Air conditioning / blower odd problem

[dazza12]

Hi,

I have a Sharan 1.9TDi, 2000 (X) plate which started displaying an odd problem a couple of days ago.

Position 1 and 2 on the blower suddenly stopped working. The aircon light shows when it is selected.

Position 3 and 4 on the blower blow out air, but no aircon light whether it is selected or not.

It's very difficult to hear anything in the engine bay from inside a Sharan, but it sounds like the aircon is working when it is selected in the first two positions, just no blower.

My experience of this on other makes is that either it's all or nothing, so this problem seems a little weird to me.

I'd appreciate any advice that can be offered. As far as I can see, the fuses are ok, but I've not tried replacements.

Many thanks,

Darren.

[aa.grim]

Hi,

You are describing the exact same problem that we are having with out 2001 model 1.8T Comfortline Sharan.

In the positions 1 and 2 we can switch the AC on and off, or at least the light indicator, but the fan is inaudible, possibly not running at all.

In positions 3 and 4 the fan is blowing all right, but then the AC switch is not functioning, so no cold air.

I haven't checked the fuses, but this does not sound like a fuse issue. Things are not looking good for our summer holiday trip.

I am considering taking the panels off to get to the switch somehow. Not quite sure how to proceed, though. This may be yet another electric problem with this car. In fact the wiring to all the doors have problems with broken cables.

This reply comes some time after you post. Perhaps you have had your car diagnosed/fixed by professionals. In that case it would be interesting to hear about it.

Regards,
Alv-Arne

[Stevie Pickard]

13 6 08 November 2000 sharan, 99,000 miles. I have just had the exact same odd problem fan speed 3 air con ligh goes off etc. I've yet to investigate, I am having the air con recharged and the leaking condenser (a common problem I hear) replaced next week so I'll let you know how I get on. stephen.b.pickard@uk.ngrid.com

[dazza12]

I never got this fixed. After speaking to a friend, it sounded like an expensive problem so I ended up spending the summer period sweating...

From another post on here it looks like it's a £20 switch. I'm kicking myself as I considered changing this, followed by varying components in order of cost. However, I imagined myself spending a grand or so before I fixed it so didn't bother

I'm interested to know if anyone did manage to fix this, I'm hoping to visit my VAG dealer later in the week to price up and get hold of this switch, and will hopefully have better air quality in the car (just as it's getting very cold....).

[aa.grim]

Thanks for reminding med to write a status report on this problem.

It was in fact a quite easy fix which involved replacing a resistor:

- Remove the glove compartment. (For me this was the most tricky part until i found out how.)
- Locate a wire connected to something in the ventilation duct. This 'somtehing' is the blower resistor, which is located in the air flow to allow cooling when the resistor is in use.
- Detach the wires and remove (one small screw) the resistor.
- Take resistor to nearest VW dealer to get a replacement.
- Reassemble.

Then everything worked ok and the summer holiday trip was alot cooler then it could have been.

Can't at the moment remember the exact price for the replacement, but £20 should be close.

Regards,
Alv-Arne

[3dogs]

Just by the slam panel under the bonnet you should see a connector block.

I found the same problems were rectified as the connector was loose there....cost me £58 quid at an autoelectricians...and a cable tie.

to prove it switch the aircon onto the mode which isn't working and go under the bonnet and push/wiggle the connector

[Phillsoton]

Darren,

I have just had the same problem occur on my 2002 1.9TDi. Did you resolve the problem? Would be interested to know what fixed it.

Regards

Phill

[zac everett]

MY 2004 TDI is now experiencing the same fan issue. no 1 or 2 just 3 & 4 air con only works on 1 & 2 but the fan is not working.

Is this a switch issue. If so, how do you get to it to replace it? where can i buy another one from?

Cheers for any help, would like to get it fixed before summer.

[Phillsoton]

MY 2004 TDI is now experiencing the same fan issue. no 1 or 2 just 3 & 4 air con only works on 1 & 2 but the fan is not working.

Is this a switch issue. If so, how do you get to it to replace it? where can i buy another one from?

Cheers for any help, would like to get it fixed before summer.

Dear Zac,

I spent a cold hour yesterday fixing the very same problem on my 2002 Sharan TDi Sport.
You be glad to know that it is not the switch. The problem is caused by a failed series resistor that is situated in the air duct to the blower fan.
You will need: 1 resistor unit part nbr 7MO 959263G @ £20.56+VAT (Jan09 cost, this have to be ordered in, takes up to 2 days), one large screwdriver and T20 star key and patience!
The resistor is located behind the glove box. This can removed by opening the glove box a little and using the screw driver to gently prise the glove box hinges, one either side, out of its socket. Then jiggling the glove box to extract the glove box unit from the facia.
There is a spring loaded flap on the top of the glove held in place by three plastic hinges, gently remove this as well.
You will then see the resistor pack back plate with its green connector block (see attachments). Disconnect the cable plug, held in place by two lugs, depress clips and pull out. Undo the single star head self-tap screw then pull out resistor pack.
Fit new unit, screw down, refit cable. Refit glove box, two side prongs first, align hinge pins with hinge sockets and tap back in place knocking with your hand. Refit upper flap, ensuring the runner guides are behind the glove box and the light spring is tensioned at the top. Job done.
Switch on ignition and turn the fan switch, should blow air in all four positions and the air con light shine as normal.

[zac everett]

Phillsoton, thanks for a very comprehensive reply. I will be ordering the given part and giving it a go.



I was a bit worried about removing anything without knowing how to go about it. How did you know how to do it? Is there a repair manual?

Zac