Audi A3 Fans Burning Smell

[Hellssbellss]

Hi, I have a 2014 Audi A3 SLine 2.0l TDI Sportback. When I start the engine on a cold morning and use the fans to de-mist the windscreen, after a few minutes there is an awful burning smell coming from the fans themselves. I noticed today the smell is only coming from the fan on the left next to the passenger door, and the left of the two middle ones. It was in the garage last week and the mechanic changed the air filter, checked the fan motor and said it looked fine. Any ideas? It’s been doing it for ages but only seems to be when the engine is cold. Thanks

Edited by Hellssbellss on Wednesday 6th November 12:10

[seyre1972]

Not wanting to worry you - but this on Audi-Sport may be of interest ....

Audi-Sport Wiring Loom

however does seem odd that you are only getting smell down one side of the vents

Edited by seyre1972 on Wednesday 6th November 11:32

[Hellssbellss]

Thanks for your reply. The link doesn’t work. Do you think it’s an electrical/ wiring problem? It’s a really strong burning smell but I’m unsure if it smells like burning rubber or plastic or what! It didn’t do it when the mechanic had a look last week which was annoying. Only seems to be when it’s cold outside, but I could be wrong as I don’t use the fans as much when it’s milder.

[seyre1972]

Link fixed (apologies)

TBH - if it was same/similar issue as in link would expect smell to come form all vents rather than just the left side.

[Hellssbellss]

Thanks for that. Someone I know who works for VW said it might be to do with the DPF (I thought that was in the exhaust?) so I rang a specialist DPF place and he said if it was that the smell would be coming out of all the vents, not just the ones on the left. He advised to ring Audi in case there has been a recall. Rang Audi, no recall for that but there is an outstanding one for some other exhaust issue so it’s going in for that and they’re charging me £69 for a diagnostic to find out what’s causing the burning smell. Oh and £15 for a “courtesy” car.

[Jason jay]

Hi, I'm curious to how you got on with your burning smell issue with your Audi as I have exactly the same problems. Thanks

[Ali_edw]

Hi, same issue with my 2014 Audi A3 Sportback (Sport) 2.0Tdi... any advice on how you resolved this would be much appreciated.

[Hellssbellss]

Audi discovered it was the PTC auxiliary heater. It is based in an awkward place meaning the entire dashboard had to come out so the repairs to get it replaced cost around £400-500 if I remember correctly. It would be interesting if yours has the same fault as this could be a manufacturing issue rather than a rare problem