Audi 80 1998 Auto serious heater problem

[KRed]

Scotty thanks very much for your excellent reply. Yes the car is old and the engine doesn't look like it has been looked after for years. We will try everything you have said, it is defo worth trying these things and then deciding what to do next.

[4rings]

I think you'll find that the heater Matrix has failed the "particles" that are coming out is in fact the antifreeze from your cooling system and the grease on your windows is antifreeze, the part from Audi will cost you about £55 but..............................

The car is built around the heater matrix as such, it is in the middle of the car behind the dash!!!, to do the job Audi will quote 4 hours labour, all of the dash has to come out to replace it, other garages may quote you 7 to 9 hours, that is if they want to do the job (most won't!!!).

I know this because I've just had mine done .

Total cost £491.

Audi will do a competant job on your car and will do it faster, so it may be a false economy to get a cheaper garage to repair it.

Hope that helps Tony

[KRed]

Thanks, the car has just failed its MOT, the repairs come to around £350 so add the cost of the heater to it it would cost me nearly £900 to fix a car that has a market value of about £400 - £500 (it looks good, but not everyone will wish to buy it I guess as it is 14 years old).

Thanks everyone for your input. I did have a feeling that if it is the heater matrix it won't be worth repairing.