Re: re defroster

[Andrew Duane USG/PE <duane@zk3.dec.com>]

Hairy green toads from Mars made Michael Benno say:

> It seems as if my rear defroster is not working as well as it used to. It
> doesn't burn off the inside frost anymore and general defrosting takes
> longer. Is there anything I can do to improve the performance? Like clean
> the connectors, change a relay, check the actual volage getting to the
> unit.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Audi electricals....

They decided not to use a relay for this; all of the defrost current
goes through the switch itself. This can cause all sorts of long-term
problems. Mine died last year. I just replaced the switch, because it
was only about $40.

If you want to try to clean it up, it pops out of the dash. First pry
off the faceplate, then get underneath the switch itself. It may take
a bit of work, but it will snap out.

Then, on the "bottom" of the switch are some locking tabs. Pry them
up and the case slides off the switch exposing the contacts. Grab
some sandpaper, emery cloth, or steel wool and have at it.


> BTW: It hasn't been abused, left on for extended periods of time (more than
> 3 hours).

I wish I coult convince Angela to turn hers off. She leaves it on
more than 80% of the time....

-- 

Andrew L. Duane (JOT-7)			duane@zk3.dec.com
Digital Equipment Corporation		(603)-881-1294
110 Spit Brook Road
M/S ZKO3-3/U14
Nashua, NH    03062-2698

Only my cat shares my opinions, and she's too heavy to care.