VW Amarok Heating Failure: Common Valve Problem Fix

Having some experience with car heating systems, I dealt with a similar issue on my 2014 VW Tiguan. The symptoms were nearly identical, poor cabin heating despite normal engine coolant temperature readings. After inspection, the workshop found the heater core valve had a faulty electrical connection. The plug that controls the valve movement was damaged, preventing proper regulation of coolant flow through the heater core. The repair involved: 1. Diagnostic testing to confirm the valve connectivity issue 2. Removing the old damaged connector 3. Installing a new wiring harness for the heater core valve 4. Testing the system to ensure proper operation Total cost was 95€, which included parts and labor. The heating worked perfectly after the fix. To better assist with your situation, could you provide: Current mileage, Whether the heat is completely absent or just reduced, If the issue started suddenly or developed gradually, Any unusual sounds from the heating system, Whether the problem occurs at idle or while driving This information would help determine if your Amarok is experiencing the same valve connectivity problem or if there might be another cause affecting the car heating system.

Last service was 3 months ago at 23212km and while investigating my cooling system issue, I discovered something interesting. After monitoring the engine temperature more closely, I noticed the cooling system behaves differently when the engine is cold versus fully warmed up. The water valve seems to operate intermittently, which matches what you described about the electrical connection problems. The car heating output varies, sometimes it works fine for a few minutes, then suddenly drops to almost nothing. No unusual sounds from the heating system noted. Based on your repair experience, this does sound very similar to my situation. A 95€ fix would be manageable if it solves the problem. I will have the valve connectivity checked first before exploring other potential causes of engine overheating or heating system failure. Would you recommend checking if the coolant level is optimal before taking it to a workshop? Want to rule out simple fixes before investing in repairs.

Thanks for providing those details. The symptoms you describe with the intermittent heating output strongly suggest a failing water valve control system, just like I experienced with my Tiguan. Before heading to the workshop, definitely check the coolant level in the cooling system reservoir. While a low coolant level can cause poor heating, the intermittent nature of your problem points more toward an electrical valve issue. When I had this problem, the coolant level was perfect, but the water valve still misbehaved due to the faulty connection. One quick test you can try: When the heating drops, try varying your engine RPMs slightly. In my case, the heating would sometimes temporarily improve with higher RPMs, which helped confirm the automotive valve control issue rather than a coolant leak or blockage. A proper diagnosis shouldnt cost much, my workshop charged 30€ for the initial check. Since your symptoms match my experience so closely, you might be looking at a similar 95€ total repair cost, assuming its the same valve connectivity problem. Just ensure the workshop specifically checks the water valve electrical connection, as some might jump straight to replacing more expensive components of the cooling system without verifying the simpler fixes first.

Thanks for the detailed response and suggestions. I checked the coolant level as recommended and its showing normal. Did the RPM test you mentioned, exactly as you described, the heating improved slightly at higher RPMs. This really seems to confirm the water valve control issue. I called a workshop and booked the car in for next week. They quoted 35€ for diagnostics which sounds reasonable compared to what you paid. Made sure to mention the specific symptoms and possible valve connectivity problem so they know where to start looking. If the repair cost ends up around 95€ like in your case, that would be a relief. Was worried it might be a more serious heater core issue which would have been much more expensive to fix. Will update once I get the car checked and find out if its indeed the same cooling system problem you experienced with your vehicle. One last question, after your repair, did the heating work consistently or did you need any follow-up adjustments to the valve? Want to know what to expect once its fixed.