Where is the Passat Air Conditioning Relay Located?
3 Answers
The air conditioning relay for the Volkswagen Passat is located in the fuse box within the engine compartment of the vehicle. Below are the specific details for the 2021 Passat model: 1. Exterior: The Passat primarily features adjustments to the bumper, adopting the same style as the Passat New Energy version. 2. Interior: As a mid-cycle refresh model, the 2021 Passat comes standard with front dual airbags, front side airbags, front and rear head air curtains, EPB, auto hold, ESP, and various other equipment to ensure vehicle safety. 3. Powertrain: The Passat continues to offer three powertrain options: 1.4T and two variants of 2.0T with different power outputs. The 1.4T version delivers 110kW (150Ps) and 250N·m of torque, paired with a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission. The 2.0T low-power version produces 137kW (186Ps) and 320N·m of torque, while the high-power version delivers 162kW (220Ps) and 350N·m of torque, both matched with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
As a longtime German car owner, I know the Passat inside out! The AC relay is usually hidden in the fuse box. There's a cover near the driver's left knee area—just pry it open to see rows of fuses and relays. Which one is it? Check the diagram printed on the back of the cover; the one marked with a little fan symbol is your target. When I checked mine, I found that in newer Passat models, it might be tucked behind a side panel on the dashboard, which requires gently prying open with a flathead screwdriver. But remember—always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working! A slight click when removing or inserting the relay is normal. If you're unsure about the model, just swap in a spare relay of the same spec to test it.
I just researched this issue when helping my brother fix the AC on his 2008 Passat. The relays are usually located in the hidden compartment below the steering wheel - crouch down and look up to see a plastic cover. After prying it open, you'll find a cluster of black square relays about the size of matchboxes. The AC compressor relay is typically labeled R13 or R9, though positions may vary by model year. I recommend checking the manual for the circuit diagram first. If unavailable, test each relay of the same model one by one. Pay special attention to any oxidized/greenish terminals - light sanding can fix poor contact. This repair is actually quite simple and much cheaper than dealerships' dashboard removal approach.
