Amarok Overheating in City Traffic, Fan Issues

Had the exact same symptoms on my 2016 VW Transporter 2.0 TDI last summer. The irregular fan operation during idle points strongly to either a faulty fan clutch or electrical issues with the cooling fan system. In my case, the electric fan control module had corroded connection pins, causing intermittent operation of the radiator fan. Vehicle overheating would occur in stop-and-go traffic but normalize at highway speeds due to natural air flow through the radiator. The temperature control system requires consistent fan operation at idle, which is why these symptoms appear mainly in city driving. The fix involved replacing the fan control module and cleaning the connection terminals. While not a major mechanical issue, it requires proper diagnosis since similar symptoms can also indicate a failing fan clutch or damaged wiring. Given the similar platform between the Amarok and Transporter, I would specifically have them check: Electric fan control module connections, Fan clutch engagement, Wiring harness condition around the cooling system, Temperature sensor operation This is a safety-critical system that needs addressing before any serious engine damage occurs from overheating.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the fan control module issue. You really helped point me in the right direction. The electric fan problems on my Amarok turned out to be pretty similar to what you described. Just wondering, what did the repair end up costing you? Also, has the engine cooling system been working properly since the fix? Planning to get mine looked at next week and trying to budget for the worst case scenario with the radiator fan replacement.

Good to follow up on your fan module concerns. After taking it to a certified mechanic, the engine cooling issues were resolved by fixing a damaged connection in the fan control wiring. The repair came to 95€, which mainly covered diagnostic time and electrical repair work. The vehicle overheating problems disappeared completely after fixing the faulty wiring. The cooling system now works flawlessly, the electric fan kicks in exactly when needed during city driving and idle. The temperature control remains stable even in heavy traffic. No additional repairs were required since the fan motor itself was still in good condition. If you do need a complete radiator fan replacement, costs would likely be higher. Having the connections checked first is definitely the smart approach before replacing major components of the cooling system. Going on 8 months now with zero temperature issues since that repair. The original diagnosis matching your symptoms really helped avoid unnecessary parts replacement.

Thanks everyone for the detailed advice, really helped me avoid getting ripped off! Took the Amarok to a new mechanic yesterday who diagnosed the exact same electric fan control issue. They found corroded wiring connections and a partially failed control module. Total repair came to 280€ which included cleaning all connections, replacing the module, and testing the cooling system. The engine cooling is working perfectly now, fan kicks in properly at idle and temperature stays steady even in stop-and-go traffic. Such a relief to have it fixed properly. The mechanic also showed me the old damaged parts and explained everything clearly, which was a welcome change from my previous shop experiences. Really grateful for the guidance here that helped me understand the likely cause before going in. Saved me from potentially paying for unnecessary cooling system parts replacement that another shop might have pushed for.