Climate Control/Climatronic Problems on 01 S

[mkoranda]

The climate control is malfunctioning on my 01 S. Whenever I turn the heat on, it continues to blow cold air. Also, air is constantly blowing out of the top and middle vents regardless of the vent setting on the climate control unit. The display on the climate control unit seems to be working okay, and when I change the fan speed I can hear a corresponding change in the fan motor speed. I can also hear the A/C clutch engage when I turn on the A/C. Does this sound like a bad climate control unit? Does anyone know how to access the diagnostic mode on the 01 climate control unit? I did a search and the previously published method (hold “recirculating” & “air up” buttons for 5 seconds) did not work on my 01. Thanks in advance for your help.

[mkoranda]

I took it to the dealership yesterday and, as predicted, the climate control unit is the culprit. The unit is somewhat expensive ($600 at dealer, $150 on ebay), and I'm going to replace it with a used part. I was charged 1.0 hours of diagnostic time ($92) and will have to go back to the dealership once the replacement unit is installed so the unit and the vent servo motors can be calibrated via the PST. Wonder how much that will costs ...

[Tool Pants]

There have been problems with this Audi unit, usually with the display. And it is expensive.

A replacement unit does have to be coded to your car, otherwise it will just flash when you hook it up.

Watch out for ebay as I have seen defective units there. Might try a wrecker. Also, I think you can only use a unit from another 2001.

[Chris_in_NH]

i bought a unit from eBay and it works perfectly, no costly 'calibration' needed. my car is a 97, i don't know if that has anything to do with it.

[mkoranda]

Just a quick update to my climate control problem. I installed a unit with the same part number that I bought on ebay ($150). It worked perfectly and no calibration was necessary.