External Temp Sensor/Aircon

Distant Sun

Contains mild peril
Sep 9, 2005
79
0
Belfast
The external temperature sensor has been working intermitantly for the last couple of months, reading minus temps when it's quite obvious it not. Yesterday it was -48 on start-up (which is amazing as the manual says it only reads to -40!).
I was planning on leaving it to service before getting the sensor replaced, but yesterday the aircon wouldn't blow cold air. Am I right in thinking that the aircon won't work if the external temp is a minus (I think this happens in my Leon) or is the aircon playing up as well. Either way I'll have have to get it sorted asap.

I found the external temp sensor behind the front central lower grill. The two wires into it are exposed as the black outer sheath that's supposed to cover them doesn't go into the sensor module, leaving a gap that moisture can get into. I'm guessing that this is the point of failure. The system used on the Leon is far superior, as only the actual point of the sensor is exposed to the elements where it pokes through the grill.

Anyway, a few questions:
1. Is the central front lower grill held on by the two screws accessed in the top left and right hand corners of it?
2. Does the grill come out to the front? If so can it be removed with the number plate in place as mine is stuck on?
3. Finally, what are the chances of the dealer being able to remove the grill (and number plate if necessary) without damaging the paintwork?:doh: I'm concerned about the painted lip immediately in front of the grill.

Apologies for the long post. Thanks in anticipation.
 

Richie D

Full Member
May 24, 2005
87
0
Shropshire
If your talking about the honeycomb grill below the number plate it is a proper bar-steward to remove. Its held on with about 20 clips which run around the outside edge which are very tight. I had a pheasant decided to wedge itself in the front of my car and smash the grill. It was only £17 to replace, but i now have a few extra scars on my hands.
http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=frontdamage8mu.jpg
 

kidcrew_Bob

Guest
I have had exactly the same with the temp sensor / air-con this after this last hot weekend......:cry:

Starts at a daft minus figure and aircon won't blow cold - then decides to start counting back up to something sensible (took 25 mins to get to what I assume was the real temp of 21c) - aircon works again.........:wtf:

Seems as though the extreme temps over the weekend at Donington did for it - in for a service next week so they can sort it under warranty I assume....

Cheers

Bob
 

Distant Sun

Contains mild peril
Sep 9, 2005
79
0
Belfast
Left the Altea into the dealers yesterday and got the external temp sensor replaced so the aircon is working again. Looks like they took the radio out, I'm assuming to wire in the new sensor to the aircon unit. It's a neat enough job, all back in place OK, but the sensor itself looks a bit of a mess. Looks like they have siliconed it into place, it's sitting at an angle, and the wires that were previously exposed (and the possible cause of the failure) are even more so now. They seem to have gained access to it through the foglight grill so I think I'll just take it out and fix the thing myself at the weekend.:(

While it was in I got them to look at a small oil leak that's been leaving small spots on the driveway. Turns out they have to replace the rear crankcase (crankshaft?) oil seal. Sounds simple but to do this they have to remove the gearbox and drop the sump.:-o While it's all out they're going to replace several other seals as well. Don't know if it's relevant but the warranty sheet detailing the work had a large red RECALL stamp on it. Wonder if this is one of those recalls that they only do if it happens, rather than bringing every car in.

The car's in again on Thursday so I'll let you know.
 

Distant Sun

Contains mild peril
Sep 9, 2005
79
0
Belfast
Distant Sun said:
While it was in I got them to look at a small oil leak that's been leaving small spots on the driveway. Turns out they have to replace the rear crankcase (crankshaft?) oil seal. Sounds simple but to do this they have to remove the gearbox and drop the sump.:-o While it's all out they're going to replace several other seals as well.
The car's in again on Thursday so I'll let you know.

Got a call from the dealer a 4 o'clock to say that its taken longer than anticipated to strip the car down to get at the seal and they don't have time to put it all back together again today. Won't be ready until tomorrow lunchtime.

Oh well, let's just hope they don't end up with a load of spare parts once it's back together.:rolleyes:
 
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