1997 Audi A6 Heater Core
#1
12-24-2010, 10:03 AM
1997 Audi A6 Heater Core
Hey guys,
I am happy to be here and I love my Audi's.. I have a 1997 A6 Quattro Sedan that has been giving me some heating problems. The heat has not been getting hot, just warm. I drained the system and re-filled the coolant. It did improve somewhat. Last night while driving, anti-freeze mist started blowing out of the vents like crazy while the heat was on. I then noticed coolant all over the passenger side floor. I was lucky and able to get home after filling the coolant bottle with water as the temp light came on due to the low fluid level from leaking out into the passenger side floor. I just bought this car this past May of 2010. I know the thermostat was done last year as I have the previous owners receipts for everything. Am I right to assume I need a heater core? Also, when the blower motor is on, I hear a squeeking noise, it comes and goes, like a bearing or something in the blower motor is going. So I also think it is safe to say I need a new blower motor as well.
I love this car as it is my second 1997 A6. I think they are some of the best Audi's ever built. I would happily restore these cars from the ground up like I would an old muscle car, they are worth it in my opinion. I did a ton of work to the car since May to include a completely new front end, front brakes, front shocks, dash has been removed to replaced all dash lights, dash temp sensor, dash gear selector, new sunroof motor, new starter, coolant bottle and sensor, tranny flush, motor flush, JVC CD head unit with Bluetooth, remote starter, I personally re-dyed the beige (Ecru) leather interior (came out amazing and really gave it that new car feel and smell back), had the stock red paint redone as it had an orange hue, now it is super red and shiny again. I also added 17" factory A8 rims with 235 45 17's. The car has a factory Audi rear spoiler.
It looks and runs incredible despite my heater core problem that I would appreciate any advice on. I have seen some Youtube videos where there is a debate on whether or not you have to remove the entire dash or just the center console.. Help guys please.
Anthony-
I am happy to be here and I love my Audi's.. I have a 1997 A6 Quattro Sedan that has been giving me some heating problems. The heat has not been getting hot, just warm. I drained the system and re-filled the coolant. It did improve somewhat. Last night while driving, anti-freeze mist started blowing out of the vents like crazy while the heat was on. I then noticed coolant all over the passenger side floor. I was lucky and able to get home after filling the coolant bottle with water as the temp light came on due to the low fluid level from leaking out into the passenger side floor. I just bought this car this past May of 2010. I know the thermostat was done last year as I have the previous owners receipts for everything. Am I right to assume I need a heater core? Also, when the blower motor is on, I hear a squeeking noise, it comes and goes, like a bearing or something in the blower motor is going. So I also think it is safe to say I need a new blower motor as well.
I love this car as it is my second 1997 A6. I think they are some of the best Audi's ever built. I would happily restore these cars from the ground up like I would an old muscle car, they are worth it in my opinion. I did a ton of work to the car since May to include a completely new front end, front brakes, front shocks, dash has been removed to replaced all dash lights, dash temp sensor, dash gear selector, new sunroof motor, new starter, coolant bottle and sensor, tranny flush, motor flush, JVC CD head unit with Bluetooth, remote starter, I personally re-dyed the beige (Ecru) leather interior (came out amazing and really gave it that new car feel and smell back), had the stock red paint redone as it had an orange hue, now it is super red and shiny again. I also added 17" factory A8 rims with 235 45 17's. The car has a factory Audi rear spoiler.
It looks and runs incredible despite my heater core problem that I would appreciate any advice on. I have seen some Youtube videos where there is a debate on whether or not you have to remove the entire dash or just the center console.. Help guys please.
Anthony-
#2
12-24-2010, 12:00 PM
I did replace my heater core and posted somewhat of a "walk-through" sort of thread.
If the coolant came out spewing from the vents you definitely have a clogged/leaking core that dumps the coolant into the HVAC box, and is further pushed through the vents by the blower motor.
As far as the noise, the blower has alternate periods of "swiming" in liquid with "dry" ones, so it will make squeeking noise once in a while. You should definitely replace that since it will have/if-not-already-has some beginning of rust issues from the liquid.
The entire dashboard does NOT need to come off, only the center stack and the center console.
If the coolant came out spewing from the vents you definitely have a clogged/leaking core that dumps the coolant into the HVAC box, and is further pushed through the vents by the blower motor.
As far as the noise, the blower has alternate periods of "swiming" in liquid with "dry" ones, so it will make squeeking noise once in a while. You should definitely replace that since it will have/if-not-already-has some beginning of rust issues from the liquid.
The entire dashboard does NOT need to come off, only the center stack and the center console.
#3
12-24-2010, 12:13 PM
Oh, feel free to ask any question and I'll gladly try to answer to the best of my ability, as I didn't have any advice/suggestion at the time when I replace mine - except for what I found over the Internet myself.
Not too many people in here replaced the heater core in these cars by themselves.
Welcome to the forum, btw
Not too many people in here replaced the heater core in these cars by themselves.
Welcome to the forum, btw
#4
12-24-2010, 07:30 PM
I read your post and have a question about the dash board lights...
I own the exact same model / year and love it...I bought it used 2 months ago with only 98k on the odometer.
Anyhow, the question concerns the odometer illumination....since you did the bulb replacement job...can you tell me if the odometer is supposed to be illuminated when the headlights are on? Mine is not...I believe it should be.
Is it some kind of "module" that needs to be replaced or is it a matter of changing bulbs behind the dash?
Thanks, Paul
#5
12-25-2010, 11:11 AM
Thanks for the replies guys. So yesterday on Christmans Eve (yep) I went out and tackled the problem head on just to get it going as it is my daily driver. I bypassed the heater core and came to find the top hose going in was clogged with rust particles. After the bypass, I refilled the anti-freeze and let it run, then I noticed something..The fans were not kicking on and the car began to overheat. I remember on my first 97 this happened and an Audi specialist bypassed the fans to run on low all the time, so that is what I did. I let the car run for about an hour and a half and it ran nicely with no spike in temperature. I have no heat or defrost, but the car runs now. My Audi specialist is on vacation until the 30th so I have to wait for him to get back. I am not sure if I want to tackle the heater core on my own. If I don't have to take the whole dash down, I may consider it.
Is the center console and center pieces difficult to get out?
Also where is the fan relay as I assume that is what is bad?
Out of curiosity, My car does not have those grey/silver rings around the gauges. I thought the 97 had them, I asked the mechanic if he forgot to put them on or took them off and he said no. Didn't the 97 have these rings? I could have sworn this car had them.
Paul, the only modules from what I can recall that I had changed were the temp gauge
(62 degrees) and the shift indictator, the rest should be bulbs. I had it done by a pro. I didn't do that myself. I just remember him telling me when I had to pay for modules and those were the only two. My car does not have those grey/silver rings around the gauges. I thought the 97 had them, I asked the mechanic if he forgot to put them on or took them off and he said no. Didn't the 97 have these rings?
Is the center console and center pieces difficult to get out?
Also where is the fan relay as I assume that is what is bad?
Out of curiosity, My car does not have those grey/silver rings around the gauges. I thought the 97 had them, I asked the mechanic if he forgot to put them on or took them off and he said no. Didn't the 97 have these rings? I could have sworn this car had them.
Paul, the only modules from what I can recall that I had changed were the temp gauge
(62 degrees) and the shift indictator, the rest should be bulbs. I had it done by a pro. I didn't do that myself. I just remember him telling me when I had to pay for modules and those were the only two. My car does not have those grey/silver rings around the gauges. I thought the 97 had them, I asked the mechanic if he forgot to put them on or took them off and he said no. Didn't the 97 have these rings?
Last edited by Goonchie; 12-25-2010 at 11:45 AM.
#6
12-25-2010, 11:33 AM
Also forgot to mention, before all of this, I use to get a burning smell that came into the cabin here and there with the A/C on especially. I am not sure if it was coming out of the vents, I think it was. I wonder if that is from the coolant line being clogged or if that was from the slight drip of antifreeze I noticed yesterday coming from the heater box dripping on the right side exhaust manifold. The car does have a small exhaust leak on the right side, you can smell it in the engine bay and maybe it comes in the cabin somehow from time to time.
Chefro, that thread is great, how much did those parts cost if I may ask?
I too will need the core and the blower motor. I saw that Youtube thread with that guy, where he tore out the whole dash, I am so glad to see you don't have to. I might go for this on my own.
How long did it take you to do?
Thanks.
Anthony-
Chefro, that thread is great, how much did those parts cost if I may ask?
I too will need the core and the blower motor. I saw that Youtube thread with that guy, where he tore out the whole dash, I am so glad to see you don't have to. I might go for this on my own.
How long did it take you to do?
Thanks.
Anthony-
Last edited by Goonchie; 12-25-2010 at 11:45 AM.
#7
12-25-2010, 01:55 PM
...Paul, the only modules from what I can recall that I had changed were the temp gauge
(62 degrees) and the shift indictator, the rest should be bulbs. I had it done by a pro. I didn't do that myself. I just remember him telling me when I had to pay for modules and those were the only two. My car does not have those grey/silver rings around the gauges. I thought the 97 had them, I asked the mechanic if he forgot to put them on or took them off and he said no. Didn't the 97 have these rings?
(62 degrees) and the shift indictator, the rest should be bulbs. I had it done by a pro. I didn't do that myself. I just remember him telling me when I had to pay for modules and those were the only two. My car does not have those grey/silver rings around the gauges. I thought the 97 had them, I asked the mechanic if he forgot to put them on or took them off and he said no. Didn't the 97 have these rings?
Thanks for the info on the IP lights and modules...I actually found a used IP for sale on Ebay and bought it for 75$ ( they guarantee it to be in full working condition)...I plan to use the Transmission PRNDL module from it to replace my burned out one (I figured for 75$ I got the whole panel, I'd assume a new module would cost this much from a dealer) I will also check the lamps and replace all with new bulbs. Thanks for info on the odometer, maybe all I need to do is replace that bulb that illuminates the odometer. I'll know better when I see the replacement panel
#8
12-26-2010, 11:19 PM
OK, I'm home and I checked both the installed instrument panel and the replacement panel - they both have silver rings around all the gauges
#10
12-27-2010, 11:09 AM
The Blower Motor was $ 45 shipped (Replacement brand - so far so good), and the Heater Core - $ 42.95 from Blaufergnugen (Blau part number: E3A4001) + $ 11.93 Shipping.
I would say make sure you either already have the parts, or you'd receive them the next day. Since it is your daily driver, you don't want to have the car sidelined longer than it's necessary.
As shown in the thread, the heater core I purchased from a local Carquest proved to be worthless, even though was sold under the Febi-Bilstein brand.
You have the correct Part number for the Meyle brand that's a perfect fit, and comes with the surrounding foam strip.
It took me probably 5 hours to have the heater box out, but I'm "slow" when I tackle a "first". I need to understand what goes where, and do everything unrushed. Mounting everything back is even worse, as I like to clean stuff as I put it back in... (what do you expect from an **** retentive person?...)
It took me for sure longer to figure out how to take the box out, than to take the center stack, glove box, kick panel/s, + wipers and everything else in the engine bay out.
The center console is pretty easy to take out, at least on my 95 - although a 97- I bet -isn't far more different.
* One nut in the front - by the footwell (that one is pictured in the thread);
* two bolts in the rear sides of the console - from the heat vents go around with your fingers and you'll find the bolts - that you may need to slide both seats forward to be able to undo them;
* four bolts in the shifter area
The whole thing slides out over the emergency brake and you'll have to move the shifter to 2 or 1 in order to pull it all the way out.
Have two full days put aside for the project - I don't care what Speedy Gonzales says-
If you'll tackle the job on your own, good luck.
I would say make sure you either already have the parts, or you'd receive them the next day. Since it is your daily driver, you don't want to have the car sidelined longer than it's necessary.
As shown in the thread, the heater core I purchased from a local Carquest proved to be worthless, even though was sold under the Febi-Bilstein brand.
You have the correct Part number for the Meyle brand that's a perfect fit, and comes with the surrounding foam strip.
It took me probably 5 hours to have the heater box out, but I'm "slow" when I tackle a "first". I need to understand what goes where, and do everything unrushed. Mounting everything back is even worse, as I like to clean stuff as I put it back in... (what do you expect from an **** retentive person?...)
It took me for sure longer to figure out how to take the box out, than to take the center stack, glove box, kick panel/s, + wipers and everything else in the engine bay out.
The center console is pretty easy to take out, at least on my 95 - although a 97- I bet -isn't far more different.
* One nut in the front - by the footwell (that one is pictured in the thread);
* two bolts in the rear sides of the console - from the heat vents go around with your fingers and you'll find the bolts - that you may need to slide both seats forward to be able to undo them;
* four bolts in the shifter area
The whole thing slides out over the emergency brake and you'll have to move the shifter to 2 or 1 in order to pull it all the way out.
Have two full days put aside for the project - I don't care what Speedy Gonzales says-
If you'll tackle the job on your own, good luck.