VW Eos Parking Heater Failure, Common Fix Guide

I had a similar issue with my VW Golf GTI 2008. The auxiliary heater system completely stopped working during a cold spell, displaying error codes on startup. After some initial frustration with the heating system not responding, I took it to a workshop. The diagnostic revealed a faulty glow plug in the auxiliary heater unit. The repair involved replacing the glow plug and performing a system reset. Total cost was 440€, including parts and labor. The fix resolved all heating issues and the parking heater has worked flawlessly since then. One suggestion before heading to a workshop: check if the fuel level is above quarter tank, as the auxiliary heater wont activate below certain fuel levels, this is a built-in safety feature. To provide more specific advice about your Eos: What error code are you getting? Does the regular climate control work normally? Have you noticed any unusual fuel consumption? When did the problem first appear? The auxiliary heater system is pretty similar across VW models from this era, but knowing these details would help identify if youre dealing with the same issue I encountered.

Thanks for sharing your experience. After reading about the glow plug, I checked my vehicle but found a different issue. My temperature sensor was actually the culprit, causing the climate control system to malfunction. The car heater would only blow cold air despite the settings. My local workshop diagnosed the problem during my latest service last month. They found the auxiliary heating unit was receiving incorrect temperature readings, causing the system to shut down. The repair involved replacing the faulty sensor and recalibrating the ventilation system. The total repair cost came to 280€ including parts and labor. Since the fix, the parking heater works perfectly and the temperature readings are accurate. For anyone else facing similar issues, make sure to check for any coolant leaks first, as they can cause similar symptoms and are typically easier to spot.

The temperature sensor issue is indeed a common problem across many VW models from that period. After my glow plug repair that I mentioned earlier, I actually encountered a similar temperature sensor malfunction about a year later in my Golf GTI. The symptoms matched yours exactly, the car heater was only producing cold air despite the heat control being set to maximum. Good point about checking for coolant leaks first. When my blower motor was working but only cold air came through, I initially suspected a coolant issue. However, the diagnostic revealed the temperature sensor was sending incorrect signals to the heating system control unit, similar to your case. Your repair cost of 280€ seems quite reasonable. My temperature sensor replacement was slightly higher at 320€, likely due to additional labor hours needed to access the sensor location in the GTI model. Since both repairs, Ive made it a habit to test the parking heater regularly, even during warmer months, to ensure the system stays operational. This preventive approach helps catch potential issues before they become major problems. Have you noticed any improvement in your overall heating system performance since the sensor replacement?

Thanks for all the feedback about the temperature sensor issues. Yes, the overall heating system performance has definitely improved since the repair. The heater core now warms up much faster and maintains consistent temperatures throughout the cabin. The parking heater activates properly on first attempt now, and the heat control responds exactly as it should. Looking back, I probably should have addressed the issue sooner, but I was worried it might be something more serious like a major coolant leak or heater core failure. For anyone searching the forums with similar symptoms, the total repair time was about 2 hours, and the workshop showed me the old sensor which had clear signs of corrosion. They mentioned these sensors typically last 8-10 years before needing replacement. I plan to follow your advice about regular testing of the parking heater. Better to catch any future issues early rather than being stuck with no heat when temperatures drop. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and repair costs, it helped me understand what to expect when I took it to the workshop.