Audi 80 (1994) Dashboard removal - heater matrix

[southpalace]

Hi There....the heater matrix has blown in my (feb) 1994 audi 80 estate and am trying to take off the dashboard. I did this twice in my old Merc 190 and remember a couple of strategically hidden screws holding me back from removing the dash. It seems I have hit the same obstacle.... can't seem to get the central air vents out without forcing them - anybody point me in the right direction to do this, also how many fixing points on the dasboard and where they are please... have read a few posts in this subject but none of them answer my predicatment....Many thanks.

[micheal balbrig]

Hi There....the heater matrix has blown in my (feb) 1994 audi 80 estate and am trying to take off the dashboard. I did this twice in my old Merc 190 and remember a couple of strategically hidden screws holding me back from removing the dash. It seems I have hit the same obstacle.... can't seem to get the central air vents out without forcing them - anybody point me in the right direction to do this, also how many fixing points on the dasboard and where they are please... have read a few posts in this subject but none of them answer my predicatment....Many thanks.

Going from memory I think the central air vents are removed
by a sharp pull out. They are only held by plastic horseshoe type clips that release with sharp pull.
You will find hidden bolts behind plastic discs / buttons on side
of dash

[barryw]

You might find this useful:
http://www.quattrophenia.co.uk/ian/i...xpictorial.pdf

[arderra]

You might find this useful:
http://www.quattrophenia.co.uk/ian/i...xpictorial.pdf

Hi Barry,
Downloaded your pdf. Thanks. Very useful.
Do you know if there is a fuse or temp sender I could check before I go pulling my dash apart to replace the heater matrix?
Would hate to spend the weekend doing this only to find a small fuse that needed replacing!!
Cheers

[barryw]

Hi Barry,
Downloaded your pdf. Thanks. Very useful.
Do you know if there is a fuse or temp sender I could check before I go pulling my dash apart to replace the heater matrix?
Would hate to spend the weekend doing this only to find a small fuse that needed replacing!!
Cheers

Hi Arderra,
The usual signs of the heater matrix needing replacing are coolant loss, coolant in foootwells, windscreen that won't demist etc.
What symptoms do you have?

[zollaf]

in my case, many years ago, it was a feeling of very hot legs.

[arderra]

Hi Arderra,
The usual signs of the heater matrix needing replacing are coolant loss, coolant in foootwells, windscreen that won't demist etc.
What symptoms do you have?

Hi Barry,

I was told that the heater didn't work (heat up) at all but I have driven the car and it seems to heat up to "luke warm" when on full heat and after driving for 20-30 minutes. (fan full on) So I'm thinking there might be some kind of blockage or that the matrix needs to be bled!!

A bigger issue that I noticed is that when I turn the DIRECTIONAL CONTROLLER from the "feet" position (little arrow at the bottom of the dial) to the vent position, the dial gets hard to move. I need to turn off the fan and then I can select the vent.
I assume that this is simply something sticking an needs to be freed. I have removed the control unit and the cable seems to be free enough. I think the issue lies within the housing (possibly the one in your picture with the matrix attached!!) Is it possible to free this without removing the dash to gain access? Maybe a liberal spraying of WD 40?Attachment 18847

[arderra]

in my case, many years ago, it was a feeling of very hot legs.

Hi Zollaf,
lol, wouldn't mind that. At least my feet would be warm

[zollaf]

where does your temp gauge get to ?

[arderra]

where does your temp gauge get to ?

Temp gauge on heater control panel - right around to "full heat".

On instrument cluster - 85-90