VW Touran Cold Start Issues and PTC Heater Troubles

Had the same problem with a 2009 VW Golf GTI. The cold start issues and rough running were identical symptoms, and it turned out the heating system was failing, specifically the PTC auxiliary heater. The HVAC system inspection revealed the PTC heater had a damaged electrical connection, causing temperature control problems and increased fuel consumption. Cold air kept flowing even when heat was requested, making the engine work harder to compensate. This is actually a serious issue that requires professional attention. The faulty heater repair involved replacing the entire PTC unit since individual components cannot be serviced. When left unaddressed, it can lead to increased engine wear and potential damage to other heating system components. The diagnostic process included: Computer scan for error codes, Testing the auxiliary heater circuit, Checking resistance values, Inspecting wiring connections After replacement, cold starts became smooth again, and fuel consumption returned to normal. The check engine light cleared and stayed off. Worth noting that parts availability can affect repair time, so having a certified shop diagnose it sooner is better than waiting.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the GTI. My Touran had similar problems and the fix worked great. Mind sharing what the total repair cost was in your case? Also curious if youve had any heating or temperature control issues since the PTC heater replacement? Just want to get an idea if I should expect any follow-up repairs with the blower motor or other components.

Thanks for asking about the costs. The electric auxiliary heater repair for my GTI came to 350€ total, which included parts and labor. The blower motor and heating element have been working flawlessly since the HVAC system repair was completed. Going to a certified mechanic was definitely the right choice. The cold air problems disappeared completely after they fixed the faulty PTC heater. The fuel consumption went back to normal levels and cold starts are smooth now. No additional repairs have been needed in the heating system since then. The temperature control works perfectly and the engine runs much better during cold weather. This type of repair typically solves the core issue without requiring follow-up work on related components. The heater repair has proven to be a solid long-term fix. Based on my experience, once the PTC system is properly repaired, you likely wont face similar issues again.

After getting that helpful feedback, I finally took my Touran to a certified VW shop last week. The mechanic confirmed it was indeed the PTC heater causing the cold start issues. The entire repair took about 4 hours and cost 380€, slightly more than what you paid but still reasonable. The cold air problems are completely gone now. The heating system works perfectly and the engine starts smoothly even in cold weather. Fuel consumption has dropped back to normal levels, just as you described. The check engine light cleared right after the repair. Really glad I didnt wait longer, as the mechanic mentioned the faulty heater was starting to affect other HVAC system components. The blower motor was showing early signs of stress from compensating for the temperature control issues. Thanks again for sharing your experience. It gave me the confidence to get this fixed properly instead of trying cheaper alternatives that might have made things worse.