Cooling Fans Staying On

[StefanVXR8]

I’ve noticed on the last couple of trips that the cooling fans are staying on for a short while after switch off on my Wolfsburg.

Temp gauge is halfway at 90c, no errors showing in ODBEleven.

Any ideas?

[Lucas_R]

Is it a diesel? If so, then your diesel particulate filter (DPF) will be trying to regenerate and clear itself out. The engine fans run at full speed while the DPF is going through the regeneration process, and if you turn the engine off while this is happening, the fans will continue to run for 10-15 mins. You can usually smell something and feel extra heat coming off the exhaust too.

Unfortunately there is no sign that the car is going through this procedure (eg no lights or warnings on the dash). You can use an app called VAGDPF which you might be able to use with your OBD11 module to check how full your DPF is and so you know when its full to take the car for a 30min drive to let the DPF do its full regeneration process.

Have a read of this to give you info, paying attention to the Active Regeneration section as this is the one that will apply to 95% of situations: The diesel particulate filter explained | AutoGuru

VAG DPF app on Android to monitor DPF

[StefanVXR8]

Ah, yep, sounds like that could be it then, I did notice a slight difference in smell. Thanks for the info, will take a look.

[Guest001]

Yeah mine used to do that, nothing to worry about , perfectly normal

[StefanVXR8]

Thanks guys. Took it out for a motorway stretch at the weekend and all sorted now.

[Lucas_R]

Thanks guys. Took it out for a motorway stretch at the weekend and all sorted now.

good to hear. a 30+ minute run on the freeway is the best way to let the DPF regen process take place. Might be worth investing the $5-7 dollars in the VAGDPF app so you can check how full your DPF is periodically and so you know when to take it for a freeway run.