3.0 TDI Second Fan Keeps Running
 

I have a 2011 3.0 TDI where the secondary engine fan starts running just after the doors are unlocked and also stays on when it should not be running.

My Audi dealer says they need to spend 3 hours checking the wiring to the fan at a fair cost to me, while an Audi specialist tells me that's pointless as it needs a new fan, which he can even just plug on before fitting to see if it cures the problem.

Has anyone else had experience of this problem? My dealer says they have not come across this on an A8, but reading forums I see fan issues seem to be endemic to certain models in the Audi range.

My car is out of warranty due to Audi's miserable mileage limit, so I'm keen to avoid pointless and unnecessary expense.

The two fans have the same part number but for the last lette

r and I did consider just swapping the plugs around to see if the problem moves to the other fan or continues on fan 2 whatever plug is there, but I'm slightly concerned that this might do some damage. Any advice on that would be appreciated.

How loud is this fan? My car has a very quiet fan noise when I unlock it - and it only has a few hundred miles so I assume it's normal.

This is as loud as Top Gear's hovervan. It's fan number 2 that keeps on running. Audi have agreed to investigate the cause FOC, so I'll report back on the result. From what I've read I suspect this is typical Audi problem with the control unit built into the fan beginning to play up. They're not cheap.

Now Fixed
 

I'm glad to say that Audi UK fixed this under goodwill. It turned out that it needed a new wiring loom between the fan and another control unit (engine I think) due to a break in the wiring.

It is time that Audi caught up with other prestige manufacturers and made their warranties 3yrs unlimited mileage so that getting anything fixed after 60k miles does not involve argument.

Glad to hear you got this resolved. Due to this post I've been extra observant when I unlock my car in the garage. I've noticed that the LED headlights have fans in them, and I was curious if this is what you were referring to. I see now that the noise you described was significantly different.

4.2tdi Radiator Fan On constant
 

Hi There

I have exactly the same problem with my 2011 4.2TDI. However, I am less than confident they will gesture goodwill on mine because of high mileage. I am keen to fix this myself quickly because as you stated it is like the Top Gear hover van and driving me insane.
Do you know for sure that they did not replace the fan or control module?
You stated fan no 2 , was this the one on left if you are facing engine?

Hi There

I have exactly the same problem with my 2011 4.2TDI. However, I am less than confident they will gesture goodwill on mine because of high mileage. I am keen to fix this myself quickly because as you stated it is like the Top Gear hover van and driving me insane.
Do you know for sure that they did not replace the fan or control module?
You stated fan no 2 , was this the one on left if you are facing engine?

im having the same problem, was it the wires from the fan motor to the plug, or the plug to like the engine