VW Tiguan Multiple System Failures Linked to Bad Sensor

I dealt with similar symptoms on my 2021 VW T-Roc diesel. Based on some experience working on VWs, the temperature monitoring system issues you describe match what I encountered. The vehicle temperature sensor was indeed the culprit in my case. Initially, the temperature gauge showed incorrect readings, then multiple systems started failing, very similar to your situation. The workshop performed sensor diagnostics and found that the primary issue was a damaged cable connection to the temperature sensor, not the sensor itself. The repair involved fixing the wiring connection and testing the car temperature sensor functionality. Total cost was 95€ including labor. After repair, all systems returned to normal operation, AC, washer nozzles, and mirror heating worked perfectly again. To provide more specific guidance for your case, could you share: Any specific error codes showing up? When did these issues first appear? Does the temperature reading fluctuate or show constant incorrect values? Have you noticed any correlation with outdoor temperature changes? The vehicle temperature gauge accuracy is crucial for multiple systems, so addressing this early can prevent additional issues from developing.

Thanks for the detailed response. My service history shows the last check was at 145000km, just about 5000km ago. The error codes are P0073 and P0072. The issues started appearing gradually over the past month. The temperature readings are completely inconsistent, sometimes showing -40 degrees when its clearly much warmer, other times displaying unreasonably high temperatures. The sensor malfunction seems most noticeable during temperature changes between night and day. Looking at my dashboard logs, the sensor readings started becoming erratic before the other systems began failing, which supports your diagnosis about the temperature sensor being the root cause. The workshop quoted 180€ for sensor replacement including labor, seems higher than your repair cost, but I guess that makes sense if the entire sensor needs replacing rather than just fixing wiring. Just want to be sure, did your repair require any special sensor calibration after the fix?

Thanks for those additional details. Your symptoms match exactly what I experienced, especially those fluctuating temperature readings. The error codes P0073 and P0072 definitely confirm the ambient air temperature sensor issues. The higher quote makes sense since youre looking at a full sensor replacement versus my wiring repair. The car temperature sensor location in VWs can make replacement labor intensive, affecting the cost. While 180€ seems steep, its reasonable considering parts and labor for a complete sensor replacement. Regarding your calibration question, my wiring repair didnt require sensor calibration since we didnt replace the actual sensor. However, when replacing the entire sensor unit, proper sensor calibration is typically needed. The workshop should include this in their quoted price, worth confirming this point with them. Given your cars service history and those specific error codes, plus the pattern of temperature reading failures preceding other system issues, replacing the sensor appears to be the right call. The vehicle temperature gauge issues youre seeing are textbook symptoms of a failing sensor unit rather than just damaged wiring like in my case.

Thanks for the thorough explanations everyone. Just wanted to close this thread with an update, I went ahead with the temperature sensor replacement and can confirm it resolved all the issues. The workshop did include calibration in the 180€ quote. For anyone searching with similar problems: the replacement fixed the erratic temperature readings, and all dependent systems are now working normally. AC runs perfectly, washer nozzles operate in all weather conditions, and mirror heating functions as designed. The error codes P0073 and P0072 have cleared and haven't returned. The service took about 2 hours total, including the vehicle temperature sensor calibration. The technician mentioned these sensors typically last around 150000km, so the timing of my failure at 145000km was pretty typical. If anyone notices their temperature gauge showing inconsistent readings, getting it checked early can prevent the cascade of system failures I experienced. Definitely worth the repair cost to have everything working properly again. Thanks for helping confirm my diagnosis before I booked the appointment.