Here's how to FIX a broken DEFROST on an Audi S3 8V

[@tomquaglino1756]

Excellent video! Clear, concise instruction well shot with to the point audio. This sets a standard all other car videos need to live up to. Thank you!

[@Sally-yc8ze]

Echo others' comments in how valuable this video is. The two small wires were completely severed at retainer where hinge attaches. Your walk through gave us the confidence to do this repair instead of paying big $$$!

[@johnr6841]

Adding my thanks to the list. Just did the job and watching this ahead of time let me know exactly what I was in for. Much appreciated.

[@rushmatic]

While you were doing the side by side comparisons I could hear your frustration; I would be too! I think I’m less afraid of buying a German vehicle in the future because of this channel.

[@chrisinmaine2139]

It's too bad these companies don't include some diagnostic software in the car's own computer. But I guess big companies don't like DIY folks. Thanks for taking the time to put this video together! Very helpful!

[@jakesequipment7210]

Thank you so much for making this video!!! This helped me greatly, I recently got a 2015 a3 I love the car, however, it had this common issue. I watched your video, went outside and got it all done. Thanks again!

[@RobertHenry_82]

Thanks for this! I have had the error for years, I will try this in the summer when I get a chance

[@kathyd_413]

Thanks for the video! Very helpful. The cd player removal was honestly the hardest part, and I had the tools to remove it. I did not need to run calibration on mine, must have gotten lucky with how i set it and how the actuator came from the factory. I got a $15 fourseasons aftermarker actuator from rock auto

[@solonapo]

Did you fix the front air distribution flap?

[@the200ccs]

Thank you so much for this video! Thanks to you I knew how to fix mine as well! It works like a charm again!

[@weberduder]

Excellent walkthrough was able to knockout the job in a couple hours.

[@chevr6887]

So which actuator is causing the problem on a obd stating FRONT AIR DISTRIBUTION FLAP JAMMED ?

[@howarthalex]

Did you produce the future video on replacing the other actuator? I have exactly the same issues. I'm fixing this one first as it's more critical for winter.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I'm afraid not. I was in a hurry to get them replaced and wasn't able to make a video.

[@howarthalex]

​​​@@PracticalEnthusiast I found removing and installing the screws on the Defrost Actuator due to the lack of space (you're basically working blind with your fingertips) the most frustrating part of this. The Fresh Air/Recirc is hard to actually see let alone replace - was it worse? I think mine is stuck at 100% open which I can live with for a while..

[@user-cu9cs3ss4u]

Fantastic video. Would you be able to comment on the compatibility of this install with a 2015 Passat? Having the exact same problem. Stealership wants 150 just for diagnostic and says the repair could be between 100 and 800 (HEH). Thank you.

[@pfkbgd1118]

Is it the same for the Audi A3 2010 8P, the left side of the driver's side doesn't blow, very poorly and the right side a little better...?

[@GamerJ3ff]

i got on a5 a code: 00710 ( Defrosterflap motor ) think its this little thing. but every thing is working fine so weird error ?

[@chevr6887]

So which one is the front air distribution motor and where is it located please thanks

[@SamanthaMurphy-m4z]

Thank you so much for this video! Really excellent! Do you happen to have the part number for a 2018 Q5? I can't find it anywhere. And I don't think 5WA907511B will fit a Q5, correct? Thanks!

[@Sicarius00]

hey you have a other Fault code then me. i have B109071 Defroster Flap MotorActuator jammed. think its the same ?!?

[@skydancerforever]

I have a 2015 audi A3 premium 8V with less then 50k miles and i have code B109071, B108B71 and B108B13 and windows fogging up. notice no air to floor vents and always air coming out of front window defroster vents no matter what settings the controls are in.

[@dh1289]

Also have 2015 A3. Front window defrost has too much air and Floor vents have No air (no heat). Were you able to figure out exactly which heat flap motor needed to be replaced in order for the floor heat to work? (Part #, error code #, etc would be super helpful). Thanks.

[@skydancerforever]

@@dh1289 No not yet. I have a independent shop in my area that i am going to have the car fixed at since the dealerships wants to much money. I plan on taking the car there in the next 2 or 3 months to get repaired.

[@bennytheyayo2484]

Would those parts fit on a Audi a3 tdi 2015?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Yep, should fit perfectly.

[@liamweber8955]

I got a quote from a dealership for $3000 to replace 3 HVAC motors (one being the defrost - thank you so much for the video!!) so I'm going to replace them myself. While I have an OBDeleven scanner, I am having a bit of trouble finding the parts to replace just using the three error codes I have. It could be a stupid question, but how did you get/where did you find the part number for the actuator?

[@PatrickDoyleJr-sl3vh]

Im.having issues the same issue. How did you make out?

[@PatrickDoyleJr-sl3vh]

When you installed new actuator did you just intall how new motor was shipped to you? Meaning can you install it 180 degrees out? I installed it the way I received it. Thanks

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Yep, you can install it in the position you receive it. This is because you have to run the relearn / adaptation procedure anyway, which defines the position and end stops for the motor in relation to the door flap.

[@PatrickDoyleJr-sl3vh]

Thank you

[@Noname23489]

My defroster blows air but it still fogs up, have to crack a window or sunroof to let with defroster on in order to get the moistair out and clear windows, is there some sort of cabin vent I need to clean? I also have recirculating off

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Hmm, that's odd. Is the AC turned on when the defrost is on? It should be on to remove moisture from the air.

[@Noname23489]

@@PracticalEnthusiastscanned for codes and my recirculation motor threw a code I think my flap is stuck closed not letting the foggy moisture hot air out the car, which makes sense because the moment I crack my sunroof all the fog goes away

[@ahandan3808]

Someone said, one doesn’t own an Audi but merely supports it… Suppose that can be said about many Euro rides. All cars have their issues / things will break. Some of the engineering that I see on these Euro cars just makes me scratch my head :)

[@mikesalins3476]

I wonder if running the adaptations without changing the motor would have reset the issue... maybe there wasn't an actual problem, just a 1-time glitch that would be fine once cleared?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

It is possible. Unfortunately I didn't realize that was a relevant procedure until after installing the new part. Oh well.

[@The.IT.Anayst]

You can see how many times the actuator has failed. I think mine has a count of 35 errors. I'll see if running the adoptions works tomorrow as I have the same issue, I believe.

[@davidb7358]

I was wondering the same when the new one didn't work initially after changing. And the original works with battery...

[@GuziMania]

Hi, my GFs 2015 a3 has this issue now but I’m not sure what the adaptations are. If you don’t mind explaining a bit what they are for me that would be cool? I try to maintain and do most of the work on her car so she doesn’t have to spend so much but I have little experience in German cars. I usually work on my families and my own cars which are all usually Japanese or American cars.

[@richcolon9211]

Thanks! Very informative.

[@onertkn]

thank you for the excellent video

[@pedropopelka3166]

Good content mate, thanks.

[@yesimdogru9788]

You are my hero 😊

[@Iceyys3]

Is that motor you worked on for the middle vents as well? Or was it just for the defroster?

[@LOUCABRASI]

It was just defroster. He got the middle vents fixed but did not get to record the process.

[@chriswright9720]

What causes the heaters to blow cold just had a re gas for the air con just blows cold now

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

It sounds like your blend door actuator isn't working anymore. If you have dual climate control, there are two of them. They're probably stuck on the AC position.

[@chriswright9720]

Where are these located please

[@petemo94]

Well done! I’m always curious what the dealer cost would’ve been for fixing that. The money you save, just buy more tools!

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I'm sure the dealer price would make me cry. I'm guessing double the price on the part ($300) and then 2.5 hours labor ($150/hr or more). And then waiting two months before they can even get you scheduled in. Yeah. Ouch.

[@petemo94]

@@PracticalEnthusiast and that’s why we love you doing these impressive videos to show us the way. Keep it going!

[@ELG_solutions]

The estimate for diagnostic work for this exact issue was $185 in the Colorado Springs dealership. Now, I was an auto tech for VW, then Audi, and finally Porsche and I will tell you that a $185 diagnostic estimate which would have been deducted from the actual labor cost is a “bargain”. I estimate the total cost would be around the $400 dollar mark with labor, parts, and “testing” required by the brand (most german automakers require a testing procedure to be done after the repair).

[@brandonmcpeak1102]

@@PracticalEnthusiast called for mine got quoted 5 hours.. at 170/hour at my local stealership

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

@@brandonmcpeak1102 Yikes!! Thank you for providing that data point. This goes to show DIY'ing this can save you some serious change.

[@Vwtec]

Anybody have part number for the feet actuator or is it same like defrost?

[@rayj33]

Like you said it fails on all Audi models. I had a B7 A4, blower motor flap motor went bad on hot summer day.

[@bfoust3488]

Did this repair yesterday, after running scanner for end stops erased code and it went away but B108B54 came up and won’t go away anyone have any ideas?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Hey, sorry to hear that. It likely needs a new air recirculation actuator motor. I had a similar issue and installed one of these from RockAuto: www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10707084&cc=3353729&pt=10721 I also replaced the Front Air Distribution Actuator Motor (MODE DOOR) as well which since I was getting that code too. It is the same part as linked above. I haven't had any issues since doing all that.

[@bfoust3488]

@ thank you, is that the same motor we used on the defrost flap? Looks all but identical

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

@@bfoust3488 I was never able to find a cross reference between the two. There must be something unique about the defrost flap motor.

[@bfoust3488]

@@PracticalEnthusiast so after you did your end stops you had similar codes at some point.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

@@bfoust3488 It wasn't immediately after doing the end stops if I remember correctly. But, it wasn't long after. I swear these actuator motors are on timers and they all routinely "fail" around the same time.

[@The.IT.Anayst]

What error codes is the defrost one? My defrost works, but my front center vents don't work. My code is B109171.

[@patarplays7570]

I believe those vents have their flap motors on the other side (so in the driver’s footwell), there should be two of them if I’m not mistaken.

[@The.IT.Anayst]

@patarplays7570 it was. I replaced all of them besides climate control, which is the easiest to replace. You can get them without removing the dash, but it's not easy.

[@gplusgplus2286]

Have you checked for aftermarket units? I had mine done and got a Hella part which is as good as the original for 1/3 of the price EDIT Just checked the old and new part # above and they can be had in Valeo for about 45eur

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I looked around some, but I couldn't find anything that had the look of the new VW part number. The case has more reliefs in the exterior. Do the aftermarket ones look like the old Valeo part or the new one?

[@Mr12161969]

👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. Thank you

[@PatrickDoyleJr-sl3vh]

Great video. Did you ever fix the other one? I have e codes:( B109113,B109171, B109071. Thanks.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Thanks. Yes I did, but didn't get it on video. I just needed to get it done lol. They're a bit of a bear to replace. The steering wheel and driver lower dash need to be removed. That isn't such a big deal really. But getting to the screws on the upper blend door actuator is a test of dexterity and patience.

[@PatrickDoyleJr-sl3vh]

So it's the Front Air Distribution Door Motor the upper or Lower on Drivers side? Do happen to rememeber part number? Thank you

[@KDD0063]

This problem and many others happened to me. I hate this car so much. I just want to get rid of it as soon as possible, but it things break faster than they can be repaired enough to sell. Screw german cars, gonna get a japanese car instead.

[@Carbeezy77]

I own a 2016 S3 and I have this exact problem right now out of nowhere so annoying Audi waned $2500 to fix it

[@davidb7358]

Ouch! My car has the same problem

[@robertdietrich7488]

Hello sir, I sent you a message on Instagram asking if "Dorman A/C Heater Blend Door Actuator 604-822' you would go with this part to save money. Thank you again

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Answered through Instagram - but for any other viewers, this Dorman part will not work for this application.

[@dwight4772]

Most Important for me 🙏😙😙💘! Don't miss out > Promo-SM !!!