rusty-pie Posted May 27, 2015 Posted May 27, 2015 My 2010 (59) C5 tourer external temperature sensor a few months ago started to register around 8 degrees lower than the real temperature, ie if outside is 20C it shows 12C on the centre console. I did not worry about for a while thinking it would have no functional effect but I have then read on this and other forums that the air conditioning unit uses this sensor to regulate the heating/cooling air temperature, and therefore if/when it fails completely functionality of the A/C unit will be badly affected with air blowing in only completely cold or hot. I bought the car 10 months ago used from a main Hyundai dealer with a 12 months warranty which covers also the A/C unit. The Hyundai dealer service department told me that they were happy for me to take the car to a Citroen main dealer as they do not have the equipment for diagnosing the problem. The warranty will cover the replacement of the sensor, both parts and labour, but it does not cover the cost of the diagnostic which I have been quoted at £99. I have spoken to the Citroen service department but the guy was not keen to replace the sensor without performing before a diagnostic; he would not comment about how likely the incorrect temperature reading is caused by a bad temperature sensor and if/what other reasons could cause this fault; (the technician admitted that he had just started in that Citroen garage and was not familiar with the brand). I suggested replacing the sensor and then to perform the diagnostic if that does not work, but he was not keen on that either. I am wondering if the cost of the diagnostic is actually higher than the cost of the sensor itself, therefore if it would be more cost effective to replace the sensor myself, but I am also wondering how easy/difficult is to replace the sensor which is located in the RH wing mirror, and am worried that I may end up breaking/damaging the wing mirror in the process, or that the sensor may not actually be the cause of the problem...... What is the best course of action? Quote
paul.h Posted May 27, 2015 Posted May 27, 2015 The temp sensor part no. seems to be 6345F9 and from citroencarparts.net is £25.44 so will be about this from another Citroen dealer. You should check this no. using your VIN when you order the part. I do not know, but possibly the sensor can be replaced by removing the covers from the mirror with it still fastened to the door - if so it would not be much work. The time to do the job seems to be listed as about half an hour so even if you paid, about £70 would cover the replacement inc the part - so less than a diagnostic. You can understand the dealer wanting to do the diagnostic check first, they could be worried about the risk of replacing the part and that was not the fault. £99 is a lot for a diagnostic check - where are you located ? Quote
paul.h Posted May 27, 2015 Posted May 27, 2015 In the Haynes manual for the 2001 to 2008 C5, the mirror glass can be removed (for your C5 adjust the mirror to point the glass down to see the kerb and lever at the top to get the glass out - there may be a clip to undo to release it from the motor) and then some clips are seen to undo to release the mirror top shell. The mirror motor is removed by undoing 3 torx bolts once the glass has been removed. With the motor and/or the top shell removed you may be able to remove the temp sensor. Quote
rusty-pie Posted May 28, 2015 Author Posted May 28, 2015 I'm in Bournemouth, the dealer is penton in Christchurch. Maybe is worth shopping around and see if I can find another dealer that is happy to replace the sensor straight away. How likely is that the cause of the incorrect reading is not actually the sensor?I have found an aftermarket sensor on eBay for a tenner including p&p, I'm tempted to just replace it myself, just wondering how easy is to remove the mirror glass without breaking anything! Quote
paul.h Posted May 28, 2015 Posted May 28, 2015 Other members have reported replacing faulty sensors so they can fail and for the cost of one is worth doing. Having not removed a mirror I can not comment on the risk of breaking it but would think if you are having to use a lot of force it could break. Sometimes aftermarket parts are not as good as dealer supplied ones so if you change it and it does not work then you will still not be sure if it was the sensor. Maybe the seller will provide a guarantee/assurance it will work. If you do replace it, make sure it works before getting it all back together. Quote
MikeLane Posted August 15, 2015 Posted August 15, 2015 I note that there is no Haynes Manual for the latest C5 (X7). However, I've found this covering ALL C5s that can be downloaded for £9.99 or supplied on a DVD for an extra £5.99 http://www.emanualonline.com/Cars/Citroen/Citroen-C5-Workshop-Repair-And-Service-Manual.html Might be of interest? Quote
paul.h Posted August 15, 2015 Posted August 15, 2015 If you are going to spend that much you may as well get the Citroen service box from such as ebay. Quote
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