adbett
Registered User
Hi, got a bit of a problem with steamy windows inside a '98 A4 Avant 1.9TDi Had it for a while but now it's getting quite bad (funnily enough it didn't fix itself!). Car has air-con.
I've trawled the threads to get a plan of attack but would welcome some more experienced opinions before attacking the car!
Symptoms are steamy windows (most but not every time I drive the car), occasionally a smell (I think coolant) and dropping coolant level. Air con still appears to work (car gets colder). Plan is:
- check drain hole under battery to make sure water isn't leaking in from engine bay etc. If everything looks good will assume matrix is leaking
- short term fix is to disconnect the 2 coolant pipes that go into the matrix from the engine bay and join them together with short length of copper pipe. I won't get any heat in the car but I can at least keep using the car safely
- buy and fit new matrix, any other seals / gaskets / parts that I will need or should replace as most of the dash will be out?
- professionally discharge air-con before starting, Haynes manual also says to put air-con into "service" mode, what is that?? no mention in other threads
all comments appreciated!
adam
I've trawled the threads to get a plan of attack but would welcome some more experienced opinions before attacking the car!
Symptoms are steamy windows (most but not every time I drive the car), occasionally a smell (I think coolant) and dropping coolant level. Air con still appears to work (car gets colder). Plan is:
- check drain hole under battery to make sure water isn't leaking in from engine bay etc. If everything looks good will assume matrix is leaking
- short term fix is to disconnect the 2 coolant pipes that go into the matrix from the engine bay and join them together with short length of copper pipe. I won't get any heat in the car but I can at least keep using the car safely
- buy and fit new matrix, any other seals / gaskets / parts that I will need or should replace as most of the dash will be out?
- professionally discharge air-con before starting, Haynes manual also says to put air-con into "service" mode, what is that?? no mention in other threads
all comments appreciated!
adam