RS6 Climate Control Flap Actuator Issue Impacts Cooling

I had a nearly identical issue with my 2021 RS7 last summer. With some experience working on Audi systems, I can share my troubleshooting journey. The air distribution problem turned out to be exactly what you described, the system diagnostics indicated a rear flap actuator malfunction. The air conditioning was completely ineffective because the HVAC repair involved a simple fix: a loose cable connection to the actuator. The workshop found that the plug connection had worked itself loose over time, causing intermittent failures in the air circulation system. They performed a full diagnostic check, reconnected and secured the cable properly, and tested all flap movements. Total cost was 95 Euro for diagnosis and repair, much better than replacing the entire actuator unit. To provide more specific advice about your case, could you share: Have you noticed any unusual sounds when changing air flow settings? Does the issue occur more frequently at certain temperatures? Are all other climate control functions working normally? Did you get specific error codes from the diagnostic scan? These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if there might be different underlying problems with your air distribution system.

Last service was at 63414 KM. Glad to report a positive resolution. After checking the DTCs, it was indeed the malfunctioning flap actuator. The automatic climate control system works perfectly now after replacing just the actuator, not the entire assembly. The workshop discovered metal debris inside the ventilation system that caused the flap to jam. Total repair cost including cleaning the air distribution channels was 320 Euro. Rear passengers can now enjoy proper cooling again since the air conditioning is functioning at full capacity.

Thanks for the update about your RS6 repair. Great to hear it was resolved. Your issue actually turned out to be more complex than my loose cable connection in the RS7, though both affected the flap actuator. The metal debris causing the jam explains why your repair costs were higher at 320 Euro compared to my 95 Euro diagnostic fee. The thorough cleaning of the air distribution channels was definitely necessary to prevent future issues with the car HVAC system. This kind of comprehensive fix should give you long-term reliability. The fact that both the main cabin and rear passengers now have proper cooling shows the air conditioning system is working as designed. My RS7 has been trouble-free for over a year since the repair, and with the more thorough work done on your car, you should expect similar results. Worth noting that regular inspections of the flap actuator might help catch debris buildup before it causes complete failure. The improved air distribution you are experiencing now confirms the workshop found and fixed the root cause.

Appreciate the detailed feedback. My automatic climate control has been running flawlessly for the past month since the repair. The thorough cleaning of debris from the air distribution channels was definitely worth the 320 Euro investment. The system diagnostics now show all clear, and the HVAC repair solved both the cooling and air circulation issues completely. Most importantly, rear passengers are no longer complaining about uneven temperatures. Will definitely keep an eye on the regular maintenance schedule to prevent future flap actuator problems. For anyone facing similar issues, getting a proper diagnosis and complete system cleaning rather than just replacing parts made all the difference in restoring proper function.