Audi SQ8 Overheating: Fan Motor Failure Alert

Had a similar vehicle overheating issue with my Q7 TDI from 2018. The symptoms matched exactly what you describe, rapid temperature increase and cooling fan not engaging when it should. After some investigation, the workshop found a damaged wiring connector to the electric motor of the cooling fan. The connection had corroded over time, preventing proper fan operation and temperature control. Total repair was 95 Euro for cleaning, repairing the connection, and testing the system. Quick questions to help diagnose further: Have you checked the coolant level? Are there any warning lights on the dashboard? When did you last service the cooling system? Do you notice any coolant leaks under the vehicle? Proper cooling fan operation is crucial to prevent engine damage. Given the similar platform between our vehicles, it could be the same issue. However, since these cars can have various causes for overheating, getting it checked professionally would be wise before any major component fails. The fan clutch and electrical connections should be inspected first, as these are common failure points. Based on my experience with these vehicles, electronic issues often cause cooling problems.

After 125923KM and my latest service two months ago, I can confirm these symptoms started appearing gradually. I checked the coolant level and its normal, no warning lights or visible leaks. The temperature control issues occur mainly in city driving conditions when the electric fan should be working hardest. Your wiring connector suggestion makes sense since I notice the cooling system behaves normally on highway speeds where natural airflow is sufficient. The electric motor theory could explain why the fan stays silent even at high temperatures. Thanks for the feedback about the potential repair cost. Will have the fan assembly and electrical connections inspected as suggested.

Thanks for the additional details. The mileage and driving conditions you describe make the electrical connection theory even more likely. On my Q7, I noticed the engine overheating issues were most pronounced in similar urban driving scenarios where the fan motor should have been running constantly. The fact your coolant level is normal and there are no warning lights points strongly toward an electrical fan issue rather than a more serious cooling system problem. Natural airflow cooling the engine at highway speeds but overheating in city traffic is a classic symptom of fan motor malfunction. In my case, the corrosion was not immediately visible until the technician removed the connector housing. The salt and moisture accumulation over time had gradually degraded the connection, leading to intermittent fan operation before complete failure. Since your vehicle has similar mileage to when my issues occurred, and the symptoms match perfectly, I strongly suspect youre dealing with the same vehicle overheating cause. Checking the fan motor connections should be the first diagnostic step. The repair should be relatively straightforward and cost-effective if caught before any engine damage occurs.

Thanks for providing your case, it was really helpful. The symptoms match mine exactly, and I feel more confident now about the likely cause being the fan motor electrical connections rather than a major cooling system problem. Since my vehicle just passed 125000KM and I am seeing identical behavior with the overheating mainly during city driving, I will definitely have the electric fan connections checked first. The fact that your repair was relatively inexpensive at 95 Euro is reassuring. I have already scheduled an appointment to have the fan motor assembly and wiring inspected next week. Will make sure they specifically check the connector housing for corrosion since that was the culprit in your case. The temperature issues during slow driving while having normal coolant levels and no warning lights does point strongly to an electrical fan problem. Your experience helped me avoid potentially more expensive diagnostic work by pointing directly to the most likely cause. Will update the thread once I get it fixed in case others run into similar vehicle overheating problems.