[s-cars] wacko heater

[Stott Hare]

Eric et al,

I had this problem occur with my 89 100q, and replacement was the solution.
I sourced a used controller motor from Chris Semple at www.Force5Auto.com,
and installed that in short order.

The replacement required removal of drip tray and wiper motor/trans to get
access to the heater box in the plenum.  Also needed to remove the metal box
securing strap to get access to the controller motor access cover.  Once the
access cover was removed (a few Philips with a stubby screwdriver), the
motor unplugged and its securing screws removed, I was able to pull the
motor out slightly and rotate it to disengage its actuating arm from the
heater box flap.

Surprisingly, installation was reverse of removal and just as easy.
Replacing it did the trick, heat control returned, and I was once again in
the good graces of the GF (who drives the car almost exclusively).

As a side note, I checked the part numbers and the same part was used up
through a 96 A6 at least, so I'm guessing we're all dealing with the same
beast.  I also attempted a post-mortem on the failed motor.  My assessment
was it wasn't something I'd attempt rebuilding/salvaging for the cost of
it's replacement (and those who know me will attest I fiddle with things far
too much).  Kinda like trying to reman a heater core... just not worth the
effort expended.

HTH,
-S

Stott Hare
85 Callaway 4ktq     89 200q     89 100q


-----Original Message-----
From: quattro-admin at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-admin at audifans.com]On
Behalf Of Eric Billing
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 3:09 PM
To: S-Car-list; Quattro list
Subject: Re: [s-cars] wacko heater


Recent warming of weather here in MN has brought to light that I too have
the dreaded "wacko heater" malady.

My newly acquired urS4's symptoms are identical to those described by Clyde
below. In addition, I also ran the HVAC diagnostics and got the "8.5
Temperature Regulator Flap" message.

My question is... have the folks who have encountered this resorted to
replacement? Have any of you done a remove, check, clean and replace
approach? From the text below, it looks like this may not be all that
difficult a repair job.

Then again, perhaps I'm just feeling quite proud that I've recently changed
out the winter tires to summer.

What do you recommend?

Eric

93 urS4 76K miles -- lots of heat!
93 100csq wagon 105K miles -- well behaved CC


--- In s-car-list at y..., "Clyde Neville" <uccgroup at h...> wrote:
> I assume this is my problem as well because I can put the heat down to 65
> and it still blows strong.  Only when I go down to LO will it blow cool
air.
> It doesn't seem to know how to balance the temps.
>
> Also, has anyone run into this situation when the A/C just comes on then
you
> have the climate control set to auto???
>
> \Clyde - 95 S6
>
>
> >From: "Simoes, Dan" <dsimoes at p...>
> >To: 'Bob Davis' <bobd at l...>, s-car-list at y...
> >Subject: RE: [s-cars] wacko heater
> >Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2001 11:25:30 -0500
> >
> >This motor is replaced under the hood, not behind the dash, as is the
case
> >with the other 2 motors.
> >It looks like my motor is going as well, so everyone else should plan on
> >this repair as well.
> >
> >I'm told it's about $80 and 1-1.5hrs labor.  Still easier than the 2
inside
> >the car, which requires dash removal...
> >