oliverblade1

Seat Leon Diesel Cold Start Poor Performance

I'm getting poor engine performance on cold starts with my 2014 Seat Leon diesel. Error memory points to the PTC heater. I'm seeing rough running when the engine is cold, noticeably higher fuel consumption, and the cabin doesn't heat up quickly. All points to a defective electric auxiliary heater, right? What else could it be?

4 comment(s)

That sounds frustrating! With the error code pointing towards the PTC heater and those symptoms, it seems like a pretty solid lead. Is the blower motor working correctly, though? Check if there's cold air blowing even when the engine's warm or perhaps even a blown fuse somewhere in the HVAC system. Have you checked these?

Blower motor seems fine, airflow is normal. I can also hear the climate control system working. Fuses seem to be ok as well. Is there a reliable way to check if the heating element in the PTC heater is actually getting power or functioning as it should? I don't want to replace it without being absolutely sure.

Given that the blower motor and fuses appear functional, and the diagnostic points to the PTC heater combined with the symptoms you described, it really does sound like a defective heating element in the PTC heater. Could be a bad relay I suppose, but it's likely the heater itself. Maybe it's time to visit a shop and have them test the heater directly. They will also be able to confirm there's nothing else at play.

It was the PTC heater. Replacement cost 350€. Engine runs smoothly again, even on cold mornings, and fuel consumption is back to normal. Thanks for the advice!

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