Hi. My digital display only goes up to no.6 for the fan speed, even on windscreen demist. Is this right? It doesn't seem enough. In my old Allroad (2015 plate) the air would take your hat off, but in the new incarnation its like a mild breeze, and takes ages to clear the screen.

Any advice? I have approached Audi locally, but the (very young) lad on the service desk didn't know any more than me. He did suggest I book it in for a day, but I'm not doing that until i know its faulty.

TIA

Car probably needs scanned with VCDS. Could be a number of things - but air con system uses a series of electric motor modules to adjust vents. If one breaks, either electrically or mechanically, then it can reduce airflow, etc. Worth checking air-con while you're at it.

Edited November 26, 2025Nov 26 by spartacus 68

Thanks for that: I've never heard of VCDS but I looked it up and you're probably right.

Should the speed indicator go beyond 6 though? I'm sure my old one did.

OK, so I just watched a video on using VCDS: I think that's way beyond me. I need to go back to Audi.

 

Thanks again.

Can I ask , does it blow powerful via the face vents, when set purely in that direction ?   

 

Things to possibly check.  It's not set to auto or recirculating air . 

 

I'll count my dashes later this morning. 2024 sq5. 

Edited November 27, 2025Nov 27 by Audisq524

It seems to blow reasonably well through the side vents, but pressing the windscreen demist button makes very little difference, and only for a short while before the fan audibly fades back. Still a max setting of 6, on any configuration.

Edited November 27, 2025Nov 27 by Stevie Smith
spelling

11 minutes ago, Stevie Smith said:

It seems to blow reasonably well through the side vents, but pressing the windscreen demist button makes very little difference, and only for a short while before the fan audibly fades back. Still a max setting of 6, on any configuration.

Ok. My fan doesn't fade out at all when on demist .  It might dwell slightly for maybe 10 seconds untill it sorts out the flaps , then it's blowing a gale tbh.  I remember seeing the dashes on the display and it's around 6 , possibly 7. 

Edited November 27, 2025Nov 27 by Audisq524

Here ya go. 

5 hours ago, Stevie Smith said:

OK, so I just watched a video on using VCDS: I think that's way beyond me. I need to go back to Audi.

 

Thanks again.

If you go to Audi main dealer you're looking at a minimum of £180 and that's just to scan the car. If upu have a trusted independent, that would be the way to go. Some of the modules If faulty are accessible under glove box, with it out obviously. VCDS will run a scan and identify. The motors themselves can be quite expensive, plus labour of course. If you're normally DIY for this sort of thing, have a go. VCDS starts around £225 but you'll need a laptop to run it on. You get updates for life.

Thanks again.

I will approach my local independent and see what he says: if there is a fault then Audi can sort under warranty, if there isn't then I will save the cost of asking them to check. I suspect I am the wrong generation to start messing with the computers than run cars these days.

i appreciate your advice, and if I get an answer, I will let you know what it is.

TBH I haven't been to the local guy as the demist is working, and clearing the screen, albeit with less drama than in my old 65 plate A6. I guess that's progress.

I found the same thing with my Ford Granada twenty years ago. The heater fan was powerful enough to use as a hair drier after we had been swimming. Every car since then has had a weaker fan, probably to make manufacturing and running costs cheaper. They are adequate for their intended purposes but not in the same league as the Granada.