VW Up Performance Issues, Air Temp Sensor Problems

I had a very similar issue with my VW Polo 2016 with the 1.0L TSI engine. Based on some experience working on VWs, the IAT sensor problems show very similar symptoms across their small engines. The engine issues started exactly as you described, rough running and reduced power. The car diagnostics also pointed to the temperature sensor, specifically the IAT sensor reading incorrect values. Got it fixed at a workshop after attempting some basic troubleshooting. The total repair came to 155€, which included diagnosing and replacing the air temperature sensor plus labor. The fix completely resolved the performance problems and the check engine light stayed off afterward. To help more specifically with your case, could you share: Which engine variant your Up has, When the symptoms first appeared, If the problem is constant or intermittent, Whether you notice any difference in cold vs warm weather, The exact error code from your diagnostic scan This information would help confirm if your issue matches what I experienced with the intake air temperature sensor on my Polo.

Last service was at 51755km and experiencing this issue since then. The car diagnostics returned fault code P0113 which indicates an intermittent high circuit reading from the intake air sensor. I notice the problem gets worse during cold morning starts, particularly affecting acceleration. Looking at the service manual, access to the temperature sensor seems straightforward, located near the air filter housing. Before booking a workshop appointment, I tried cleaning the connector pins but this did not resolve the issue. Would appreciate specific insight on accessing and testing the sensor connections, or if anyone has found a reliable fix without full sensor replacement. The workshop quote seems reasonable at 155€ if sensor replacement is truly needed. Currently weighing options between DIY troubleshooting and professional repair.

Thanks for the additional details. Had exactly the same error code P0113 on my Polo. The symptoms matching perfectly, especially the cold start issues and intermittent behavior point strongly to a faulty IAT sensor. I initially attempted the same troubleshooting steps you did. After cleaning the connections showed no improvement, I used a multimeter to test the sensor resistance values. The readings were inconsistent, confirming the sensor itself was failing rather than just having connection issues. While the IAT sensor replacement is technically doable as a DIY job, I opted for professional repair since the diagnostic tool showed additional stored codes that needed checking. The 155€ repair cost ended up being worth it as they found and fixed a minor wiring issue near the connector that I might have missed. Since your Up has similar mileage to what my Polo had when the problem occurred, and given the identical error code and symptoms, I strongly suspect you are dealing with the same root cause. The fact that the issues started post-service suggests the sensor might have been disturbed during maintenance work. The car diagnostics showing intermittent high circuit readings typically indicates the sensor itself needs replacement rather than just cleaning or rewiring.

Thank you for the sensor troubleshooting advice. After considering the detailed information about the air temperature sensor symptoms and repair experiences, I have decided to proceed with professional repair. The matching error codes and similar behavior during cold starts make me confident this is indeed a failed intake air sensor. While I am comfortable with basic car diagnostics, the potential for additional wiring issues near the temperature sensor makes the 155€ workshop quote seem reasonable. Will book the repair this week and have them perform a complete diagnostic scan to check for any related issues. The fact that the symptoms started after the last service does suggest possible disturbance of the air sensor components during maintenance. Have documented all the symptoms and diagnostic codes to share with the workshop. Will ensure they specifically check the wiring near the sensor connector given the intermittent nature of the problem. Hopefully this resolves both the performance issues and the check engine light warning.