Grr Climate Control

[Cactus Greengo]

Hi everybody!

I have a 99 A4 1.8 and the climate control has developed an intermittent problem. The fans/blower only comes on sometimes and when it does it doesn't last very long - it coughs a bit, speeds n slows down then just stops. When I turn it on I can here the flaps open and close and the dials/controls all light up just fine. I wondered if anyone has had the same problem and how they fixed it. I had the car serviced recently and was told it would be £350+ for a replacement unit, not including fitting!

Does anyone know of a way to test which parts actually need replaced? I am almost certain its the fan motor, but then I am not a mechanic! Also, any tips on where to start would be greatly appreciated - I've read on other threads that you need to enter via the glove box. I am planning to sell the car soon and want to fix it before putting it up for sale.


All help, hints and tips are very welcome!

[Mackenzie_Mark]

This appears to be a common fault with A4 blowers, the link below will tell you how to take the fan out and turn the brushes around to give you fan a bit more life. I did mine in June and it's still going strong (famous last words).

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum//showthread.php?t=10767

Don't pay a garage £350, as a new fan will only cost you £75 and they are easy to fit.

Let us know how you get on.

[Cactus Greengo]

Cheers Mark!

I'm gonna have a good read of the guide and give it go when i get the chance. I'll let ya know how I get on.

[Cactus Greengo]

Just thought I'd check back in - had a look at the guide last night and was raring to go today. My jaw dropped when the garage were gonna skin me £350 quid for parts before fitting. This was a simple job, which I really enjoyed doing, and cost me just £10 - the price of a cheap socket set from halfords! No new parts were required.

Everything was fine until I had to get the motor out of the casing, I spent ages tugging, pulling and prising the rubbers from the inside. Then I realised they need a push from the outside of the case and it came free just like that - I'm bit of a spud at times! It all went back together in about ten minutes and worked first time - big smile on my face!

I am very grateful for the guide Mark - you have saved me plenty of bucks! If you are ever in Glasgow I shall buy you a beer, cheers buddy!

I can't believe how helpful this site, and more importantly the people on the forums, have been - I only stumbled across it the other night by chance. If I need any work done in the future I shall definitely be back on here to ask for guidance first.


Muchos gracias!