Parts for your 2012 Audi Q5-Temperature sensors

2012 Audi Q5 Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensors are absolutely fitted to the 2012 Audi Q5. Technical sources including the Audi ElsaWin workshop manual for the 8R Q5, the ETKA parts catalogue, Bentley Publishers’ Audi Q5 (8R) Service Manual, and Audi Self-Study Programmes confirm multiple factory sensors: engine coolant temperature (G62/G2), intake air temperature (IAT), ambient (outside) temperature (G17), automatic transmission fluid temperature, oil temperature, aircon/evaporator temperature, and—on diesel models—exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensors for emissions and DPF control.

On this Q5, temperature sensors keep the engine and driveline in the sweet spot. They tell the ECU how cold or hot things are so it can set fuelling, ignition timing, boost, and cooling fan speeds. They also drive the dash gauge, optimise air‑conditioning, manage transmission shift strategy, and, on TDI variants, control EGR and DPF regeneration. When these readings are on point, the Q5 runs smoothly, uses less fuel, and stays kinder to components.

They’re not a scheduled replacement item, but they do wear, get sluggish, or suffer from wiring and connector issues. Typical OBD-II flags include P0116–P0119 (coolant temp), P0110/P0113 (IAT), P0072–P0073 (ambient), and P242A/P246E/P2470 series (EGT on diesels). Symptoms can be sneaky: long cranks on cold mornings, rough idle, high fuel use, fans running flat out, weak heater, A/C that’s not quite right, or an erratic temperature gauge.

• Common signs it’s time to check temperature sensors:
  • Hard starting and rich running when cold
  • Cooling fans on full with a cold engine
  • Poor fuel economy or limp-home behaviour
  • DPF regens too often (TDI)

Good servicing practice on a 2012 Q5 is to scan live data every 10,000–15,000 kilometres or yearly, compare temperature readings to ambient, and inspect connectors for coolant ingress or green corrosion. Under the bonnet, the coolant temp sensor on the 2.0 TFSI sits at the thermostat housing, IAT is in the MAF or charge pipe depending on engine, the ambient sensor mounts behind the front bumper, EGT sensors live in the exhaust on TDIs. If replacing, use quality O-rings, a dab of dielectric grease on terminals, and new sealing clips where applicable. Bleed the cooling system properly after coolant sensor work, and never open the system hot. Stubborn EGT sensors can seize—heat and a proper O2/EGT socket help, otherwise hand it to a pro.

Quick wins during a service:

1. Verify cold engine temp readings match outside air within a few degrees.
2. Check harness routing and clips near the thermostat housing and turbo area.
3. Keep coolant fresh and correct spec—overheating cooks sensors and wiring.

With healthy temperature sensors, a 2012 Q5 feels crisp, keeps its cool in Aussie and Kiwi summers, and treats the wallet better at the bowser.

Popular questions

Where is the engine coolant temperature sensor on a 2012 Audi Q5?
The coolant temp sensor (G62) is typically mounted in or near the thermostat housing on the engine. On 2.0 TFSI petrol models it’s at the coolant flange/thermostat assembly, some variants also have a second sender for the dash (G2). TDI locations are similar—near the thermostat or coolant outlet. Access may require removing engine covers or intake ducting.

How often should temperature sensors be replaced?
They’re not a routine replacement item. Replace when diagnostics show incorrect values, when fault codes persist, or if physical damage or corrosion is evident. Many last well past 150,000 km, regular scans and connector checks during scheduled services are the best prevention.

Can a faulty temperature sensor cause poor fuel economy or hard starting?
Yes. If the ECU thinks the engine is colder than it is, it enriches the mix, causing heavy fuel use and rough running. If it reads too hot, it can trigger high fan speeds, reduce power, and mess with A/C and transmission behaviour. A quick live-data check against ambient temperature is the fastest way to confirm.