I just sold my 2001 225 quattro coupe and the buyer called and said the heater isn't heating. He took it to my mechanic and he told my buyer that the problem was something in the heater box and he should take it to the dealer. I need to redirect the new owner to a different mechanic. What might the problem be with the heater? Everything else is working fine.

 

We should probable post a sticky for Audi heat problems. The most likely problem is a partially clogged heater core. This problem is noticed in the fall when the temp drops & people are using the heat for the first time for the year.
If it is the problem they can be flushed out , ,then fill heater core with CLR , let sit over nite , flush with fresh water & all should be good.

 

It could be anything from air pockets in the cooling system, to low coolant level, to a bad thermostat.

I'd start with flushing the system first and making sure its bled properly. If the heat is still insufficient I'd look into other things such as a heater core or a failed water pump impeller.

Jason

 

thanks for the advice. Can you give me a few details on how to flush the system? The guy who bought my car will probably want to do it himself and I want to be as helpful as possible

 

never mind. He's going to let a mechanic flush the system. Thanks again for the advice

 

Man oh man. The mechanic who had been taking care of my tt says the heat core can't be flushed, and besides, he says that it's a problem in the heater box under the dash and he won't touch it. Another mechanic is going to have a look at it when my buyer gets him a diagram. I have to say I am glad I sold the car.

 

The heater core can be flushed!

It amazes me the incompetence of some repair shops.

 

Can you tell me how to flush the core? The buyer went to a dealer and they want $1400 to pull the dash and replace to core. Is this something he can do himself or would a mechanic have to do it?

 

Pull both heater hoses off the heater core under the hood , flush out with garden hose until the fluid looks clear , blow out water with compressed air , using a piece of heater hose fill heater core with CLR let sit over night , flush with garden hose in morning , fill heater core with a 50/50 solution of g001200 coolant , reconnect heater hoses , drive vehicle with heat on full high & see what happens.
Repeat as necessary.

 

Thanks, M5. I sent him the instructions, and he is sure he can get it done.