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Skoda external air temperature indicator problem

Skoda Octavia Elegance TDI PD - 2 litre diesel, June 2008, about 102,000 miles.

External air temperature display sometimes shows correct temperature , and sometimes drifts downwards, wavering between +15 degrees and -35 degrees. Generally indicates a bit warmer in warmer weather, so -20 rather than -35. Fault started about last November (i.e. 2015)

Sensor has been replaced - to no effect.

If sensor is disconnected an error indication shows and the engine cooling fan runs flat out - sounds like a hovercraft!

I measure sensor with a meter - shows resistance consistent with air temperature - I found a table on the web showing the values to expect - can't find it now ...

I fit a fixed value resistor - 470 ohms should indicate about 10 degress

- but it wavers about just like the real sensor.

So the sensor is not faulty. Its nearby connections and cables look fine. Can't find anything to tell me where the other end of the wiring goes.

In cold weather, if temp gauge shows falling temperature the cabin air temperature increases, suggesting that the climatronic system is taking input from the external air temperature sensor.

Now that we have warmer wether, the aircon seems to work intermittently

- if the external temperature is indicated as below about 5 degrees the a/c does nothing, but if the external temp is (say) 16 degrees the a/c works as expected.

Can anybody confirm whether the external air temperature is used by the a/c control system, please? If not, then perhaps my first check is to see if the fluid in the a/c system is low.

Has anybody any suggestions for fixing the problem with the sensor? Or is it possible to tell the a/c and climatronic to ignore it?

The engine runs OK so I don't think its misleading readings are fed to the ECU ..

TIA

-- Graham J

Reply to
Graham J
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The A/C won't come on if it thinks the external temp is too low. It's too prevent it frosting up.

Reply to
Steven Langdale

This seems reasonable, but contradicts what two separate indy garages have told me. Is there any documentation from Skoda that will confirm your opinion?

Reply to
Graham J

Don't know about Skoda, but every car with A/C I've owned turns it off at low external temps.

Might be worth a trawl through here:

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and then asking there perhaps?

Chris

Reply to
Chris Whelan

Did you ever sort this out? I'm in Australia and our skoda octavia 2008 does exactly what you have described. I've replaced the sensor and the climate control panel in the front but no joy?

Reply to
adrianldawson

Dear Graham,

I'm facing exactly the same problem with the A/C and temperature readings. I have same vehicle i.e Octavia ii PD 2008 model.. I almost done same things as you have done , replaced the sensor 2 times but issue not resolved.

did you sorted out the issue in your car ?

If yes , please share how you have resolved it ..

Best Regards Baskaran.V

Reply to
bhaskaran

Dear Graham,

I'm facing exactly the same problem with the A/C and temperature readings. I have same vehicle i.e Octavia ii PD 2008 model.. I almost done same things as you have done , replaced the sensor 2 times but issue not resolved.

did you sorted out the issue in your car ?

If yes , please share how you have resolved it ..

Best Regards Baskaran.V

Reply to
bhaskaran

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