Volkswagen Forum - VW Forums for Volkwagen enthusiasts - Left temp flap positioning motor, short circuit to B+

2016 Volkswagen Passat Turbo SE

I have been troubleshooting an issue where drivers side AC is permanently on. The first couple weeks of the issue, heat was permanently on on the driver’s side and full temp control on the passenger side. After a couple of weeks, now the air is only cold on driver side, but temp control is possible on passenger side.

Error Code: “B108C11 Left Temperature Flap Short Circuit to Ground”
Error Code: “B108C12 Left Temperature Flap Short Circuit to B+”
I have a few suspicions of the issue that I would like to share. Can anyone provide some knowledge here, especially if you have seen these codes before?

my suspicions:
1. Flap is stuck, but motor is functional. Without power disconnected, I am unable to rotate the swing arm to open the flap. How do I open the flap without removing the motor? Just remove negative terminal from battery or unplug the motor?
2. Motor is dead caused by stuck flap. I do remember seeing the swing arm making a small motion (definitely not full stroke) a couple weeks ago, but now it does not move at all. How do I confirm the motor is dead without taking it out? Even if the motor is dead, I can replace it and still have a stuck/restrictive flap.
3. I already swapped two temp sensors and it made no difference. Anyway, I did not get a temp sensor error.
4. Any other causes here?

Thank you!
Tom
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