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romyfeuer1

VW Scirocco Overheating & Fan Issue Needs Urgent Fix

Hi all, my VW Scirocco (2009, gasoline, 139995km) keeps overheating and the check engine light is on. The car radiator fan seems to be making odd noises and I suspect the engine cooling system might be faulty. After a disappointing repair attempt at my last mechanic, I am looking for advice. Has anyone experienced similar issues with their Scirocco? What was the cause, possibly a bad thermal switch or damaged fan blade? Please share your repair experiences and mechanic recommendations.

4 comment(s)

charlotteeis7

Had a similar issue with my VW Golf GTI 2012. The engine cooling problems started with an unusual fan noise that eventually led to overheating. The car radiator fan was running constantly at full speed, even when not needed. The initial diagnosis revealed a failed engine coolant temperature sensor, but after replacing it, the problem persisted. Further testing showed the cooling system had multiple issues: a failing radiator fan control module and a damaged speed sensor. The control module was incorrectly regulating the fan speeds, causing the system to work inefficiently. This was a serious issue that required immediate attention since continuous overheating could lead to severe engine damage. The repair involved replacing both the control module and speed sensor, plus a thorough inspection of the entire cooling system to ensure no secondary damage had occurred. The car radiator and other cooling components were actually in good condition, but the faulty electronics were preventing proper temperature regulation. After the repair, the fan began operating normally again, running at the correct speeds and only when needed. Most VW models from this era can develop similar cooling system issues around this mileage point, particularly with the electronic components rather than mechanical parts.

romyfeuer1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. That sounds exactly like what I am dealing with right now. My Sciroccos temperature control issues started similarly with the fan motor making strange noises before the overheating began. Did you recall the total repair cost for the control module and sensor replacement? Also curious if you have experienced any other cooling system problems since getting it fixed? The car radiator in my Scirocco seems physically fine but I am worried about potential engine damage from running hot. Hoping to get this resolved before any major issues develop.

charlotteeis7

Good to provide an update on my GTI cooling system repair. The speed sensor replacement ended up costing 250€ and completely resolved the temperature control issues. The radiator fan now operates normally without any strange noises or constant running like before. Since fixing the faulty components six months ago, the cooling system has performed flawlessly. No more overheating problems or check engine warnings. The repair was definitely worth it to prevent potential engine damage from chronic overheating. Your Scirocco symptoms match mine exactly, the fan noise followed by temperature issues is a classic sign of electronic control problems rather than mechanical failure. Getting it diagnosed and repaired quickly is important, especially since your radiator appears physically sound like mine was. The car radiator fan problems tend to cascade if left unchecked, so addressing the root cause with proper parts will save money and prevent engine stress in the long run. Regular cooling system maintenance since the repair has helped ensure everything keeps running properly.

romyfeuer1 (Author)

After trying multiple mechanics, I finally found one who properly diagnosed the issue. Like many suggested here, it turned out to be the control module and a worn fan blade causing the overheating problems. The total repair came to 450€, including parts and labor. The mechanic thoroughly tested the engine cooling system and replaced both components in one session. They also performed a complete inspection of the car radiator and surrounding parts to ensure no additional damage had occurred from the overheating. It has been three weeks since the repair, and the cooling system is working perfectly. The radiator fan now runs quietly and only when needed. No more check engine light or temperature warnings. Looking back, I should have addressed these symptoms earlier, but at least the problem is resolved without any permanent engine damage. The car runs great now and maintains proper operating temperature even during long drives.

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