Quick S4 question

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I've got a 98 S4 avant with the 'weather pack'(?) ie heated seats, ski bag etc. Is it supposed to have heated washer jets & mirrors? It was -2.5 this morning & it didn't seem like the mirrors or the washers were defrosting at all! [img]images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] anyone know if there are any checks I can do?

Also, any advice on an annoying intermittant high frequency rattle coming from what seems to be the drivers a-pillar?

Cheers,
A

[TarmacTerrorist]

Think that the wing mirror heaters come on when you switch on the rear screen heater.

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aye, that's what I would have though, but they didn't defrost for about 20 mins driving [img]images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] - with the rear screen on etc.. Hmmm..

[DavidT]

If your mirrors are working, they will be clear in a few seconds because they get very hot.

The windscreen washers will usually melt a little ice on the bonnet around them but will only actually work if the screenwash mixture is strong enough not to freeze further down the pipes. Sounds obvious but I had that problem and another with non-VAG screenwash furring up inside the washers and blocking them (like a kettle does with hard water).

Maybe the same fuse does both any yours is blow ? worth checking.


As for the squeaking, I have seen something about that on Audiworld, I will see if I can find it.


David

[DavidT]

Found the tech tip. Not what I was thinking though, it relates to the famous B pillar rattle, see here

[Carps]

Sounds obvious but I had that problem and another with non-VAG screenwash furring up inside the washers and blocking them

I had this problem on my Golf. The jets were replaced under warranty, and I was informed that in future I should use VW screenwash as this stops the jets from blocking. I was provided with a plentiful supply and that was the last time they blocked.

[Carps]

Regarding the heated mirrors, some VW/Audi cars are fitted with a seperate switch for the mirrors. I don't know what year your car is but it may apply - basically the switch for the remote mirrors may have a position for the left mirror, a position for the right, and a centre position which is heated mirrors on. Like I said, it doesn't apply to all but may be what you are looking for.

[toasty]

The heated mirrors are a real problem on the A and S4s
I've had 4 changed under warranty (2 different cars)

The elements seem to overheat and break and then you need to replace the mirror glass (try VAG parts if you don't have an Audi warranty, I think they charge £20 each)

If you aren't sure if yours are ok or not, try taking out the glass and measuring the element resistance (there are two spade connectors on the back of the glass) with a multimeter.

Expect to see 10 ish ohms, if they are open circuit i.e greater than say 1000 ohms then the element is knacked. [img]images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

[DJG]

As Dan says a common problem on the A4/S4. I had 4 under warranty on my first A4 and another 2 on my S4!

The problem is the original design is on all the time and they just burn out.

The latest design includes a thermostat and seems to last much better.

David

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is there an easy way to get to the connectors to check the current?

A

[snbS4]

Take it into a Dealer and ask them to check! [img]images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

You should be able to get them to diagnose without obligation on your part.

I have a Jan '99 S4 and when mine stopped working (under warranty) they changed them with the explanation that the first mirrors were heated all the time the ignition was on and the temperature triggered them - hence they burnt out. Apparently, later ones were also time controlled to limit their 'on' time.

They are fully automatic (same as the wife's TT)

HTH, Rgds [img]images/graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

Simon with lovely hot mirrors!! [img]images/graemlins/s4anogaro.gif[/img]

[wazza]

I've never had any problems on my A4 or S4 [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[Dippy]

I can't say I've ever found the need for my heated mirrors. Not sure about the heated washers - never had a problem with my windscreen but I did have the headlamp washers freeze in the up position 2 winters ago...