VW Amarok Cold Start Issues: PTC Heater Warning Signs

I had a very similar issue with my 2014 VW Tiguan gasoline model last winter. As someone with moderate experience working on VWs, I can tell you that cold start problems combined with high fuel consumption often point to heating system issues. My car showed similar symptoms, rough idle during cold starts and the engine needed extra time to reach operating temperature. The heating was also not working properly, blowing cold air even after driving for a while. After getting it diagnosed, the workshop confirmed it was a faulty PTC heater causing the electrical fault. The repair involved replacing the complete heater unit and updating the control module. Total cost was 350€ including parts and labor. Since the fix, cold starts have been smooth and fuel consumption returned to normal. Before suggesting specific solutions though, could you share: Current mileage on your Amarok, Any recent repairs or maintenance, Whether the heating system works normally once warmed up, The specific error code stored This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced and allow for more targeted advice.

Latest service was just 2 weeks ago at 55981km. The heating system does eventually warm up, but it takes much longer than usual. The temperature control seems erratic during the first 10 minutes of driving. The error code showing is P0597, which supports the initial diagnosis about the heating element being faulty. The service technician noted everything else was running fine, but did not specifically check the PTC heater. Good to hear confirmation that the blower motor and electrical fault symptoms match what others experienced. The 350€ repair cost reference helps with budgeting. Will schedule a follow-up appointment focusing specifically on the heating system components.

Thanks for providing those details. The P0597 code and symptoms exactly match what I experienced with my Tiguan. The delayed temperature control response and erratic heating during warm-up are classic signs of a failing PTC heater. Given your recent service and relatively low mileage, the electrical fault is likely isolated to the heating element itself. In my case, the garage found the PTC heater had partially failed, causing inconsistent operation and throwing the same error code. Since fixing mine, I have not experienced any more cold start issues or abnormal fuel consumption. The repair has lasted well over a year now with no recurring problems. Just make sure the workshop also checks the wiring harness connections to the heater while they are in there, mine had some minor corrosion that they cleaned up during the repair. Your mileage is actually quite a bit lower than when mine failed (I was at 85000km), so you might want to check if this would be covered under any extended warranty. The 350€ I mentioned included a full diagnostic check, but prices may have changed since my repair last year.

Thank you all for the helpful feedback. Your descriptions of similar heating system issues have been really valuable. Based on the error code P0597 and matching symptoms with the PTC heater, I feel more confident about the repair direction now. The 350€ estimate gives me a good baseline for the work needed. Since my Amarok has relatively low mileage at 55981km, I will definitely check about warranty coverage before proceeding. I will have the shop thoroughly inspect the heating element and surrounding components, including the wiring harness connections mentioned. Good to know that fixing the faulty heater resolved both the cold start problems and high fuel consumption in other cases. Will schedule the repair soon and make sure they focus on the complete heating system diagnosis. Much appreciated hearing about the long-term success after similar repairs. I will update once the work is completed in case others encounter the same issue.