VW Sharan HVAC Blower Failure, Common Fix Guide

I had a similar issue with my VW Touran 2011 diesel last summer. Having some experience with basic car maintenance, I initially thought it might be a simple fuse problem, but it turned out to be more complex. The cabin fan completely stopped responding, and the air conditioning system became ineffective. After checking the electrical wiring and fuses myself, I took it to a workshop where they diagnosed a defective blower motor. The climate control unit itself was fine, but the motor had burned out. The total repair cost was 365€, which included the new blower motor and labor. The repair took about 2 hours, and the air circulation has worked perfectly since then. To better assist with your specific case, could you provide: Have you noticed any unusual noises from the fan before it stopped working? Did the problem occur suddenly or gradually? Are there any other electrical issues in your vehicle? Have you checked if the fuses are intact? These details would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced with my Touran. Important: a faulty blower motor can impact more than just comfort, proper air circulation helps prevent windshield fogging and maintains optimal cabin temperature, so it should be addressed promptly.

Last service was at 75000km and here is my current situation: I was experiencing strange clicking noises from the fan area for about 2 weeks before complete failure. The fan speed controller seemed to work intermittently at first, then stopped completely. The issue developed gradually rather than a sudden failure. All fuses related to the cabin fan and air conditioning system have been checked and are intact. No other electrical systems show any problems, windows, lights, and dashboard all function normally. The noise seemed more pronounced when changing fan speeds, particularly at higher settings. Sometimes the blower motor would start if I toggled the settings multiple times, but this temporary fix stopped working completely last week.

Thanks for providing those additional details about the symptoms. Based on your description and my experience with the Touran, this sounds exactly like the progressive failure pattern I encountered with my blower motor. The clicking noise when adjusting the fan speed controller is a classic sign of a failing blower motor, and the intermittent operation matches what I experienced before complete failure. In my case, the bearings in the heater fan were wearing out, causing increased resistance and eventually leading to motor burnout. Since you mentioned the noise occurred specifically when changing speeds and the symptoms developed gradually, I am even more convinced you are dealing with a blower motor issue rather than a control module problem. The fact that all other electrical components work properly further supports this diagnosis. For reference, when my air flow issues started, I also tried the multiple fan speed adjustments as a temporary fix, but like in your case, this eventually stopped working. One quick test you can try: with the ignition on, turn the fan to maximum speed and listen carefully near the passenger side footwell. If you hear any slight humming or clicking, this confirms the control module is sending power, but the blower motor is not responding properly. The repair costs and process should be similar to what I experienced. Just ensure the workshop performs a thorough diagnosis before replacing parts.

Thanks for the detailed replies. Based on the symptoms you described and the similarities with your Touran case, I will schedule a repair appointment this week. The clicking noises and gradual failure of the air circulation system in my Sharan match exactly what you experienced with your blower motor. Since my cabin fan shows the same progression, from intermittent operation to complete failure, and the clicking noises occurred specifically when adjusting the fan speed controller, I feel more confident now that it is likely the blower motor rather than the control unit. I performed the test you suggested, turning the fan to maximum with the ignition on, and detected a faint humming sound from the passenger footwell area, which seems to confirm your diagnosis. The 365€ repair cost you mentioned gives me a good reference point for budgeting. I will make sure to request a thorough diagnosis of the air flow system before authorizing any replacements. Having a properly functioning cabin fan is essential, so I will get this addressed before it causes any additional problems.