Re: heater only blows out defrost

[Dale McCormack <profit@mcs.net>]

Southerlin, Russ S wrote:
> 
> I have just purchased a 87 5KTQ and the auto climate control seems to
> act weird. It seems to only blow  primarily out the defrost no matter
> what the setting are on. The Bi-Level setting will blow out the vents
> but little or none get down the the footwells. The manual says
> Bi-Level should blow out the footwells also. If anyone on the Q-list
> has knows a fix, or is this the way it is supposed to be I would
> appreciate it.
> 
> My feet are COLD!!!!

Russ,
My tootsies were chilly too until I replaced the AC programmer.  The
complete failure mode for this unit directs all air to the defroster
vents; partial failure will reduce footwell air flow.  

This black box is located in the passenger footwell (it has lots of
vacuum hoses going to it).  These units are adversely affected by oil
mist (oil affects the solinoid controls) in the vacuum line that
manipulates the blower flaps and originates from the engine.  An inline
filter (fuel filter?) was retroactively installed by Andy at Laurel Audi
(Westmont, IL), but the damage to my programmer had already been done. 
A rebuilt programmer was sold to my by Mountain Automotive Products (800
200 AUTO; no affiliation) for $145.
 
I understand this problem is rather common.

SafetyFast,
Dale