VW Tiguan HVAC Sensor Failure Disrupts Climate Control

Had similar climate control issues on a 2013 VW Passat TDI. The temperature reading was fluctuating wildly and the sensor diagnostics pointed to a failed interior temperature sensor. The main symptoms matched, no auto climate function and AC system completely unresponsive. The repair involved accessing the sensor behind the overhead console. Found corroded wiring connections that were causing inconsistent temperature readings. The sensor itself was functioning, but the plug connection had deteriorated over time. This is typically not a major repair but requires careful disassembly of trim pieces to access the wiring. The sensor diagnostics confirmed it was an electrical connection issue rather than a mechanical AC problem. In these VW models, the climate control system often shows these symptoms when the temperature sensor circuit is compromised. Worth checking the wiring harness connection first before replacing the entire sensor unit. These sensor issues are common in VAG diesel vehicles of this generation, especially when approaching 100000km. The repair should restore both the auto temperature function and AC operation once the connection is properly restored.

Thanks for sharing your Passat experience, those issues sound exactly like what I am dealing with on my Tiguan. Did you remember the final cost for fixing the HVAC sensor issue? Also curious if the climate control has stayed working properly since the repair or if you had any other temperature sensor problems pop up afterward. Getting ready to book this repair and trying to budget appropriately.

Finally had the repair done at the shop last week. The sensor diagnostics confirmed what you experienced, a faulty interior temperature sensor due to damaged wiring connections. The mechanic accessed the sensor area and found a loose plug connection that was causing the climate control system to malfunction. Total cost came to 95€ for fixing the cable connection. No need to replace the entire temperature sensor unit since the component itself was working fine. The climate issues have been completely resolved since the repair. Auto temperature control is now functioning normally and the AC system responds perfectly. Its been about 10 days since the fix and the temperature control remains stable with accurate readings. No other sensor problems have appeared. If your Tiguan shows the same symptoms, its likely a similar wiring issue rather than a complete sensor failure. The repair cost should be comparable since its typically just labor for accessing and fixing the connection.

Going in skeptical about the sensor issue, I finally took my Tiguan to a different mechanic last Friday. Really glad I got a second opinion, turns out the problem was exactly like what you described. The temperature reading was off because of a loose connection at the HVAC sensor. The repair itself was straightforward. They accessed the wiring behind the overhead panel and found the corroded plug that was messing with the climate regulation system. Total bill came to 110€, mostly labor costs for taking apart the trim and fixing the connection. No need for a full sensor replacement, which saved quite a bit. Been driving for a week now and the temperature control is working perfectly. The AC kicks in properly, and the auto climate feature is back to normal. Such a relief to have accurate temperature readings again. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, saved me from an unnecessary complete sensor replacement that the first shop was pushing for.