Heater problem 2018 A5 Sportback

[AndyW60]

My heater has stopped working. Car is currently at an Audi specialist - they have diagnosed a known software problem which has possibly damaged, or stopped working one of 7 fans behind the dash - they tell me it’s like a Christmas tree light thing - one stops working and that stops them all working. I’ve had to purchase an Audi software download (£260) so that they can fix/diagnose the problem further. They tell me if one (or all) of the fans need replacing they are £260 each. If a fan is on the passenger side they are easy to get to - if on the drivers side the whole dash has to come out. The garage was supposed to get back to me to give me an update this afternoon but haven’t. I’m pulling my hair out and worried sick - this potentially could cost thousands. Has anyone else had a similar issue. 

[Steve Q]

My concern here is why ha e you had to pay for the Audi software. Surely as an Audi specialist they should have this already, or make the investment voluntarily. Technically you've invested in the business as they can use that software on other cars too. 

[AndyW60]

Yes that was my thought too and I will challenge them on it but I was so shocked and taken aback on what I was being told about the potential cost I didn’t immediately cotton on.  Basically what he told me though is that Audi treat it as though you are buying a part - sounds like an easy way to make money out of something that isn’t tangible.  I’d have thought if Audi know they have a software issue that can potentially cause serious problems then it should be the subject of a recall.

[Steve Q]

Please keep us posted on how you get on 

[AndyW60]

Will do Steve

[AndyW60]

Well not the best news this morning. Apparently there are 12 server motors that work the flaps on the air vents.  These are known by Audi to be a poor part that fails and they now use a different motor. The software I mentioned yesterday is an update for the vehicle, not diagnostics, hence why I have to pay for it.  They have now done the software update but there is a problem with the settings so it’s going to have to be run again. However, what they do know for sure is that at least 2 motors have failed behind the heater box so they will have to be changed at £261 + vat + labour.  Audi recommend that when 1 fails all 12 should be replaced which means dash out and many hours of work - the Specialist is not recommending that at this point.  Fingers crossed when the software runs again it still finds only the 2 fans actually need replacing (apparently these can be accessed by taking glove box off and a panel near foot pedals).  My estimated bill is currently £1350 subject to nothing else being found. I find I staggering that a manufacturer like Audi have allowed the use of clearly substandard parts - car has only done 36k, has been well cared for and is not really that old.  As soon as job is done it will be sold.

[Steve Q]

Well at least that answers the software question. Hopefully it's the easily accessible ones that they've mentioned. Unfortunately it doesn't surprise me and all manufacturers are like this other than Toyota, lexus and honda. 

The German, french, Italian brands plus ford and vauxhall have cottoned on to the fact they can earn more money from parts than the vehicles themselves.