Climatronic fault & noise from behind glove box

[k818dn4]

Hi

I've got a PASSAT 1999 1.8 SE right hand drive and the Climatronic system has stopped working :-

1. Start engine - Climatronic display flashes for approx 15sec then returns to normal
2. Clicking noise comes from behind the glove box.
3. There is no air movement, i.e. fan not working.
4. When driving car clicking noise disappears.
5. Stopping car clicking noise reappears.

Changing setting on Climatronic panel:-

1, Increase\decrease fan speed - nothing happens
2. Select Auto, ECON - nothing happens (although there is actuator noise from behind the dash)
3. Select Recirculate - hear actuator noise closing flaps.
4. Select external air - hear actuator noise opening flaps.

Can anyone tell me the best way to determine what has failed before resorting to main dealer.

Darren

[MalcQV]

Sounds like this is an issue for the main dealer. Could be something as simple as a connection, but then maybe not. Without a "Haynes Manual " or something along those lines which nobody ever has now, you are not going to have much luck.

I have just bought a 2003 2.0S with the Climatronic and having never owned a German car let alone a VW before, I bought it form a main dealer with a 12 months warranty. I always said every car I buy must have A/C, my last car a 96 Accord did but it never really worked. Now I am at the other extreme with climate control . If I have problems I hope it is in the first 12 months!

Good luck.

[Gaz the Cab]

It sounds like the fan has packed in to me:-
http://www.tyresmoke.net/ubbthreads/...rue#Post943855
I'm sure there was a write up on replacing/repairing the fan somewhere on that forum, do a search and you'll likely find more info.

[Huweth]

I reckon the bushes in the blower motor may have failed. I recall reading somewhere about removing the glovebox (not too difficult) and taking out the motor (a bit fiddly, but not too bad). If it is the bushes, some people have fashioned new ones from old drills etc... Apparently you can't buy the exact new bushes to replace old ones. A new/second hand motor is probably the easiest fix. I think I read about this at TDIclub.com. Search there and let us know what you do to sort it...

[k818dn4]

Hi

Thanks for the reply.

Been to the scrap yard today and got a second hand climatronic control unit, and have been fiddling around with the car.

So, I found that the clicking noise is actually the actuator driving the re-circulating flap, i.e. when I press the re-circulate button to re-cycle internal cabin air the clicking noise stops and when I select external air the clicking noise starts again! I have taken the glove box apart and cannot see how to get access to the actuator controlling the flap - Anyone got any ideas?

With respect to the climate control. Well with both climatronic units:

1. When I switch the ignition on then LCD display flashes for approx 10-15sec then returns to normal display.
2. If I adjust the controls to LO the fan starts and air is pumped into the car. I can select Econ or Auto and the system continues to run. However, I do not know why the Climatronic display flashes when first switched on!!!

So I guess this rules out the climatronic unit and fan. I understand there are a number on sensors but how do I work out if any of them are faulty.

Anyone got any ideas. Guess I'm looking at a fault sensors or just a simple re-gas!

Darren

[Bryce]

Hi there,

I too have this clicking sound from behind the glove box, only noticable at low revs to be honest. But my climate control works really well.

Did you ever solve the problem, sounds silly but noises like that annoy the hell out of me!

Cheers,

Bryce.

[adamss24]

Hi

Thanks for the reply.

Been to the scrap yard today and got a second hand climatronic control unit, and have been fiddling around with the car.

So, I found that the clicking noise is actually the actuator driving the re-circulating flap, i.e. when I press the re-circulate button to re-cycle internal cabin air the clicking noise stops and when I select external air the clicking noise starts again! I have taken the glove box apart and cannot see how to get access to the actuator controlling the flap - Anyone got any ideas?

With respect to the climate control. Well with both climatronic units:

1. When I switch the ignition on then LCD display flashes for approx 10-15sec then returns to normal display.
2. If I adjust the controls to LO the fan starts and air is pumped into the car. I can select Econ or Auto and the system continues to run. However, I do not know why the Climatronic display flashes when first switched on!!!

So I guess this rules out the climatronic unit and fan. I understand there are a number on sensors but how do I work out if any of them are faulty.

Anyone got any ideas. Guess I'm looking at a fault sensors or just a simple re-gas!

Darren

Check if both fans come on when/shortly after you turn the AC(full power). It may be a faulty fan control module ...if you can scan your car for fault codes i would be able to tell more perhaps. Another thing to check would be the multifunction coolant temperature sensor, check for coroded or brocken terminals/ wires. Throw some silicone grease inside while you there. Also another thing gone wrong may be the high pressure sensor. It tcuts power to the compressor clutch.