95 S4 Heater help

[lear60man]

Well guys it finally got below 60F (12C) here in Southern California and I turned on the heater for the first time in a year. Cold as a Witches T*T in November. What are the normal causes for this and what should I check. Its been a while since I have flushed the cooling system, is it possible that there is a thermostat that is caked over?
Cheers

[cnh1990]

It is that time of the year, with many no heater issues. It is always about the same chronic problems usually related to the vac lines or vavles that control the heater flap actuators.

Look for a T and very small black hard plastic vac lines on the left side of central tunnel under the dash. These may have become unpluged or may have become detached from the valves behing the radio pod.

You don't know what cold is. It is in the teens here, last night 18F. I have driven the Esprit at -20 to -30F. Cold does not bother the Esprit but snow and slush is dangerous. Almost time to put away the car for the winter as soon as the chemicals hit the ground for the 1st time of the season.

Calvin

[lear60man]

Ok, I found the "T". There are three hard vac lines comming from it. 2 are long and go to the passenger foot well. The other is short and stops behind the coin area. The short one is disconected but I can't find from where???? Will this require pulling the entire center console? Right now I have the coin area and stereo out.
Christian

[cnh1990]

lear60man said:

Ok, I found the "T". There are three hard vac lines comming from it. 2 are long and go to the passenger foot well. The other is short and stops behind the coin area. The short one is disconected but I can't find from where???? Will this require pulling the entire center console? Right now I have the coin area and stereo out. Christian

Okay you have found the problem. This T has been the thorn in side of many an owner.

The 3 hard lines are as follows.

1)Supply line vac from the engine compartment.

2)To the flap actuator that diverts the cold air through the heater core, cuts off the 2 inside dash vents and activates the defroster vents.

3)fresh air or recirculate interior air through the core.

So it looks like you have 2 things to look for since I have no idea which side of the T is disconnected.

Turn the engine on and put your finger on the T. If you have vac on the line the vac supply is connected and it is one of the lines going to the vac valves.

You will then back trace the black hardlines lines from the 2 white vac valves mounted on by a strap clamp just to the right rear of the radio pod.

If you have no vac at the T then your vac supply line is disconnected.

Calvin

[lear60man]

The Internet Rocks! Ok the heater is fixed and now I will give back to the process by telling what I found. Like I stated above, there is a "T" with 3 lines coming off of it. 2 lines are long and go where Calvin stated. There is one short one that fits in a rubber elbow located behind the airbag "brain" below and slightly behind where the stereo sits. The other end of this elbow is connected to one of the mechanical linkages that is operated by one of the Heater A/C dials in the cabin. Sorry I dont know what it is called (Feel free to chime in Calvin.)

Anyway, thanks again.
Christian

[cnh1990]

From the description you have given it is either the cam actuator for the airflow flap divertor or the fresh air intake flap. Congratulations!!! You have saved enough to buy your car a special treat. There are many simple things one can do by ones self. God only knows how many things will require professional help that will require our financial resources. Feels good does it not to fix something by yourself?

Regards,
Calvin