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tomsmith41

Audi S8 Temperature Sensor Failure Disrupts Key Systems

Spray nozzles frozen

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Fault stored

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A/C System Not Engaging

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Mirror doesn't defrost

Having multiple electrical issues with my 2021 Audi S8. The outside temperature sensor seems faulty, which is affecting several systems. AC wont work, washer nozzles freeze up in cold weather, and mirror heating stays off. Car temperature monitoring system shows an error code. Anyone dealt with similar temperature sensor malfunction on their S8? Car has 139330 KM on the clock and runs on gas. Looking for advice before heading back to the shop since my last mechanic visit was less than great.

4 comment(s)


antonbecker42

Similar issues occurred on my 2018 Audi S6 last winter. The vehicle temperature gauge started displaying incorrect readings, leading to cascading problems with climate control and auxiliary systems. The root cause was not the temperature sensor itself, but rather corroded wiring connections at the sensor plug. Due to exposure to road salt and moisture, the connector had developed significant corrosion, causing intermittent signal failures in the temperature monitoring system. This is a serious issue as it affects multiple vehicle systems and safety features. The repair involved: Complete inspection of the wiring harness, Cleaning and treating corroded terminals, Sensor replacement due to connection pin damage, Recalibration of the temperature monitoring system The sensor malfunction initially appeared minor but could have led to more severe problems if left unaddressed. Car temperature sensor issues often cascade into other systems due to the interconnected nature of modern vehicle electronics. Recommend having a certified technician perform a full diagnostic scan, as simply replacing the sensor without addressing potential wiring issues might not resolve all symptoms.

tomsmith41 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. This matches exactly what I went through with my S8. After encountering the same vehicle temperature sensor problems, I finally got it fixed at a shop. The car temperature monitoring works perfectly now and there have been no issues with the AC or other connected systems since the repair. Did you remember the total cost for your sensor replacement and wiring repairs? Also curious if you have experienced any related electrical problems since getting it fixed? My outside temperature sensor was definitely part of a larger electrical issue, so I want to make sure I have realistic expectations about potential future problems.

antonbecker42

Great to hear you had similar success with your S8. After my sensor diagnostics and repair, all systems have worked flawlessly for over a year now. The total cost was quite reasonable at 95 Euro, which covered fixing the faulty cable connection at the temperature sensor plug. No sensor replacement was actually needed in my case. The temperature monitoring system has been spot-on since the repair, and I have not experienced any related electrical issues. The key was proper diagnosis, identifying that the connection was the root cause rather than the sensor itself. Sometimes what appears to be a faulty temperature sensor is just a simple wiring issue. The sensor calibration was included in the service, ensuring accurate readings across all integrated systems. This resolved all the connected issues with climate control and auxiliary functions. Based on my experience, once the wiring connection is properly fixed, you should not expect future problems with the temperature sensor system.

tomsmith41 (Author)

After struggling with the temperature sensor issues, I finally took my S8 to a different repair shop last week. The mechanic found corroded wiring near the sensor connection, exactly what you described. Total repair came to 280 Euro including sensor diagnostics, new wiring, and a sensor replacement since mine was damaged. The temperature monitoring system now works perfectly. AC runs great, washer nozzles operate normally in cold weather, and the mirror heating functions as intended. Really relieved to have this fixed properly after my frustrating experience with the previous mechanic who just kept suggesting expensive replacements without proper diagnosis. No electrical issues since the repair. The shop did a full sensor calibration after installation, which seems to have resolved all the connected system problems. Much better experience with this mechanic who actually took time to diagnose the root cause rather than just swapping parts. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction with the wiring check. Saved me from potentially throwing money at unnecessary repairs.

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