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robin_schwarz2

Audi Q7 Climate Control and Defrost Flap Malfunction Fix

My Audi Q7 2012 has serious climate control issues. The heating output is very low and the temperature regulation just isnt working properly. Getting errors stored in memory. Suspect the defrost air distribution flap might be causing this since the windshield fogging is getting worse. Anyone dealt with similar symptoms and had it fixed? Mainly interested in what exactly was broken and the repair process. Would help to know what to tell the workshop to check first.

4 comment(s)

nelefire8

Having dealt with similar issues on my Audi Q5 2014, I can share my experience with heater core and air distribution problems. As someone with moderate car repair experience, I initially thought it was the blower motor, but it turned out to be simpler. The symptoms matched exactly, poor temperature regulation, inconsistent heating, and constant windshield fogging. After diagnostics, they found a loose connector at the air distribution motor. The wiring harness had worn down over time, causing intermittent connection issues. The fix involved replacing the damaged wiring and securing the connector properly. Total cost was 95 Euro including diagnostic time. The repair restored proper temperature control and resolved the windshield fogging issues completely. To provide more specific guidance, could you share: Does the issue occur at specific temperatures? Are you getting any specific error codes? Can you hear the flaps moving when changing temperature settings? Does the blower motor speed vary normally? These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if its something different in the air distribution system.

robin_schwarz2 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your detailed solution. After bringing my Q7 to the workshop during the last service at 76217 KM, they found multiple faults in the climate control module. Main issue was actually a faulty temperature sensor behind the dashboard panel, not the flaps as initially suspected. The heater core itself tested fine, but the sensor was sending incorrect readings, causing the air distribution system to malfunction. This explained both the poor temperature control and windshield fogging problems. Fixed the sensor and recalibrated the system. Works perfectly now. For others experiencing similar issues: sensor replacement cost was 180 Euro plus labor. Total repair time was under 2 hours. Proper diagnosis made all the difference.

nelefire8

Thanks for the update on your Q7 repair. The temperature sensor issue you described is actually quite common in these models. Had the exact same problem with my Q7 at around 80000 KM. The incorrect sensor readings definitely explain why the air distribution and temperature regulation were acting up. When the climate control module receives faulty temperature data, it cant properly adjust the air circulation settings, leading to those frustrating windshield fogging issues we both experienced. 180 Euro for the sensor is consistent with what I paid. Good to hear the repair time was quick. Proper diagnosis really is crucial, I initially wasted time checking the heater core and air distribution flaps before the actual sensor problem was identified. Your feedback will help others troubleshoot similar climate control issues. The dashboard panel sensor location makes it easy to overlook, but its often the culprit behind these temperature regulation problems in our Q7s.

robin_schwarz2 (Author)

Thanks for all the helpful feedback on these temperature sensor issues. Really glad my initial post helped identify similar problems others have faced. The HVAC unit in these cars seems quite sensitive to sensor malfunctions. The workshop confirmed my theory about the air distribution system being affected, though not quite how I expected. Having proper temperature regulation back makes such a difference, especially with winter coming. No more windshield fogging issues or fighting with inconsistent heating. For anyone checking this thread later, definitely have the temperature sensors checked first if youre experiencing similar symptoms. Could save you time and money rather than replacing other components unnecessarily. The whole repair process was much simpler than I initially feared. Best thing was having the detailed fault codes from the climate control module. Made it much easier for the workshop to pinpoint the exact sensor that needed replacing. Those 180 Euro were well spent considering how much better the system works now.

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