VW Touareg HVAC Failure: Defrost Flap Issues & Fixes

Had nearly the same issue with my 2017 VW Tiguan last winter. The dashboard panel showed similar symptoms with inconsistent temperature regulation and poor heat distribution through the HVAC unit. After some basic troubleshooting, took it to my regular workshop where they diagnosed a faulty connection in the wiring harness leading to the air distribution flap. The blower motor was working fine, but the system wasnt getting proper signals to adjust the airflow. The fix involved accessing the HVAC control module behind the dashboard panel and replacing a damaged connector. Total repair cost was 95€ and took about 2 hours to complete. Since then, the heating system has worked perfectly with proper temperature control and no more fogging issues. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Does the blower motor run at all speeds? Are you getting any specific error codes? Have you noticed any unusual sounds when adjusting temperature settings? When did these symptoms first appear? This would help determine if youre dealing with the same electrical issue or if its related to other components in the HVAC unit.

Last serviced at 119034km. Yes, checked the blower motor and it runs on all speeds without any unusual noise. The error code P0532 shows up, and the symptoms started about 2 weeks ago. The air circulation feels inconsistent regardless of the temperature setting. The ventilation system issue seems different from your case since my blower runs fine but the air temperature regulation remains problematic. Think I will need a more thorough check of the HVAC unit components despite having proper air circulation. Wondering if replacing the temperature sensor might solve the issue before going for a complete system diagnosis. The dealership quoted 250€ for initial diagnostics alone.

Thanks for providing those details. The P0532 code actually points to an A/C refrigerant pressure sensor issue, which is different from my initial diagnosis regarding the air distribution flap. This could explain why your climate control system is behaving differently from my previous Tiguan issue. Since your blower motor works properly and the air circulation is consistent, the problem likely lies with the temperature regulation components. The refrigerant pressure sensor plays a crucial role in the overall HVAC system operation, even affecting heating performance through the ventilation system. In my case, I initially considered replacing the temperature sensor too, but that would have been an unnecessary expense. Given your error code and symptoms, I suggest: 1. Have the refrigerant pressure sensor checked first instead of immediately replacing the temperature sensor 2. Request a pressure test of the entire system 3. Verify refrigerant levels The 250€ diagnostic fee seems steep compared to what I paid, but they might credit it toward the actual repair cost. Based on my experience with VW climate control systems, fixing the pressure sensor issue typically costs between 150-300€ including parts and labor. Would you mind checking if the heating performance changes when switching between different air circulation modes? This could help narrow down whether its purely a sensor issue or if there might be additional components involved.

Thanks for the detailed information about the pressure sensor. I ran some tests switching between different air circulation modes like you suggested, and the heating performance stays equally poor regardless of the setting. The windshield fogging is actually worse when using recirculated air. I called another workshop that specializes in VW heater core and HVAC repairs. They quoted 180€ for a full system diagnosis including pressure testing, which seems more reasonable than the dealership price. Made an appointment for next week. The temperature regulation issues and constant fogging are getting really annoying, especially during morning drives. Will update once I get the proper diagnosis. Hopefully its just the pressure sensor and not a more complex ventilation system problem that would require removing the entire dashboard panel. For now, Ill try to manage with the current settings and keep monitoring if any new symptoms develop. At least the blower motor is working properly, so that eliminates one potential problem source.