Rough Cold Starts on Audi A1: PTC Heater Issues Ahead

Had similar issues with a 2016 Audi A3 1.4 TFSI. The PTC heater failure caused rough cold starts and increased fuel consumption. The electrical fault triggered warning lights and affected the entire heating system performance. The repair required replacing the auxiliary heater unit and updating the control module. The blower motor was also inspected since these components work together. Main symptoms matched yours, poor performance in cold weather and error codes related to the heating system. This is a significant repair that needs professional diagnosis. The heater repair involves accessing components deep in the dashboard area. A failed PTC heater can cause various issues beyond just heating, it affects engine warm-up time and efficiency. In my case, the problem was caught early before it could damage other electrical components. The complete fix included: PTC heater element replacement, Control module reprogramming, Full system diagnostic scan, Testing all heating system functions Would recommend getting it checked soon, as continuing to drive with a faulty auxiliary heater can lead to increased engine wear and electrical system stress.

Thanks for your detailed explanation about the PTC heater repair. My Audi A1 shows the exact same symptoms, engine running rough and higher fuel usage during cold starts. The cold air issue is really noticeable in the morning. Glad you mentioned checking the blower motor too since my temperature control seems a bit inconsistent lately. Going to schedule a shop visit this week to avoid any additional problems with the heating system. Just wondering, do you remember the total cost for your repair? Also, has everything worked properly since the fix? Want to get an idea what to expect for my budget.

Since getting the Electric auxiliary heater fixed last month, the temperature control system has worked flawlessly. The repair cost 350 Euro total, which included replacing the faulty PTC heater element and updating the control module. The heating system now responds perfectly during cold starts, and fuel consumption returned to normal levels. No more rough engine running or warning lights. The investment was worth it since proper temperature control is crucial for engine performance and comfort. The blower motor check was included in the diagnostic, but it turned out to be working fine, the inconsistent heating was solely due to the failed PTC heater. After running system tests, the mechanic confirmed all heating elements were functioning correctly. If your symptoms match what I experienced, you are making the right call getting it checked now. The repair should resolve both the engine performance and heating issues you are experiencing.

I took it to the mechanic yesterday based on the helpful advice here. The diagnosis confirmed a faulty PTC heater causing my cold start issues. The repair cost came to 380 Euro, slightly more than expected due to some additional electrical fault testing they had to perform. The HVAC system is now working perfectly, no more cold starts or temperature control problems. The blower motor was tested and thankfully did not need replacement. Fuel consumption has already noticeably improved after just one day. The heating system repair took about 4 hours total. They had to remove several dashboard components to access the heater unit, but everything was put back together properly. The mechanic also performed a full system check to ensure no other electrical issues were present. Really glad I got this fixed before winter. The engine runs smooth now even during cold morning starts, and the cabin heats up much faster than before.