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Skoda Yeti cold start issues and PTC heater problem

I am at my wit's end with my Skoda Yeti. It's a 2012 diesel with 62854 km on the clock. Ever since the temperatures dropped, I've been experiencing very poor engine running during the cold start phase. Plus, the error memory keeps storing an error related to the heating system. My fuel consumption has also increased noticeably. I suspect it's the electric auxiliary heater, also known as the PTC heater. I'm getting cold air when I want heat. Could a defective PTC heater really be the culprit, and could it also affect the engine's performance and fuel consumption?

4 comment(s)

Have you checked the coolant level? Low coolant can sometimes cause the heat not working properly. Also, when you say 'poor engine running,' could you describe that in more detail? Is it rough idling, or something else?

The coolant level is fine. The engine runs very unevenly during the cold start phase. What exactly is a PTC heater, and how is it related to the HVAC system and the cold air problem?

A PTC heater is basically an electric heater that assists the engine in warming up quickly, especially in diesel cars. It's part of the HVAC system and helps provide heat to the cabin. If it's defective, it can cause cold air and, in some cases, affect engine performance during cold starts because the engine has to work harder to reach its optimal operating temperature. Given the error code and symptoms, it seems likely that the PTC heater is indeed the problem. A repair cost of 350€ sounds about right. I would suggest taking it to a workshop to confirm the diagnosis and get it replaced.

Thank you for the information! I took the Yeti to the workshop, and you were spot on. The PTC heater was indeed defective. The repair cost me around 350€. Now everything is working as it should be.

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