Volkswagen Jetta radiator fan remains on after engine shutdown, causing battery drain on Volkswagen Jetta

Submitted by 2009 Jetta · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Volkswagen Jetta owners report experiencing issues with the radiator fan remaining on after the engine is shut down, which can lead to battery drain. This situation may arise due to a faulty temperature sensor, relay, or cooling fan control module. In some cases, a malfunctioning fan relay stuck in the "on" position could be the culprit. Additionally, low coolant levels or a defective temperature sensor may cause the fan to run unnecessarily, contributing to battery drain. While the after-running of the cooling fans is an intentional feature designed to prevent excessive engine compartment temperatures and can last up to 16 minutes post-shutdown, owners are advised to check the relevant components for faults and ensure proper coolant levels to mitigate this issue.

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