips on sensor diagnostics before heading to a mechanic would be great.

4 comment(s)

sebastian_eagle17

Had similar symptoms on a VW Touareg 2004 diesel. The outside temperature sensor malfunction caused multiple temperature-related systems to fail. A sensor diagnostics scan confirmed the outside temperature sensor was sending incorrect signals to the control modules. The issue turned out more complex than just the sensor. The wiring harness connecting to the temperature sensor had corroded, causing intermittent connections. The entire sensor replacement procedure required removing the front bumper to access the wiring properly. Key findings from that repair: Outside temperature sensor was reading -40 degrees constantly, Multiple systems affected due to single sensor failure, Corrosion spread through connector pins, Required complete sensor replacement and harness repair Testing tips before garage visit: 1. Check voltage at sensor connector 2. Look for visible corrosion around sensor area 3. Monitor temperature readings through OBD scanner 4. Test related fuses The repair was significant as it affected multiple vehicle systems. Get this checked soon as continued issues can impact other temperature-dependent components. The sensor diagnostics revealed this was a common failure point for that generation of VW vehicles.

sebastian_eagle17

Had similar symptoms on a VW Touareg 2004 diesel. The outside temperature sensor malfunction caused multiple temperature-related systems to fail. A sensor diagnostics scan confirmed the outside temperature sensor was sending incorrect signals to the control modules. The issue turned out more complex than just the sensor. The wiring harness connecting to the temperature sensor had corroded, causing intermittent connections. The entire sensor replacement procedure required removing the front bumper to access the wiring properly. Key findings from that repair: Outside temperature sensor was reading -40 degrees constantly, Multiple systems affected due to single sensor failure, Corrosion spread through connector pins, Required complete sensor replacement and harness repair Testing tips before garage visit: 1. Check voltage at sensor connector 2. Look for visible corrosion around sensor area 3. Monitor temperature readings through OBD scanner 4. Test related fuses The repair was significant as it affected multiple vehicle systems. Get this checked soon as continued issues can impact other temperature-dependent components. The sensor diagnostics revealed this was a common failure point for that generation of VW vehicles.

sebastian_eagle17

Had similar symptoms on a VW Touareg 2004 diesel. The outside temperature sensor malfunction caused multiple temperature-related systems to fail. A sensor diagnostics scan confirmed the outside temperature sensor was sending incorrect signals to the control modules. The issue turned out more complex than just the sensor. The wiring harness connecting to the temperature sensor had corroded, causing intermittent connections. The entire sensor replacement procedure required removing the front bumper to access the wiring properly. Key findings from that repair: Outside temperature sensor was reading -40 degrees constantly, Multiple systems affected due to single sensor failure, Corrosion spread through connector pins, Required complete sensor replacement and harness repair Testing tips before garage visit: 1. Check voltage at sensor connector 2. Look for visible corrosion around sensor area 3. Monitor temperature readings through OBD scanner 4. Test related fuses The repair was significant as it affected multiple vehicle systems. Get this checked soon as continued issues can impact other temperature-dependent components. The sensor diagnostics revealed this was a common failure point for that generation of VW vehicles.

sebastian_eagle17

Had similar symptoms on a VW Touareg 2004 diesel. The outside temperature sensor malfunction caused multiple temperature-related systems to fail. A sensor diagnostics scan confirmed the outside temperature sensor was sending incorrect signals to the control modules. The issue turned out more complex than just the sensor. The wiring harness connecting to the temperature sensor had corroded, causing intermittent connections. The entire sensor replacement procedure required removing the front bumper to access the wiring properly. Key findings from that repair: Outside temperature sensor was reading -40 degrees constantly, Multiple systems affected due to single sensor failure, Corrosion spread through connector pins, Required complete sensor replacement and harness repair Testing tips before garage visit: 1. Check voltage at sensor connector 2. Look for visible corrosion around sensor area 3. Monitor temperature readings through OBD scanner 4. Test related fuses The repair was significant as it affected multiple vehicle systems. Get this checked soon as continued issues can impact other temperature-dependent components. The sensor diagnostics revealed this was a common failure point for that generation of VW vehicles.

uwelange5 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Your description matches my problem exactly. After reading about the corroded wiring harness, I will definitely check the connections first. The outside temperature sensor on my Phaeton has been showing strange readings lately too. Can you remember roughly how much the temperature sensor replacement and wiring repair cost in your case? Also wondering if the vehicle temperature gauge and other systems have been working properly since the fix? Really hoping to avoid multiple garage visits for this. Would appreciate any follow-up experience, especially regarding the sensor calibration process after installation. My local shop mentioned this might be needed but seemed unsure about the procedure.

uwelange5 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Your description matches my problem exactly. After reading about the corroded wiring harness, I will definitely check the connections first. The outside temperature sensor on my Phaeton has been showing strange readings lately too. Can you remember roughly how much the temperature sensor replacement and wiring repair cost in your case? Also wondering if the vehicle temperature gauge and other systems have been working properly since the fix? Really hoping to avoid multiple garage visits for this. Would appreciate any follow-up experience, especially regarding the sensor calibration process after installation. My local shop mentioned this might be needed but seemed unsure about the procedure.

uwelange5 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Your description matches my problem exactly. After reading about the corroded wiring harness, I will definitely check the connections first. The outside temperature sensor on my Phaeton has been showing strange readings lately too. Can you remember roughly how much the temperature sensor replacement and wiring repair cost in your case? Also wondering if the vehicle temperature gauge and other systems have been working properly since the fix? Really hoping to avoid multiple garage visits for this. Would appreciate any follow-up experience, especially regarding the sensor calibration process after installation. My local shop mentioned this might be needed but seemed unsure about the procedure.

uwelange5 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Your description matches my problem exactly. After reading about the corroded wiring harness, I will definitely check the connections first. The outside temperature sensor on my Phaeton has been showing strange readings lately too. Can you remember roughly how much the temperature sensor replacement and wiring repair cost in your case? Also wondering if the vehicle temperature gauge and other systems have been working properly since the fix? Really hoping to avoid multiple garage visits for this. Would appreciate any follow-up experience, especially regarding the sensor calibration process after installation. My local shop mentioned this might be needed but seemed unsure about the procedure.

sebastian_eagle17

Good news, got this exact issue resolved last week. The mechanic found it was indeed just a faulty connection to the outside temperature sensor, much simpler than my initial harness problem. Total repair cost was 95€ for fixing the cable connection, way less than my previous experience. All temperature-related systems are working perfectly now. The AC runs properly, washer nozzles function normally in cold weather, and the mirror heating is back to normal. The temperature sensor readings are accurate and stable, unlike the erratic values we were seeing before. No sensor calibration was actually needed in this case since the original temperature sensor itself was fine. It was purely a connection issue. The sensor diagnostics showed normal operation as soon as they fixed the plug connection. This is quite different from my previous repair where we needed the complete sensor replacement and harness work. Definitely worth checking connections first before assuming worst-case scenarios with these temperature sensor faults.

sebastian_eagle17

Good news, got this exact issue resolved last week. The mechanic found it was indeed just a faulty connection to the outside temperature sensor, much simpler than my initial harness problem. Total repair cost was 95€ for fixing the cable connection, way less than my previous experience. All temperature-related systems are working perfectly now. The AC runs properly, washer nozzles function normally in cold weather, and the mirror heating is back to normal. The temperature sensor readings are accurate and stable, unlike the erratic values we were seeing before. No sensor calibration was actually needed in this case since the original temperature sensor itself was fine. It was purely a connection issue. The sensor diagnostics showed normal operation as soon as they fixed the plug connection. This is quite different from my previous repair where we needed the complete sensor replacement and harness work. Definitely worth checking connections first before assuming worst-case scenarios with these temperature sensor faults.

sebastian_eagle17

Good news, got this exact issue resolved last week. The mechanic found it was indeed just a faulty connection to the outside temperature sensor, much simpler than my initial harness problem. Total repair cost was 95€ for fixing the cable connection, way less than my previous experience. All temperature-related systems are working perfectly now. The AC runs properly, washer nozzles function normally in cold weather, and the mirror heating is back to normal. The temperature sensor readings are accurate and stable, unlike the erratic values we were seeing before. No sensor calibration was actually needed in this case since the original temperature sensor itself was fine. It was purely a connection issue. The sensor diagnostics showed normal operation as soon as they fixed the plug connection. This is quite different from my previous repair where we needed the complete sensor replacement and harness work. Definitely worth checking connections first before assuming worst-case scenarios with these temperature sensor faults.

sebastian_eagle17

Good news, got this exact issue resolved last week. The mechanic found it was indeed just a faulty connection to the outside temperature sensor, much simpler than my initial harness problem. Total repair cost was 95€ for fixing the cable connection, way less than my previous experience. All temperature-related systems are working perfectly now. The AC runs properly, washer nozzles function normally in cold weather, and the mirror heating is back to normal. The temperature sensor readings are accurate and stable, unlike the erratic values we were seeing before. No sensor calibration was actually needed in this case since the original temperature sensor itself was fine. It was purely a connection issue. The sensor diagnostics showed normal operation as soon as they fixed the plug connection. This is quite different from my previous repair where we needed the complete sensor replacement and harness work. Definitely worth checking connections first before assuming worst-case scenarios with these temperature sensor faults.

uwelange5 (Author)

Thanks for the advice. Just got back from the mechanic and wanted to share how it went. Took the car in yesterday after checking the connections myself and finding some obvious corrosion at the sensor plug. The mechanic confirmed the temperature sensor wiring had deteriorated where it connects to the main harness. They cleaned up the connections, applied some protective coating, and reconnected everything properly. Total bill came to 120€ including diagnostic time. Everything is working perfectly now, the AC blows cold, mirror heating works, and the washer nozzles are functioning normally even in cold weather. The vehicle temperature sensor is giving accurate readings for the first time in months. Best part is no sensor replacement was needed, just proper cleaning and reconnection. The mechanic mentioned these sensor connection issues are pretty common on older VWs. Really glad I checked here first instead of jumping straight to replacing parts. For anyone with similar issues, definitely get those connections checked before assuming you need a full sensor replacement. Saved me both time and money in the end.

uwelange5 (Author)

Thanks for the advice. Just got back from the mechanic and wanted to share how it went. Took the car in yesterday after checking the connections myself and finding some obvious corrosion at the sensor plug. The mechanic confirmed the temperature sensor wiring had deteriorated where it connects to the main harness. They cleaned up the connections, applied some protective coating, and reconnected everything properly. Total bill came to 120€ including diagnostic time. Everything is working perfectly now, the AC blows cold, mirror heating works, and the washer nozzles are functioning normally even in cold weather. The vehicle temperature sensor is giving accurate readings for the first time in months. Best part is no sensor replacement was needed, just proper cleaning and reconnection. The mechanic mentioned these sensor connection issues are pretty common on older VWs. Really glad I checked here first instead of jumping straight to replacing parts. For anyone with similar issues, definitely get those connections checked before assuming you need a full sensor replacement. Saved me both time and money in the end.

uwelange5 (Author)

Thanks for the advice. Just got back from the mechanic and wanted to share how it went. Took the car in yesterday after checking the connections myself and finding some obvious corrosion at the sensor plug. The mechanic confirmed the temperature sensor wiring had deteriorated where it connects to the main harness. They cleaned up the connections, applied some protective coating, and reconnected everything properly. Total bill came to 120€ including diagnostic time. Everything is working perfectly now, the AC blows cold, mirror heating works, and the washer nozzles are functioning normally even in cold weather. The vehicle temperature sensor is giving accurate readings for the first time in months. Best part is no sensor replacement was needed, just proper cleaning and reconnection. The mechanic mentioned these sensor connection issues are pretty common on older VWs. Really glad I checked here first instead of jumping straight to replacing parts. For anyone with similar issues, definitely get those connections checked before assuming you need a full sensor replacement. Saved me both time and money in the end.

uwelange5 (Author)

Thanks for the advice. Just got back from the mechanic and wanted to share how it went. Took the car in yesterday after checking the connections myself and finding some obvious corrosion at the sensor plug. The mechanic confirmed the temperature sensor wiring had deteriorated where it connects to the main harness. They cleaned up the connections, applied some protective coating, and reconnected everything properly. Total bill came to 120€ including diagnostic time. Everything is working perfectly now, the AC blows cold, mirror heating works, and the washer nozzles are functioning normally even in cold weather. The vehicle temperature sensor is giving accurate readings for the first time in months. Best part is no sensor replacement was needed, just proper cleaning and reconnection. The mechanic mentioned these sensor connection issues are pretty common on older VWs. Really glad I checked here first instead of jumping straight to replacing parts. For anyone with similar issues, definitely get those connections checked before assuming you need a full sensor replacement. Saved me both time and money in the end.

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