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mariodunkel4

Atlas HVAC Blower Failure Repair Cost Guide

My HVAC system stopped working completely, the heater fan wont spin at any speed setting. The error code reader confirms there is a stored fault related to the blower. After getting ripped off at my last mechanic visit, I want to make sure I know what to expect before taking it in again. Has anyone experienced this with their 2020 Atlas (147661km, gas engine)? What was the fix and roughly what did it cost to repair?

4 comment(s)

liamlion30

Had the same issue with a 2017 VW Tiguan. The cabin fan completely stopped working across all fan speed controller settings. The electrical wiring connection to the blower motor had deteriorated, causing inconsistent air flow and eventually complete failure. The repair involved replacing both the blower motor and the fan speed controller module. The wiring harness also needed attention due to heat damage near the connector. This was not a quick fix, the entire dashboard needed partial disassembly to access the components affecting air circulation. This is considered a moderate to serious repair since the HVAC system is tied to essential functions like defrosting and cabin ventilation. Without proper air circulation, driving becomes unsafe in cold or humid conditions. Common symptoms before total failure include: Inconsistent fan speeds, Unusual noises when adjusting fan settings, Burning smell from the dashboard, Multiple speed settings resulting in same air output The blower motor failure is a known issue in several VW models from that generation. Getting it fixed at a certified shop is important since improper installation can lead to electrical issues with other dashboard components.

mariodunkel4 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your Tiguan experience. My Atlas had a nearly identical cabin fan issue a few months back. Started with weird clicking noises when changing fan speeds, then total climate control failure. Turned out the blower motor itself was fine, but the fan speed controller had burned out. The repair was simpler than yours since they didnt need to replace the motor or touch any wiring. Air conditioning and heat both work perfectly now with normal air flow at all settings. How has your HVAC system been working since the repair? Would be good to know what the total cost was for your more extensive fix, just to have a reference point. In these VWs, seems like once the blower components are replaced properly, the problem rarely comes back.

liamlion30

Thanks for asking about the repair outcome. Since getting the blower motor replaced, the HVAC system has been working flawlessly with perfect air circulation at every setting. The cabin fan responds immediately to all speed controller adjustments, no more hesitation or strange noises. The total repair came to 365€, which included replacing the defective blower motor and all associated electrical wiring work. While it was more extensive than your fan speed controller replacement, having a certified shop handle the repair was worth it. The air flow is actually better than when the car was new. Its been 8 months since the fix and the entire HVAC system continues to perform perfectly. No issues with inconsistent speeds or circulation problems. These VW blower units are indeed quite reliable once properly replaced with quality parts.

mariodunkel4 (Author)

I finally bit the bullet and took my Atlas to the shop last week. Glad I did because the electrical wiring issue was more serious than expected. The mechanic found the fan speed controller had not only failed but was showing signs of heat damage that could have affected nearby components. The repair took about 3 hours. They replaced the controller unit and checked all surrounding air conditioning connections to ensure proper air flow. Total cost came to 280€, definitely more reasonable than what I feared after reading about more extensive repairs. Now the HVAC system works perfectly. The cabin fan responds instantly to speed changes and the air circulation is noticeably better than before. No more weird noises or inconsistent operation. Its a relief having proper climate control again, especially since winter is approaching. Next time I notice any issues with fan speed or air flow, I wont wait so long to get it checked. Lesson learned about preventive maintenance, its usually cheaper than waiting for complete failure.

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