VW Crafter Diesel Power Loss & Temp Sensor Issues

As a Transporter T6 2018 diesel owner, I encountered nearly identical symptoms last summer. The inconsistent temperature sensor readings combined with power loss pointed to a faulty charge air temperature sensor. The whistling noise during acceleration was caused by a loose connection between the air intake and the sensor housing. The automotive sensor wiring had deteriorated, causing intermittent temperature fluctuations and incorrect readings to the engine control unit. This triggered the engine to run in safe mode, reducing power output. The engine sensor replacement itself was straightforward, but accessing the connection point required removing several components around the air intake assembly. The repair involved: Testing all temperature sensor connections, Replacing the charge air temperature sensor, Cleaning the air intake housing, Resetting engine codes This was not a major repair but required precise diagnosis since similar symptoms can point to turbo issues. The temperature sensor malfunction could have led to more serious engine damage if left unaddressed. After the fix, both power delivery and temperature readings returned to normal, and the whistling noise disappeared completely.

Thanks for the detailed response regarding the charge air temperature sensor. Your symptoms match mine exactly, especially the inconsistent temperature readings and that distinctive whistling noise. The repair steps you outlined make perfect sense. Would you remember roughly what the total repair cost was? Also, has everything stayed problem-free since the temperature sensor replacement, or have you noticed any other sensor-related issues pop up? My local shop suggested similar diagnostic steps but I want to confirm Im not being overcharged for what sounds like a relatively straightforward sensor replacement, even if the access is a bit tricky.

Got my Transporter back from the shop last week after the charge sensor problem. It turned out to be much simpler than expected, just a faulty cable connection to the temperature sensor that was causing those weird readings. Total bill was 95€ for fixing the connection, which was way less than a full sensor replacement. Since the repair, the airflow sensor readings have been completely stable and that annoying whistling noise during acceleration is gone. The temperature gauge now shows consistent values and the engine is running at full power again. No other automotive sensor issues have appeared in the past week. Really glad I had it checked promptly, loose connections at the air intake can sometimes fool you into thinking you need more extensive repairs. The mechanic mentioned these connection issues are fairly common but often overlooked when diagnosing temperature sensor problems. All diagnostic codes are cleared and everything is working perfectly now. The repair cost was definitely reasonable for the diagnostic work and fixing the connection issue.

I finally got my Crafter sorted out today. The mechanics initial diagnosis about the temperature sensor was spot on. Found a damaged wire near the air intake that was causing those erratic temperature fluctuations and the weird whistling sound. The total repair came to 120€, which included: Diagnostic testing, Fixing the damaged sensor wiring, Cleaning the air intake system, Clearing the error codes The airflow sensor is now giving consistent readings and the engine power is back to normal. No more strange noises during acceleration either. The temperature gauge stays steady now, exactly where it should be. Definitely worth getting it checked when those first symptoms appeared. The automotive sensor issues could have caused bigger problems if left unfixed. Pretty relieved it was just a wiring issue and not something more serious with the turbo system. Still monitoring everything closely, but after a week of driving, all systems are working perfectly. The repair cost was reasonable considering the thorough diagnostic work needed to pinpoint the exact issue.