VW T-Cross Boost Sensor Fault Kills Performance

Recently dealt with identical symptoms in my VW Polo 1.0 TSI. The charge air temperature sensor malfunction created similar performance issues, sluggish acceleration and whistling sounds under load. Initial diagnosis revealed a loose connector at the air temperature sensor housing. The wiring harness had some wear, causing intermittent connection issues. The sensor itself was functioning correctly but the faulty connection was causing incorrect temperature readings. The fix required: Cleaning the connector terminals, Replacing the damaged section of the wiring harness, Securing the connection with dielectric grease, Full system diagnostic reset This was not a serious repair but leaving it unfixed can lead to: Increased fuel consumption, Potential turbocharger stress, Continued performance issues, Risk of additional sensor failures Worth checking the surrounding components while accessing the temperature sensor area. In my case, the airflow sensor mounting was also loose and needed resealing. These issues often appear around similar mileage points due to normal vibration and heat cycles. The complete repair restored full power and eliminated all abnormal sounds. No related issues have appeared in 20000km since the fix.

Thanks for sharing that experience. I had the exact same problem with my T-Cross last summer, the temperature sensor connection was causing all sorts of power issues. The repair sorted out the temperature fluctuation and weird noises completely. Wondering how much you ended up paying for the fix? My bill included both the airflow sensor inspection and wiring repair but curious if prices vary much. Also, has everything stayed stable since the repair or have you noticed any other air intake related quirks?

Got my T-Cross back from service last week after having those same symptoms. The mechanic found the charge air temperature sensor error was caused by a damaged cable connection, just like in your case. The repair cost came to 95€, which covered fixing the faulty plug connection. The engine runs perfectly now, no more temperature fluctuations or power loss issues. The engine sensor readings are all normal and stable over the past week of driving. Having a proper connection at the temperature sensor makes a huge difference in how the engine performs. No other air intake issues have shown up since the fix. The whistling noise completely disappeared and power delivery is back to normal. Makes sense to have them check the entire intake system while they are in there working on the sensor connections. Having a thorough inspection prevents missing related problems that could pop up later. Seems like this is a common repair point for these engines, but at least it is a straightforward fix when caught early. The important part is making sure all sensor connections are properly sealed against heat and vibration to prevent future issues.

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. Took my car to the mechanic yesterday and the diagnosis matched what you described. Total bill came to 120€ which included: Fixing the loose temperature sensor connection, New wiring harness section, Full system check and diagnostic reset The mechanic showed me how the original wiring had worn down from engine vibration, causing those temperature reading errors. They also found and reseated a slightly loose airflow sensor while checking the system. Car runs perfectly now, full power restored and no more strange noises during acceleration. The charge sensor readings are steady and the check engine light has stayed off. Really glad I got this sorted before it could cause any serious problems. Will keep an eye on the sensor connections during future services, but for now everything is working exactly as it should. Thanks again for helping me understand what I was dealing with.