VW Crafter PTC Heater Issues Causing Engine Problems

Having some experience with diesel engines, I encountered a very similar issue with my 2009 VW Transporter. The temperature control system showed identical symptoms, poor cold starts and increased fuel consumption. The heat not working properly during startup was the first sign something was wrong. After diagnosis, the workshop confirmed the electric auxiliary heater (PTC) had failed. The heating element was drawing excessive power while providing minimal heat output. The repair took about 4 hours and cost me 350€ including parts and labor. After replacement, cold starts improved significantly and the blower motor began delivering proper warm air again. Fuel consumption returned to normal levels within the next few tanks. For a more accurate assessment of your situation, could you share: Current mileage, Whether cold air comes through all vents or just some, If the check engine light shows permanent or intermittent, Whether you notice any electrical issues like dimming lights during startup These details would help determine if your symptoms match what I experienced and if the repair approach would be similar.

Thanks for the detailed reply. My mileage is 70256KM and just had a service last month. The cold air comes through all vents consistently. The check engine light stays on permanently since the issue started. Havent noticed any electrical issues or dimming lights during startup, though the engine definitely struggles more in cold weather. The heater repair seems to be the likely culprit based on your experience. Would you say its worth getting the PTC heater checked and potentially replaced before winter hits? Im concerned about the electrical fault potentially causing more issues if left unchecked. The repair cost you mentioned seems reasonable if it resolves both the heating element problem and the poor cold starts.

Your concerns about addressing this before winter are very valid. After getting my PTC heater replaced in my VW Transporter, I noticed a significant improvement in the HVAC system performance, especially during cold starts. The symptoms you describe match my experience exactly, permanent check engine light and consistently poor cold air distribution through the vents. Since you have no electrical issues, this further points to an isolated PTC heating element failure rather than a broader electrical problem. Based on your mileage and the fact you just had service, I would definitely recommend getting the heater checked now. In my case, delaying the repair led to: Continued high fuel consumption, Increased strain on the temperature control system, Less efficient engine warm-up cycles The 350€ I spent on the repair proved cost-effective considering the improved fuel economy and restored heating system function. The workshop also noted that failing PTC heaters can sometimes affect other components in the heating system if left unaddressed. The repair resolved both the cold start issues and heating performance. Plus, having proper cabin heat makes winter driving much more comfortable.

Appreciate the comprehensive information about your Transporter repair experience. The consistent symptoms between our vehicles definitely helps confirm my suspicions about the PTC heater being the root cause. Based on your feedback, I will schedule the heater inspection and likely replacement next week. Better to fix it proactively before the cold weather hits and while the issue seems isolated to just the heating element. The 350€ repair cost sounds like a worthwhile investment to restore proper HVAC system function and resolve these annoying cold start problems. One question, after your repair, how long did it take for the fuel consumption to normalize? Just wanting to set realistic expectations for my fuel economy improvement once the electrical fault is resolved. I will update this thread after getting the work done in case other VW owners run into similar heating issues with their vehicles. Thanks for helping diagnose this and sharing your repair experience.