nogarobluedemon

I just bought my S4 and drove it from chicago to south bend indiana. after the first night i noticed my heat wasnt really working. air would blow but it would never get HOT. so i took it into my local Audi dealership but i watched it close and it almost looked like they never moved it.

They immediately told me it would be 900 bucks because of the labor and that the thermostat was faulty. BUT i then contacted another german dealer and they said to check the engine temp meter and if it was steady at the halfway point (normal) when the car was hot that it probably ISNT the thermo.

now im extremely confused and lack trust in my audi dealer. the car is a 2000 auto. people tell me if the thermo gets changed to do timing belts, coolant pump, etc.

anyone have any good input or suggestions!? thanks -Dan

AndrewWK

You probably want to pull codes using a vag-com, or use the climate control diagnostics mode to check for errors and coolant temp (51c). Check the tech section for how to access CC diags (hit recirc and top vent button).

Andrew

Brazil

core. That may be the problem.

Jeff Vader - boscoj

At Streetwerke we use a vacuum device called an "Air-Lift" to fill the system after a drain.

It works by creating a vacuum in the hopefully sealed cooling system. If there is a leak the cooling system will not hold a steady vacuum as indicated by the gauge.

Once there is a near complete vacuum in the system you open a valve which is connected to a hose in a bucket of mixed coolant. The vacuum pulls the coolant into the system with virtually no air.

I have also used it to pull the air bubble from the heater core restoring normal heater operation.

This is especially common on early 2.8 A4's for whatever reason.

Shops with this device can easily pull the air out in about 20 minutes.

<img src="http://www.uview.com/images/productimagaesandtext/590000.jpg"><ul><li><a href="http://www.uview.com/cool.html#550000">http://www.uview.com/cool.html#550000</a</li></ul>

MySlowS4

Im having the same exact prob.. do u happen to know where that valve is..??

nogarobluedemon

had it diagnosed twice. thermostat PLUS heating coil need replaced. and since its so labor intensive im replacing the timing belts water pump and a few other parts so i dont have to do so later. she better run good as new after this o_O although no complaints before-hand hehe.