Unexplained noise

[cristina McLean]

Hi!
We have a 2012 California. For about 2 years we have had a fan-like noise from near the driver’s door that starts when unlocking with the fob. Also when the car is unlocked and any door is opened. It has once happened when an opened door was shut!
We have found that it almost always stops after a significant drive, and it usually stops after running the engine for about 15 minutes, though not always. In fact, the noise can even continue for a whole night. It also seems to happen more frequently in cold weather.
We don’t think that it is caused by the ventilator fan as no air comes out of the vents.
We have taken it to our local VW van specialist garage at least twice. Of course, the noise has never started when they have had it, even overnight! They can’t think of any reason why it should happen either.
Does anyone have or has had this problem? Any comments would be very welcome.
Thanks!

 

[Hawthorn37]

If it’s a whirring noise, it could be the diesel pump priming. We get this each time we unlock our van. If so, this is normal.

 

[Nik_campervan]

Engine coolant heater is meant to only run with engine running and ambient below 4c, the control boards suffer from damp with age and can play up. Heater is mounted under van beneath pass seat on uk spec vehicle.