Q7 HVAC Flaps Malfunction Causing AC Cooling Issues

Had the same air distribution issues on my 2017 Audi Q8. The automatic climate control system showed similar symptoms, flap actuator failure prevented proper air circulation between different zones. The root cause was a damaged wiring harness connecting to the HVAC control module. The flap actuator cables had worn through their protective sleeve, causing intermittent connection issues. While not a severe mechanical problem, it required removing several dashboard components to access the wiring. The repair involved replacing the complete wiring harness assembly and recalibrating the flap actuator motors. Testing confirmed proper air distribution to all vents after repair. The job took about 4 hours in total. This is a known issue with these models. The air conditioning performance issues are typically tied to the flap control system rather than the refrigerant circuit. Having the correct diagnostic equipment is crucial, the ventilation system needs electronic calibration after any work on the flap mechanisms. Best to have this addressed promptly as failed flap actuators can strain other HVAC components over time.

Thanks for sharing your Q8 experience. Had almost identical symptoms with my Q7s automatic climate control system last summer, the flap actuator issue really affected air circulation, especially for rear passengers. After getting it fixed, the cooling has worked flawlessly. Just curious, what did the repair end up costing you? Mine came to around 850 Euro including parts and labor. Also wondering if youve had any other HVAC-related problems since the repair?

Had good news after taking the Q8 to the mechanic. The car HVAC system diagnosis revealed a much simpler fix than initially expected. The rear ventilation flap fault was traced to a loose cable connection that was causing the erratic air circulation behavior. Total repair cost came to just 95 Euro, mainly labor for accessing and fixing the connection. Much better than the complex wiring harness replacement I was worried about. The automatic climate control has worked perfectly since then, with no recurring issues over the past year. Your 850 Euro repair sounds like it might have involved more extensive work on the air conditioning components. Sometimes these HVAC repair jobs can vary significantly in complexity depending on which specific parts are affected.

Got great news to share, finally got my Q7 sorted! After reading about different experiences, I took it to a certified workshop. The mechanic found the automatic climate control issue was caused by a failing flap actuator motor, not the full wiring harness I feared. The repair was straightforward, they replaced the faulty motor and recalibrated the air distribution system. Total bill came to 850 Euro, which included parts and labor. The air conditioning now works perfectly, with proper cooling reaching all areas including the rear passengers. Much happier with this shop compared to my last repair experience. They showed me the worn parts and explained everything clearly. Since the fix three months ago, the climate control system has worked flawlessly with no warning lights or cooling issues.