Audi Q5 Defrost Flap Failure Hits Climate Control

I dealt with a similar temperature regulation issue on my 2019 Audi Q3 diesel last winter, and I have some experience with basic car maintenance and troubleshooting. The symptoms were very similar, inconsistent air distribution and reduced heating performance through the ventilation system. After a diagnostic scan, it turned out to be a faulty cable connection to the climate control flap motor. The problem was affecting the entire heater core functionality. The repair took about 2 hours at the workshop. They had to partially dismantle the dashboard to access the connections, test the flap motor, and replace the damaged wiring. Total cost was 95 Euro including diagnostics and labor. To help diagnose your specific case better, could you share: Are you getting any specific error codes? Does the issue happen in all climate control modes? Can you hear the flap motors moving when changing settings? When did you first notice the heating problems? These details would help determine if your Q5 has the same underlying issue or if something else might be causing the problem.

I dealt with a similar temperature regulation issue on my 2019 Audi Q3 diesel last winter, and I have some experience with basic car maintenance and troubleshooting. The symptoms were very similar, inconsistent air distribution and reduced heating performance through the ventilation system. After a diagnostic scan, it turned out to be a faulty cable connection to the climate control flap motor. The problem was affecting the entire heater core functionality. The repair took about 2 hours at the workshop. They had to partially dismantle the dashboard to access the connections, test the flap motor, and replace the damaged wiring. Total cost was 95 Euro including diagnostics and labor. To help diagnose your specific case better, could you share: Are you getting any specific error codes? Does the issue happen in all climate control modes? Can you hear the flap motors moving when changing settings? When did you first notice the heating problems? These details would help determine if your Q5 has the same underlying issue or if something else might be causing the problem.

My Q5 has 177621 KM and just had its annual service last month. Like many others with similar dashboard panel issues, I first noticed strange noises when adjusting the climate control settings. The ventilation system started acting up shortly after. I am getting error code P0401 and can confirm the flap motors make clicking sounds when switching modes. The HVAC unit works inconsistently, sometimes the air distribution is normal, other times it barely pushes any air through the vents. Thanks for sharing your repair experience. Your information about the wiring issue is particularly helpful since I was worried it might be a more expensive mechanical problem with the air distribution system.

My Q5 has 177621 KM and just had its annual service last month. Like many others with similar dashboard panel issues, I first noticed strange noises when adjusting the climate control settings. The ventilation system started acting up shortly after. I am getting error code P0401 and can confirm the flap motors make clicking sounds when switching modes. The HVAC unit works inconsistently, sometimes the air distribution is normal, other times it barely pushes any air through the vents. Thanks for sharing your repair experience. Your information about the wiring issue is particularly helpful since I was worried it might be a more expensive mechanical problem with the air distribution system.

Thanks for providing those additional details about your Q5. Those clicking sounds from the flap motors match what I experienced before my repair, it often indicates the system is trying to adjust but not completing the movement properly. The P0401 code typically relates to the EGR system rather than the climate control, but poor air circulation can sometimes trigger multiple related codes. In my case, the faulty wiring was causing similar inconsistent air distribution patterns. Given your recent service and higher mileage compared to when I had my issue (mine was at 98000 KM), you might want to have them check both the wiring and the actual flap mechanisms. The windshield fogging issues and inconsistent ventilation could point to worn flap seals as well as electrical problems. The repair cost might be slightly higher than what I paid (95 Euro) if they need to replace any physical components of the air distribution system rather than just fix wiring. Would recommend having them do a complete HVAC diagnostic test rather than assuming its the same wiring issue I had. Looking back, these climate control problems tend to worsen if not addressed promptly. Has the heating output decreased gradually or did it suddenly become worse?

Thanks for providing those additional details about your Q5. Those clicking sounds from the flap motors match what I experienced before my repair, it often indicates the system is trying to adjust but not completing the movement properly. The P0401 code typically relates to the EGR system rather than the climate control, but poor air circulation can sometimes trigger multiple related codes. In my case, the faulty wiring was causing similar inconsistent air distribution patterns. Given your recent service and higher mileage compared to when I had my issue (mine was at 98000 KM), you might want to have them check both the wiring and the actual flap mechanisms. The windshield fogging issues and inconsistent ventilation could point to worn flap seals as well as electrical problems. The repair cost might be slightly higher than what I paid (95 Euro) if they need to replace any physical components of the air distribution system rather than just fix wiring. Would recommend having them do a complete HVAC diagnostic test rather than assuming its the same wiring issue I had. Looking back, these climate control problems tend to worsen if not addressed promptly. Has the heating output decreased gradually or did it suddenly become worse?

Thank you for the follow-up information and suggestions. You are right about HVAC issues getting worse if left unattended. In my case, the heating output decreased gradually over about two weeks before becoming noticeably problematic. The clicking sounds from the flap motors seem quite similar to what you described. The temperature regulation is definitely most erratic during the first 10 minutes of driving, then somewhat stabilizes, though still not performing optimally. Based on your feedback about wiring versus mechanical components, I will have the shop do a complete ventilation system diagnostic. The heater core and full dashboard panel access might indeed be necessary given the car's mileage. I have scheduled an appointment for next week and will make sure they check both the electrical connections and mechanical components. I appreciate the cost estimate range, it helps set realistic expectations. Will definitely have them investigate those worn flap seals you mentioned since the air distribution issues match your description perfectly.

Thank you for the follow-up information and suggestions. You are right about HVAC issues getting worse if left unattended. In my case, the heating output decreased gradually over about two weeks before becoming noticeably problematic. The clicking sounds from the flap motors seem quite similar to what you described. The temperature regulation is definitely most erratic during the first 10 minutes of driving, then somewhat stabilizes, though still not performing optimally. Based on your feedback about wiring versus mechanical components, I will have the shop do a complete ventilation system diagnostic. The heater core and full dashboard panel access might indeed be necessary given the car's mileage. I have scheduled an appointment for next week and will make sure they check both the electrical connections and mechanical components. I appreciate the cost estimate range, it helps set realistic expectations. Will definitely have them investigate those worn flap seals you mentioned since the air distribution issues match your description perfectly.