Audi RS5 Temperature Sensor Issues Cripple Key Systems

Had nearly identical issues with my 2014 S5 last winter. Have some experience working on Audis, mostly basic maintenance and diagnostics. The temperature sensor malfunction caused similar cascade of problems, climate control acting up, mirror defrost failing, and incorrect outside temperature readings. Initially thought it was separate electrical issues, but the sensor replacement fixed everything. The main culprit was a damaged wire connection to the outside temperature sensor. The repair involved accessing the front bumper area where the sensor sits. My workshop found corroded contacts at the sensor plug, leading to intermittent connection issues. They performed a complete temperature sensor replacement along with the wiring harness connection. Total cost was 95 Euro for parts and labor. Since the fix, all systems are working perfectly. No more false readings or system malfunctions. What specific error code is your car showing? This would help pinpoint if youre dealing with the same sensor malfunction. Also, can you confirm if your temperature display shows erratic readings? These details would help determine if youre facing an identical issue.

After my last service at 151749KM, the check engine light reappeared. The error code P0073 points directly to the ambient temperature sensor malfunction. Local testing confirmed my car temperature sensor is sending incorrect signals to multiple systems. The vehicle temperature gauge now shows wildly inaccurate readings, jumping between -20 and +40 out of nowhere. These symptoms match what you experienced with your S5. Think I might go ahead with the sensor replacement since the repair cost seems reasonable and multiple systems are affected. Did your repair shop need to order any special tools for the temperature sensor replacement? Also wondering about the repair time, how long did the whole process take?

Thanks for the update. The P0073 code and those erratic temperature readings definitely confirm what I suspected, its the same sensor calibration issue I dealt with on my S5. For my repair, no special tools were needed beyond basic hand tools. The temperature sensor replacement took about 1.5 hours total. Most of that time was spent carefully removing the front bumper trim to access the sensor mounting location and ensuring proper wire routing during reinstallation. One important note from my experience, make sure they check the entire wiring path during the repair. In my case, the temperature monitoring system issues were made worse by a damaged wire sheath that allowed moisture to affect the connection. The complete fix included new weather-tight connectors to prevent future corrosion. Since youre seeing similar symptoms at a comparable mileage, Id definitely recommend going for the full sensor replacement rather than attempting any temporary fixes. The new sensor will need proper calibration after installation to ensure accurate temperature readings across all systems. Just watch out for non-OEM sensors, some aftermarket options can cause compatibility issues with the vehicle temperature gauge and climate control systems. The small price difference is worth it for the proper part.

After my last service at 151749KM, the check engine light reappeared. The error code P0073 points directly to the ambient temperature sensor malfunction. Local testing confirmed my car temperature sensor is sending incorrect signals to multiple systems. The vehicle temperature gauge now shows wildly inaccurate readings, jumping between -20 and +40 out of nowhere. These symptoms match what you experienced with your S5. Think I might go ahead with the sensor replacement since the repair cost seems reasonable and multiple systems are affected. Did your repair shop need to order any special tools for the temperature sensor replacement? Also wondering about the repair time, how long did the whole process take?