green A8
23-04-2013, 10:14 PM
The car is a 1998 'S' reg B5 Avant TDi (AFN) SE with air con.
The problem is very clearly a leaking heater matrix. Now, the youngish owner claims that he can replace the heater matrix WITHOUT removing the dash getting the air con de-gassed ect, simply by removing a very easy to get at panel then extracting the matrix. He saw a video on you-tube, I'm pretty sure that this was not a B5, maybe a late model facelift B5.5 or even a B6. It was a LHD auto not a RHD manual.
Now, I've given up B5 ownership, but correct me if I'm wrong, I'm pretty sure that on this particular year/model A4 you HAVE to remove the entire console-dash, and get the air con de-gassed. It's not the Audi B5 worlds worst job, I'd give that award to renewing the PAS rack with the engine and gearbox in situ. From memory I think I've done three and assisted on at least one other of these heater matrix swops. All the cars were pre facelift, some petrol some diesel. But, all involved the removal of the dashboard to get at the matrix.
So, could someone confirm who's right? Crasher! I look forward to your replies.
The problem is very clearly a leaking heater matrix. Now, the youngish owner claims that he can replace the heater matrix WITHOUT removing the dash getting the air con de-gassed ect, simply by removing a very easy to get at panel then extracting the matrix. He saw a video on you-tube, I'm pretty sure that this was not a B5, maybe a late model facelift B5.5 or even a B6. It was a LHD auto not a RHD manual.
Now, I've given up B5 ownership, but correct me if I'm wrong, I'm pretty sure that on this particular year/model A4 you HAVE to remove the entire console-dash, and get the air con de-gassed. It's not the Audi B5 worlds worst job, I'd give that award to renewing the PAS rack with the engine and gearbox in situ. From memory I think I've done three and assisted on at least one other of these heater matrix swops. All the cars were pre facelift, some petrol some diesel. But, all involved the removal of the dashboard to get at the matrix.
So, could someone confirm who's right? Crasher! I look forward to your replies.