I just got a 96 A4 and the heater core is bypassed so I assume it's broken/leaking. Got a new one for it but don't know how difficult it is to install. Anyone swap theirs out?

Also, the drivers window has some broken plastic pieces so it doesn't go up/down and I have no idea what they're called. A couple rounded pieces that the cable slides on and different pieces that attach the window to the regulator. Anyone know where to find these or know where to find part numbers?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Dealer Parts or anyone with ETKA should be able to look up part numbers.

Replacing Heater Core is a huge job. Before doing so, try blowing out the lines in both directions with a pressure washer in case core is plugged. If core leaks then a Dash Pull is needed to replace the failed unit.

 

Thanks for the reply. I looked at the heater core again and noticed the two in-out pipes (from core) that go into the firewall are broken off and someone bypassed the rubber hoses with a plastic tube so coolant doesn't even run into the core. I priced a new core for $40 and got a service manual for the car but it doesn't help much. Mainly tells me to take it to a dealer to have the AC system discharged/drained, and then a bunch of other stuff. Do I really have to take the whole dash out? AC drained too? Man......this isn't sounding good.

Also, speaking of the dash, I have a blown pass. airbag. I just picked one up but am kinda sketched about putting it in. I know they can blow easy if not installed carefully and I want to disconnect the battery, but I heard that can cause running problems in Audis. Have any ideas/tips?

Thanks alot for your help. Much appreciated.

 

ive disconnected my battery a few times and have not had any problems, only with my stock deck locking me out. if you have that password, or you have non stock deck you should be ok. As far as the airbag goes, i would make sure im grounded and everything is disconnected from the battery, and try not to work IN FRONT of it, more off to the side, just in case it does blow.
When i get home i'll see if i can get you the precedure to replacing the heater core. I was just reinstalling my audi repair software last night. PM me make model and motor.
Cheers
looked at the heater core again and noticed the two in-out pipes (from core) that go into the firewall are broken off and someone bypassed the rubber hoses with a plastic tube so coolant doesn't even run into the core. I priced a new core for $40 and got a service manual for the car but it doesn't help much. Mainly tells me to take it to a dealer to have the AC system discharged/drained, and then a bunch of other stuff. Do I really have to take the whole dash out? AC drained too? Man......this isn't sounding good.

Also, speaking of the dash, I have a blown pass. airbag. I just picked one up but am kinda sketched about putting it in. I know they can blow easy if not installed carefully and I want to disconnect the battery, but I heard that can cause running problems in Audis. Have any ideas/tips?

 

Yes dash has to come out to replace B5 Heater Core and it's a big job.

Is there not enough pipe remaining to attach coolant lines to Heater Core?

 

It's a 96 A4 with the 2.8 12-valve engine and 5-speed trans. (FWD)

No, there isn't enough of the pipes left to hook the tubes onto. Looks like someone broke them off considering how scraped up and jagged the core pipes look. I was hoping there would be a way around the dash pull, but I guess it's gonna have to be done. Why does the AC system have to be drained though? My book doesn't say why, only that is has to be drained by a dealer as part of the heater core removal.

Thanks again for all the help

-Nick-

 

A/C needs to be drained because the evaporator is in front of the heater core. Blower blows air through a/c evaporator, heater core, then directs it to where you want it (the evaporator is in the dash - the dash needs to come out). The environmentally friendly way is to have the a/c evacuated at a shop. The not so enviro friendly way is to stick a screwdriver into the high or low side port and spray your engine compartment with refrigerant oil.

I'm not sure what damage R134 does to the enviro considering it does not contain chlorine, but I do know in the states you can walk into the local walgreens pharmacy, pick up film, deoderant, milk, and referigerant cans for about $10. Canada is either much more concerned about pollution, or wants to create a monopoly for "licensed a/c techs". Every time I go to buffalo I pick up a few cans - they seem to be a commodity.

On a side note - while you have the evaporator out, it does'nt hurt to soak it in bleach to clean out all the grime and mildew. Makes for a clean smelling car.

 

Looks like I'm gonna have a rough weekend with the heater core (been prolonging it-lol). Thanks for all the info.

 

Good Luck... Share Pics

 

I replaced my heater core on my old 95 Passat, which is based on the same B5 platform. SO I AM ASSUMING that it is very similar.

Well let me say that It took me almost a whole day since I had to take the whole dash out and then some of the dash framing, after that it wasnt that bad, takes a long time tho...

honestly it didnt seem like that much of a hassle i think the worst part was putting in the new heater core but other than that it was all pretty smooth....sorry for the lack of guidance, it was a while back and dont remember much in detail...next time I am going to start writing all the steps down and make like all dyi guides lol...

have fun!!!