94 Q45 heater problem... Anyone else had this problem?

[tykeeus]

I have a 94 Q45 that has a heater problem. I can set the climate control to any temp setting and the air comes out at whatever the temp is outside. It doesn't matter what vent setting it is at, the air comes out the same temp. I knew when I bought the car a few months ago that the A/C would not come on. I assumed the system needed a recharge. Now that winter is here, I can't drive the car without freezing my *** off. Any ideas what the problem is? Any help would be appreciated.

[qship96]

possible broken blend door mechanism

[maxnix]

There is a post on repairing it without replacing it. Can't remember the member's name, but if you find the post, it would be worthwhile asking how it is enduring. I beleive it was about a year ago.

If the AC system needed a recharge, how would recharging it cure its point of failure?

[Lakeshow24]

I sure hope your heater core isn't about to fail! Keep a close eye on your temperature gauge.

[Q451990]

Heater core failure is pretty rare on the Q... not to say it can't happen. I would think the mix door is more likely... pretty common on the 94 - 96

Heath

[Q45tech]

Each model group 90-93 and 94-96 has unique weaknesses as to how the $3-8,000 needs to be spent when you buy a used version.

HVAC, engine, transmission, driveshaft, shocks, suspension, alternator, radiators, steering racks.

Even mix door is caused by failure to properly exercise the door every month in summer or winter..............slime becomes glue and sticks the door shut, unforunately the position motor is stronger than the plastic attachment point [hinge].............the connection point breaks and the movement is done. The 90-93 had a metal rod inside plastic so it was stronger and couldn't break.Saving a quarter to create a $1000 job after 100k.

Why we recommend all used buyers PAY an independent [of the sale] certified technican who is familiar with the exact common problems to evaluate every potential purchase. Spending $500 for some one to look at 2-3 cars can save you thousands!

So Far we have replaced 10+ in 94-96 @ $1000 each.

[elwesso]

The writeup should be in the HOW-TO section. Someone on here did it in a few hours with basic tools.

[Q45tech]

Unfortunately at T3 we have to replace the entire door assembly by disassembling the entire dash so that we can offer a 12 month 12k warranty.

Do it yourselfers can take the short cut repair method and accept the risk.

[AlabamaDan]

$1000 to repair the mix door! How many people just say - I'll sell it?

[Meaux]

Bull****... If thats what it cost to fix the damn heater, this car is headed to some other sucker... Jeeze...

[Q45tech]

To change the entire mix door you must remove the entire dash it takes a day of hard work..........................all day sun up to sun down. The door is cheap under $100

Much like what happens on a Lexus or other brands where you get to replace the heater core also.

Owning old lux cars is so much fun you get to think about them lovingly while at your second job to pay the technicans.

Kind of like the LS400 owners who faint when told they need to spend $1000 on a timing belt, water pump, and tensioners.

If you have to ask how much you can never afford to own one.

[Meaux]

94 Q45... 90K

Well, the air Temp in my heater dosen't warm up... All functions work, vents, fan speeds, etc... Just no warm air... A/C works great, on and off when it's supposed too... Just No warm air at all on Econ or Auto...

I'm gettin ready to wave good-bye to this car...

I've replaced the Knock Sensors, O2 sensors, all 4 Blue Shocks, New Brake Pads on all 4, with new Calipers on rear, Pioneer CD Player, New Rear speakers, new front speakers in doors, new Idler Pulley bearings, Optima Battery, I'm sure there is something else I'll think of... yep, Upper Links and Tension Rod Bushings...

Hell, if it said Porsche on it, at least it will allways be worth something... I reckon this thing is virtually worthless... at least in the winter...



Modified by Meaux at 3:23 PM 12/19/2007
Modified by Meaux at 10:50 AM 12/21/2007

[Q45tech]

We've been warning 94-96 owners for at least 7 years to exercise the mix door at least once every 2 weeks ---- winter and especially summer.

Guess we have a different group of owners as I don't remember anyone refusing to have this MINOR PROBLEM repaired.

[Meaux]

Well, this is the first I've heard of it... But I'm not a frequent visitor... Only when the Car causes me problems...

Minor Problem? Jeeze, a $1000 repair is hardly a "Minor" problem, to me anyway...

If I take the center console out (Radio etc.) will I be able to tell if the arm is indeed broken?

[AlabamaDan]

Hey Meaux! That's one beautiful Q! Love those wheels. You know I had a problem last winter with my heater and I think I realized it was low on coolant. Sounds funny and maybe unrelated - but check it out. We're getting quite an Alabama following around here. I can think of four active posters and one lurker off the top of my head. O

[Q45denver]

You didn't mention if you replaced the thermostat or if the coolant temp is normal? One guy was able to fix it without disassembly by drilling a hole and replacing the plastic rod with a piece of clothes hanger wire.

[goody90q45]

Which door is it that breaks? Is it the one you see when the AC/Radio is removed or the small unit on the driver side end of the assembly?

[qship96]

[QUOTE=Q45tech]We've been warning 94-96 owners for at least 7 years to exercise the mix door at least once every 2 weeks ---- winter and especially summer.

Trying to understand the need to manually "exercise" the mix door...In spring/summer /fall when using a properly operating a/c system,isnt the door opening/closing in maintaining cabin temp? whenever set temp is reached,fan speed should drop,door open partially and heat blended in to keep temp at setpoint. In winter,mix door starts at max heat{door open} then slowly closes down as cabin temp reaches setpoint.Door should always be opening/closing year-round in a properly functioning system?

[Q45denver]

Probably the one shown in the pics:

zer...age=2

[Q45tech]

The problem mostly shows up after summer when the heat is never used and the blend door has been stuck closed for a period.

With AC it is never necessary in South to ever use any heat from MAY thru Sept-October. The fan generates enough heat and the AC self regulates the suction temp

By exercise I mean different temp settings where full heat might actually be called for, setting 85F on a 70F day, not leaving set at 70-72F year around.

Failure to periodically clean the AC evap and exercising the system limits so the the cleaning detergent gets into heating system. To help remove the slime, that builds up there also.

Unless you seen the interior of old systems hard to explain so that you fully understand the amount of hair and dirt and things lodged into fins and stuck to plastic foam seals for doors.

Why industry went to replaceable filters for HVAC to stop these things from occurring after warranty.

[maxnix]

Like Q45tech said, this is a cheap repair if the owner is willing to invest the time and care. It is labor that costs. And it is a $50K+ luxury imported V8 sedan every time you take it to a shop or order parts. No further discount just because it is old.

Should read the Audi forum where flat gaskets that cost less than $10 will leak and cost hundreds in labor to repair. Same for the 968 Prosche four cylinder. Water pump is a $2K job.

Choose your poisons carefully.

[alexander]

Meaux,If you want ot ever sell this Q, email me. Whats a fair price now?I'll ship it to SF.Alexander

[maxnix]

Whats a fair price now?

Well, if $1K is too much for a repair, for $1.5K it should be yours and he should be happy.

[Meaux]

I'd Part-It-Out before that day comes...

[AlabamaDan]

Hmmm....I could use that rear bumper cover!

And so it begins!

[Meaux]

Hold on thar Cowboy, I'm fixin' to go check ma coolant...