2015 Passat TDI, HVAC issues.

dak17 · Jan 29, 2025

Hello everyone,

Sorry I see i didn't follow the title procedure, and I don't see any way to edit it...

2015 Passat TDI, HVAC issues.

I've got a 2015 Passat TDI, with a "Electric manual climate control system", not the climatronic system.
See the picture.

The defrost has very low air flow, but the face and feet selection has good air flow.
But when moving the selection from defrost to the face of the feet, there's a short moment of very good air flow from the defrost vents before it changes to the face or feet.

There are no HVAC DTC codes showing in VCDS autoscan

I removed a bunch of the dash and I could see the air distributor door motor moving as I moved the knob to the different air flow locations.

One question I have is, is the air distribution door motor going to the correct position when defrost is selected?

How can I view the position sensor with VCDS and will it tell me if it's in the correct position or not?

Thank you,

Here is the scan

Code:

Thursday,23,January,2025,10:36:56:02392
VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 11 x64
VCDS Version: 24.7.1.0 (x64) HEX-V2 CB: 0.4643.5
Data version: 20240919 DS356.3
www.Ross-Tech.com


VIN: 1VWBV7A3XFC037699 License Plate:
Mileage: 252040km-156610mi Repair Order: 1/23/25 B



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chassis Type: A3-VW41 (7N0)
Scan: 01 02 03 05 08 09 15 16 17 19 25 2B 2E 37 42 44 46 4F 52 56
          62 72 75 77

VIN: 1VWBV7A3XFC037699 Mileage: 252040km-156610miles

01-Engine -- Status: OK 0000
02-Auto Trans -- Status: Malfunction 0010
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: Malfunction 0010
04-Steering Angle -- Status: OK 0000
05-Acc/Start Auth. -- Status: OK 0000
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: Malfunction 0010
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: Malfunction 0010
25-Immobilizer -- Status: OK 0000
2B-Steer. Col. Lock -- Status: OK 0000
2E-Media Player 3 -- Status: OK 0000
37-Navigation -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: Malfunction 0010
44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000
46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000
4F-Centr. Electr. II -- Status: OK 0000
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
56-Radio -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
62-Door, Rear Left -- Status: OK 0000
72-Door, Rear Right -- Status: OK 0000
75-Telematics -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
77-Telephone -- Status: Malfunction 0010
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine (J623-CVCA) Labels:. 04L-907-309-V1.clb
   Part No SW: 04L 997 016 D HW: 04L 907 309 K
   Component: R4 2.0l TDI X20 9466
   Revision: 8AX20--- CVN: B12134C50000000000000000
   Coding: 011D0012032410081000
   Shop #: WSC 23116 035 00000
   ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM20TDI01104L997016D 004002
   ROD: EV_ECM20TDI01104L997016D.rod
   VCID: 3436C3BEDEBBFA2A8B3-8060
   VINID: 0669D2987443A164C00C71892489D6D6F1

No fault code found.
Readiness: 0 0 0 1 1

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 02E-927-770.clb
   Part No SW: 02E 300 061 T HW: 02E 927 770 AL
   Component: GSG DSG AG6 521 4518
   Revision: 05652104 Serial number: 00001407241428
   Coding: 0000020
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   VCID: 25102EFA69E193A20CD-8070

1 Fault Found:
28907 - No Communications with Cruise Control (Front) Distance Sensor
            U0235 - 000 -
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100000
                    Fault Priority: 0
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 40
                    Mileage: 252041 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2025.01.23.
                    Time: 18:27:28


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes (J104) Labels:. 1K0-907-379-60EC1F.clb
   Part No SW: 1K0 907 379 BS HW: 1K0 907 379 BS
   Component: ESP MK60EC1 H46 0166
   Revision: 00H46001
   Coding: C54BC0F549250001A31103ED92220042A1100012
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   VCID: 0456537ECE1B8AAA7B3-8050

2 Faults Found:
01325 - Control Module for Tire Pressure Monitoring (J502)
            004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 42
                    Mileage: 251949 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                    Count: 2
                    Count: 14
                    Count: 4096
                    Count: 16390
                    Count: 42496
                    Count: 0
                    Count: 768
                    Count: 0

02214 - Tire Pressure Warning
            002 - Lower Limit Exceeded
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100010
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 2
                    Mileage: 251949 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                    Count: 3
                    Count: 14
                    Count: 20480
                    Count: 16401
                    Count: 42496
                    Count: 0
                    Count: 768
                    Count: 0


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 05: Acc/Start Auth. (J518) Labels:| 5K0-959-434.clb
   Part No SW: 5K0 959 434 E HW: 5K0 959 434
   Component: VWKESSYPQ35GP 092 1202
   Revision: 00092000 Serial number: 0343473827 Dataset Number: 560116v____ 0002
   Coding: 030C0C
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_KESSYPQ35G A02717
   ROD: EV_KESSYPQ35G_A02_VW32.rod
   VCID: 372CF4B2CFCD1132AE1-8062

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC (J301) Labels:| 3C8-907-336.clb
   Part No SW: 561 907 426 E HW: 561 907 426 E
   Component: AC Manuell H02 0303
   Revision: 00001K02
   Coding: 0010001002
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_ACManuaElectGen2BHTC 001002
   ROD: EV_ACManuaElectGen2BHTC_VW36.rod
   VCID: 1D60061A4D315B6254D-8048

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519) Labels:. 1K0-937-08x-09.clb
   Part No SW: 5K0 937 087 AE HW: 5K0 937 087 AE
   Component: BCM PQ35 H+ 122 0174
   Revision: BL122001
   Coding: EF200E1B802B2AD4098800010600854800F1A086448015B064806000AC70
   Shop #: WSC 42399 001 1048576
   VCID: 78AE378E82D3DE4A67B-802C

2 Faults Found:
00985 - Right Tail Light (M2)
            010 - Open or Short to Plus - Intermittent
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00101010
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 3
                    Reset counter: 46
                    Mileage: 251951 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2025.01.04.
                    Time: 18:28:08

             Freeze Frame:
                        Term 15 On
                    Voltage: 14.10 V
                        ON
                        ON
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        OFF

01496 - Bulb for Fog-Lamps; Left (L22)
            010 - Open or Short to Plus
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01101010
                    Fault Priority: 4
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 2
                    Mileage: 251949 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2025.01.04.
                    Time: 00:36:34

             Freeze Frame:
                        Term 15 On
                    Voltage: 11.85 V
                        ON
                        ON
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        OFF


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags (J234) Labels:| 5K0-959-655.clb
   Part No SW: 5C0 959 655 AA HW: 5C0 959 655 AA
   Component: AirbagVW10 500 0975
   Serial number: 003LYD01EKH. Dataset Number: 560003v__A_ 0134
   Coding: 00004D52
   Shop #: WSC 00355 004 1048576
   ASAM Dataset: EV_AirbaVW10SMEVW360 001030
   ROD: EV_AirbaVW10SMEVW360.rod
   VCID: 71B80AAAE1298F02A05-8024

   Seat occupied recognition:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 5C6 959 339 B HW: 5C6 959 339 B
   Component: BF-Gewichtss. H10 0046
   Serial number: 6940000Y1400018FFA0L
   Coding: 303044

   Crash sensor for side airbag: driver side:
   Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 5K0 959 354 HW: 5K0 959 354
   Component: S.Sens.Fahr.V H02 ----
   Serial number: 3572MSME69080B47ZZZ

   Front Passenger's Side Airbag Crash Sensor:
   Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 5K0 959 354 HW: 5K0 959 354
   Component: S.Sens.Beif.V H02 ----
   Serial number: 3582MSME41655B47ZZZ.

   Rear Side Airbag Crash Sensor (on driver's side):
   Subsystem 4 - Part No SW: 5K0 959 351 A HW: 5K0 959 351 A
   Component: S.Sens.Fahr.H H02 ----
   Serial number: 3516KSME40595B30ZZZQ

   Passenger side rear thorax airbag crash sensor:
   Subsystem 5 - Part No SW: 5K0 959 351 A HW: 5K0 959 351 A
   Component: S.Sens.Beif.H H02 ----
   Serial number: 3526KSME57345B30ZZZS

   Crash sensor for front airbag: driver side:
   Subsystem 6 - Part No SW: 5K0 959 659 A HW: 5K0 959 659 A
   Component: F.Sens.Fahr H02 ----
   Serial number: 3556LSME36460431ZZZL

   Crash sensor for front airbag: front passenger side:
   Subsystem 7 - Part No SW: 5K0 959 659 A HW: 5K0 959 659 A
   Component: F.Sens.Beif H02 ----
   Serial number: 3566LSME7B4B0431ZZZ-

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 16: Steering wheel (J527) Labels:| 5K0-953-569.clb
   Part No SW: 1K5 953 521 BR HW: 5K0 953 569 AH
   Component: LENKS.MODUL 016 0140
   Revision: FF010042 Serial number: 20140625101406
   Coding: 000A140000
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_SMLSNGVOLWSXS A01004
   ROD: EV_SMLSNGVOLWS.rod
   VCID: 7EA22196A077E07A2D7-802A

   Multifunction steering wheel control module:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 3C8 959 537 D HW: 3C8 959 537 D Labels: 3C8-959-537.CLB
   Component: E221__MFL-YVJ H07 0023
   Coding: E20000

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments (J285) Labels:| 5K0-920-XXX-17.clb-SRI1
   Part No SW: 561 920 970 G HW: 561 920 970 G
   Component: KOMBI H04 0813
   Serial number: 00000000000000
   Coding: 231E01
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_Kombi_UDS_VDD_RM09 A04723
   ROD: EV_Kombi_UDS_VDD_RM09_004_VW32.rod
   VCID: 1E6201164037407A4D7-804A

2 Faults Found:
10485833 - Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error
          B2000 49 [10001001] - Internal Electronic Failure
          [Steuergerï¿½t defekt (SiWaLa)]
          MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Mileage: 225085 km
                    Date: 2023.09.22.
                    Time: 00:00:07

10485824 - Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error
          B2000 41 [10001001] - General Checksum Failure
          [Steuergerï¿½t defekt (EEPROM-Bereich Tachokennlinie)]
          MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 1


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 19: CAN Gateway (J533) Labels:. 7N0-907-530-V2.clb
   Part No SW: 7N0 907 530 AR HW: 7N0 907 530 AM
   Component: J533 Gateway H55 1653
   Revision: H55 Serial number: 01101403000658
   Coding: 461000
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   VCID: 005E5F6EDA03968A5FB-8054

3 Faults Found:
01302 - Control Module for Telematic (J499)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 2
                    Mileage: 251949 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2025.01.04.
                    Time: 00:36:14

01300 - Control Module for Navigation with CD-Rom (J401)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 2
                    Mileage: 251949 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2025.01.04.
                    Time: 00:36:14

01304 - Radio
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 2
                    Mileage: 251949 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2025.01.04.
                    Time: 00:36:14


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 25: Immobilizer (J334) Labels:| 5K0-920-xxx-25.clb
   Part No SW: 5K0 953 234 HW: 5K0 953 234
   Component: IMMO H04 0813
   Serial number:           
   Coding: 000007
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_Immo_UDS_VDD_RM09 A03710
   ROD: EV_Immo_UDS_VDD_RM09_VW23.rod
   VCID: 6A8A1DC6CCFF7CDAE1F-803E

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 2B: Steer. Col. Lock (J764) Labels:* 5K0-905-861.clb
   Part No SW: 5K0 905 861 C HW: 5K0 905 861 C
   Component: ELV-PQ35 H21 0240
   Revision: 00000000 Serial number: 14000208851005
   Coding: 4900000000000000
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_ELVMarquMPVW36X A01001
   ROD: EV_ELVMarquMPVW36X_VW32.rod
   VCID: 303ECFAE2AA3C60AEFB-8064

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 2E: Media Player 3
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 37: Navigation
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 42: Door Elect, Driver (J386) Labels:| 3C0-959-70X-GEN4.clb
   Part No SW: 561 959 701 HW: 3C0 959 793 B
   Component: TUER-SG FT 002 0525
   Revision: 13110009 Serial number: 0008915953
   Coding: 0404B5
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_TSGFPQ25BRFVW46X A04001
   ROD: EV_TSGFPQ25BRFVW46X.rod
   VCID: 5BE4480213A515526A9-800E

   Slave Driver:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 561 959 811 B HW: 561 959 811 B Labels: 1K0-959-70X-GEN4.CLB
   Component: J388__TSG_HL 006 5470
   Serial number: 14202630140929233555
   Coding: 800000

1 Fault Found:
131584 - Motor for Rear Window Regulator
          B11EE 54 [00001000] - Missing Calibration / Basic Setting
          Intermittent - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Priority: 7
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 44
                    Mileage: 251949 km
                    Date: 2025.01.04.
                    Time: 00:36:10


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 44: Steering Assist Labels: 1K0-909-14x-GEN3.clb
   Part No: 1K0 909 144 R
   Component: EPS_ZFLS Kl. 215 3501
   Revision: 00H22000
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   VCID: 3928F28AF5590742585-806C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 4F: Centr. Electr. II (J520) Labels:. 1K0-907-532.clb
   Part No SW: 7N0 907 532 HW: 7N0 907 530 AM
   Component: EZE_2 H55 1653
   Revision: H55 Serial number: 01101403000658
   Coding: 01030108
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   VCID: 6FBC0CD2F79D99F2B61-803A

   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 561 959 591 A HW: 561 959 591 A
   Component: J245 P05 9BA3 H08 0005
   Serial number: 53388786011411902514
   Coding: 181100

   Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 561 919 204 B HW: 561 919 204 B
   Component: Analoguhr 008 0004

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 52: Door Elect, Pass. (J387) Labels:| 3C0-959-70X-GEN4.clb
   Part No SW: 561 959 702 HW: 3C0 959 792 B
   Component: TUER-SG BT 002 0525
   Revision: 15110009 Serial number: 0008921598
   Coding: 0404B4
   Shop #: WSC 09003 957 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_TSGBPQ25BRFVW46X A04001
   ROD: EV_TSGBPQ25BRFVW46X.rod
   VCID: 5CE64B1E16AB126A633-8008

   Slave Passenger:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 561 959 812 B HW: 561 959 812 B Labels: 1K0-959-70X-GEN4.CLB
   Component: J389__TSG_HR 006 5470
   Serial number: 14102631140930123210
   Coding: 800000

1 Fault Found:
131584 - Motor for Rear Window Regulator
          B11EE 54 [00001000] - Missing Calibration / Basic Setting
          Intermittent - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Priority: 7
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 44
                    Mileage: 251949 km
                    Date: 2025.01.04.
                    Time: 00:36:13


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 56: Radio
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 75: Telematics
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 77: Telephone (J412) Labels:| 5N0-035-729.clb
   Part No SW: 5N0 035 729 E HW: 5N0 035 729 E
   Component: TELEFON H07 0593
   Revision: 1B001001 Serial number: 00007666552062 Dataset Number: 5N0035729E 0001
   Coding: 0000000000000000
   Shop #: WSC 36135 005 1048576
   ASAM Dataset: EV_UHVUMI 001007
   ROD: EV_UHVUMI.rod
   VCID: 323AC5A624AFF41A99F-8066

7 Faults Found:
9455635 - Telephone Microphone
          B1048 13 [00001001] - Open Circuit
          Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Priority: 4
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 2
                    Mileage: 251949 km
                    Date: 2025.01.04.
                    Time: 00:36:15

9457427 - Left audio channel for speech/telephone
          B104F 13 [00001001] - Short to GND
          Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Priority: 4
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 4
                    Mileage: 251996 km
                    Date: 2025.01.19.
                    Time: 04:57:55

9457171 - Right audio channel for speech/telephone
          B104E 13 [00001001] - Short to GND
          Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Priority: 4
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 4
                    Mileage: 251996 km
                    Date: 2025.01.19.
                    Time: 04:57:55

9458195 - Control Module for Cellular Telephone
          B1052 13 [00001001] - Open Circuit
          [Bedieneinheit fï¿½r Handyvorbereitung (Drei Tasten Module): Unterbrechung]
          Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Priority: 4
                    Fault Frequency: 2
                    Reset counter: 3
                    Mileage: 251949 km
                    Date: 2025.01.04.
                    Time: 00:36:15

13636608 - Control Module Incorrectly Coded
          U1014 00 [00001001] - -
          Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Priority: 4
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 2
                    Mileage: 251949 km
                    Date: 2025.01.04.
                    Time: 00:36:15

0022 - Radio
          U1066 00 [00001001] - No Communication
          [Steuergerï¿½t Radio (RNS): kein

Jef · Jan 29, 2025

IDE01059-Air distribution flap: actual value
IDE01060-Air distribution flap: specified value
IDE01063-Status of recirculation air
IDE01094-Air distribution flap: defrost stop (via defog)
IDE02304-Air distribution flap: defrost stop (via upper body outlet)

I don't know what kind of values you should expect to see when the HVAC controls are set to [XYZ]. I would start with documenting those value with defrost on and off.

Maybe we can find some one here on the forum that has the same set up ask them to see if they get matching data.

dak17 · Jan 30, 2025

I really appreciate this info, thank you!

If I figure out how, I will look at those values and post them today.

But I say if I figure out how because I actually don't know where to go to view those values.
I assume it's in the "Select Module" then 08 HVAC. But then do I do to "Adv. Meas. Values" or what selection after HVAC?

Can you please, in a quick way write the steps to view those IDE... values?

Thank you!

dak17 · Jan 30, 2025

So I found how to view these values:

IDE01059-Air distribution flap: actual value
IDE01060-Air distribution flap: specified value
IDE01063-Status of recirculation air
IDE01094-Air distribution flap: defrost stop (via defog)
IDE02304-Air distribution flap: defrost stop (via upper body outlet)

Attached is the video I took, hopefully it is understandable. Here is the link:

I realized after when watching the video that the "Air distribution flap: actual value" and the "Air distribution flap: specified value" never were the same and the actual value seemed to not be acting normal.

Also that the air was much colder coming out of the passenger face vent than it was compared to all the other vents (but I actually didn't check the passenger foot vent so I don't know if it was colder too)

I also observed that the air flow was always on the feet except for a specific selection when it was on the face then when moved out of that selection it went back to the floor. And while blowing on the floor there was still a little bit of air coming out of both side face vents.

that is the info I have. Hopefully it is useful for someone to give me some advice on what is the problem.

Dr Sheldon · Feb 2, 2025

dak17 said:
Hopefully it is useful for someone to give me some advice on what is the problem.

Problem with HVAC is that the components are hidden !! It really is frustrating and seems un testable and un fixable!!

You will likely wish me hate for my next comment to you - I will make the comment anyway !!

Get the Remove Refit procedure from >>Erwin<<

Front Seats out, Centre Console out, remove the entire Dash, it is 90 minutes work, expose the Heater box and then do your diagnosis and fix. It will be quicker in the long run.

dak17 · Feb 2, 2025

Can the dash still have electrical power when it's removed?
That procedure probably tells me but I don't have it yet so that's why I'm inquiring.

NSDON · Feb 8, 2025

I had a 2015 TDI Passat NMS with Climatronic. Gone now, did not have VCDS when I owned it, so can’t help there.

A very common problem on these Passats was a clogged heater core, it causes hot air on one side, cold on the other- I’d speculate it could cause your defroster issues. You may need a new heater core, unless you find blend doors or actuators that fail. I had all of the above on my 2015, plus then the water pump failed.

dak17 · Feb 9, 2025

So this weekend I took the time to remove the dash and I replaced The air distributor door motor v428 (see picture below) and it fixed the low air flow problem thankfully; but, because of the limited time I had to do the job, I didn't think of checking to see if the passenger air was still colder than the driver side so that might be the heater core starting to clog as I have heard...

But for anyone having to do this job, it wasn't that bad. To remove the dash is reasonable. The whole job took me around 2 or 3 hours.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and input!

Dr Sheldon · Feb 9, 2025

dak17 said:
it wasn't that bad. To remove the dash is reasonable.

The thought of pulling the dash out is far more traumatic than the job it self !!

Once you get stuck in it can be a pleasure !!

NSDON · Feb 9, 2025

You may have the pleasure again, that may be the best way to replace the heater core.

dak17 · Feb 9, 2025

Lol, thank you for that encouragement.

But if the heater core is starting to clogg, causing uneven heating, can I not just flush it? Or is replacing the only option? I seem to always hear people replacing VW heater cores, I haven't heard anybody talking about flushing them yet... But I haven't specifically searched for that yet (but that is next on my list).
But why is that is the case, if it's so?

NSDON · Feb 9, 2025

Haven’t heard of a flush of a VW tdi heater core, they have metal and plastic lines, not rubber hoses. The heater core in mine was inside the cabin, up behind the radio. To flush a heater core , you need to isolate the in and out heater core connections, you don’t want to use a harsh cleaner in the entire cooling system.

I also have a 2013 Honda CRV, Honda put out a tsb on flushing just the heater core in it, heater core outside the firewall, has a rubber hose in and another out, easy to do a separate flush of just the core. They used CLR and pumped it through the core for quite a while, I had to do it on mine, it worked great and fixed the problem. If you can figure how to do that on a VW, do it. The theory I’ve read is the tdi regens cook the coolant creating sludge.

NSDON · Feb 9, 2025

BTW, I dislike the Honda, my first and last.

2015 Passat TDI, HVAC issues.

dak17

Verified VCDS User

Jef

Ross-Tech Employee

dak17

Verified VCDS User

dak17

Verified VCDS User

Dr Sheldon

Verified VCDS User

dak17

Verified VCDS User

NSDON

Verified VCDS User

dak17

Verified VCDS User

Dr Sheldon

Verified VCDS User

NSDON

Verified VCDS User

dak17

Verified VCDS User

NSDON

Verified VCDS User

NSDON

Verified VCDS User