Why does the Passat's fan keep running after the engine is turned off?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why the front fan continues to run after the car is turned off: 1. The fan in the car serves a cooling function. Therefore, if the coolant temperature is too high after parking, the vehicle's computer will automatically calculate the fan speed and duration. The higher the temperature, the longer the fan will run to protect the engine. This is a normal phenomenon and nothing to worry about. 2. If the fan runs for an excessively long time and the engine temperature has already dropped, but the fan still keeps running, it might be due to a loose electrical connection. You can try disconnecting the fan wiring harness and cutting off the power separately. 3. If the fan runs continuously, it could also be caused by a faulty coolant temperature sensor or a stuck fan relay contact. In this case, simply visit a repair shop to replace the faulty component.
It's quite normal for my Passat's fan to keep running after the engine is turned off, especially after hot weather or long-distance driving. The engine is off, but the temperature inside is still high, so the fan continues to work for a while to dissipate heat and protect the engine. If it stops after a few minutes, there's no major issue. However, if the fan keeps running for a long time, say more than ten minutes, it might indicate a fault. You should check if the fan relay or temperature sensor is broken. A drained battery could also prevent the car from starting. Regular maintenance should focus on the cooling system, and a quick inspection of the fan area during each car wash is advisable. If the problem persists, it's best to visit a repair shop for a professional diagnostic check.
