Amarok Heater System Failure, Diagnosis Guide

I faced a similar heating system problem with my 2013 Multivan last winter, seems like these temperature sensor issues are somewhat common in that engine family. With moderate experience working on VAG cars, I still needed professional help for this one. The blower motor and auxiliary heater stopped working completely, similar to your symptoms. After attempting basic checks of fuses and relays, I took it to my regular workshop. They found a defective glow plug in the auxiliary heating unit, which was preventing the heat control system from functioning properly. The full repair including diagnostics, parts and labor came to 440€. The workshop also checked the entire ventilation system and cleaned some buildup that could have contributed to the issue. To help diagnose your specific case better, could you share: Are you getting any specific error codes? Does the main heating work normally? When did the problem first appear, suddenly or gradually? Any unusual sounds from the auxiliary heater area? These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or points to something different in the heating system.

Last service at 75000km and currently at 80041km. Thanks for sharing your experience with the heating system fault. In my case, error code P0597 showed up during the scan. The main heat works intermittently, but the auxiliary heater and parking heater are completely dead. The issue started gradually over the past month with delayed heating response. The climate control works fine otherwise, with no coolant leak visible and normal coolant levels. No unusual sounds from the blower motor or heater area, which makes me think the issue might be electrical rather than mechanical. Based on your description, I will have the glow plug checked first since the symptoms seem similar. Good to know what the repair costs might look like for budgeting purposes.

Thanks for providing those extra details about your heating system issues. The error code P0597 typically points to the thermostat heater control circuit, which is different from the glow plug problem I encountered. The intermittent main heating function combined with the dead auxiliary heater suggests a possible control module issue rather than just a component failure. In my case, the heat control system showed similar gradual degradation before failing completely. Since your coolant levels are good and the climate control functions normally, I would focus the investigation on the electrical components of the auxiliary heater system. My mechanic mentioned these control modules can sometimes fail due to moisture exposure or age-related wear. A full diagnostic of the auxiliary heating system might reveal if the control module needs replacement or if there are connection issues in the wiring harness. When my blower motor issues were fixed, the workshop also tested all related electrical connections as part of their troubleshooting. Based on current parts prices, budget around 600€-800€ if it turns out to be a control module issue. This would cover both parts and labor, though costs can vary depending on what exactly needs replacing in the heating system.

I appreciate everyone's detailed input on the heating system problems. After considering the suggestions and comparing symptoms, I think my issue does point more toward an electrical fault in the control module rather than the glow plug situation initially discussed. The blower motor and climate control being partially functional while the auxiliary heater remains completely dead matches the behavior pattern of a failing control module. The gradual onset and error code P0597 also align with this diagnosis. Given the mileage since my last service and the way the ventilation system has been behaving, the 600€-800€ estimate for repairs seems reasonable. Will book the car in for a proper diagnostic of the heating system and have them focus on the control module and wiring connections first. Helpful to know others have dealt with similar heat control issues and got them resolved. Will update once the workshop confirms the exact problem with the auxiliary heater.