Passat Hybrid Cooling Fan Failure Causing Engine Heat

The symptoms match what I encountered with my 2016 VW Golf GTE hybrid. The radiator fan was operating intermittently due to a faulty wiring connector at the temperature control module. The electric motor for the cooling fan would work sporadically, causing overheating mainly in slow traffic when there was less airflow through the radiator. The issue required removing the front bumper to access the fan clutch assembly and replace the corroded connector. While not a major mechanical problem, leaving it unaddressed risks engine damage from repeated overheating cycles. The electric fan should run consistently when engine temperatures rise above normal operating range. A proper diagnosis should include checking the fan operation, temperature sensor readings, and all electrical connections to the cooling system components. The mechanic should perform a pressure test on the cooling system and verify the fan clutch engagement. These symptoms should not be dismissed as normal, especially in a hybrid system that relies heavily on proper cooling. For hybrid vehicles, maintaining optimal temperature control is crucial since the electric motor generates additional heat. Consider requesting a complete cooling system diagnostic at a shop familiar with hybrid powertrains.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the faulty wiring connector. I had the exact same overheating issue with my VW Passat last summer. The radiator fan was acting up and the vehicle overheating became a real concern. After replacing the fan clutch and electrical connections, my cooling system works perfectly now. Has your car been running fine since the repair? Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was? I want to compare since I have a feeling my shop might have overcharged me for the work. Also curious if you noticed any other electrical gremlins pop up after fixing the fan issue? Sometimes these things can be connected to other problems.

Since getting the electric motor connection fixed at the shop, my Golf GTE has been running flawlessly with no vehicle overheating issues. The cooling system now works exactly as it should, with the fan kicking in reliably whenever needed. The total repair came to 95€, which covered diagnosing and fixing the faulty cable connection to the fan motor. The cooling system has maintained perfect operation for several months now, and I have not experienced any other electrical problems. The fan activates properly in stop-and-go traffic, and the temperature gauge stays firmly in the normal range. This relatively simple fix resolved all the overheating concerns completely. Keep in mind repair costs can vary depending on how difficult access is to the specific component. In my case, they only needed to repair the connection rather than replace the entire fan assembly, which kept the cost down.

Thanks for the input. I finally got my Passat fixed last week after getting tired of the constant engine cooling issues. Took it to a different mechanic who specializes in hybrids. The temperature control module had a damaged connector and there was also a small crack in the radiator fan housing. Total repair came to 280€ including parts and labor. More expensive than expected but the cooling system is working perfectly now. No more overheating even in heavy traffic. The electric fan kicks in exactly when it should and the temperature gauge stays steady. Such a relief not having to worry about the vehicle overheating anymore. Really glad I got a second opinion instead of believing the first mechanic who said everything was fine. No other electrical problems have shown up since the repair. The mechanic did a thorough check of all cooling system components while they had it apart, which gave me good peace of mind.