Replacing the climate control actuator motors in an Audi 100/A6 C4 (Articles)

The idea for this article came to me through a description by Kristian.
Parts of this description are from Kristian. It really helped me once.
I have revised it and added some things.



People are constantly reporting problems with the air conditioning system in the Audi 100/A6 C4.
To read the error codes of the air conditioning system, you can simply query the air conditioning system via the climate control panel as follows:


Press and release the recirculation button and the "up arrow" button simultaneously.
In the left window of the air conditioner, which normally displays the set temperature, it now shows which channel of the air conditioner is currently being accessed. For example, "01C". Channel "01C" is the channel that is important for us. If a channel other than "01" is displayed, you can select the correct channel by pressing the temperature "+" or temperature "-" button. You just need to press the recirculation button once more, and then the error codes will be displayed.
Okay, I understand. Please provide the German text you want me to translate. Sure, here's the translation:

"If there are multiple errors, they will be displayed alternately."
The error codes can be deciphered, and this reveals exactly which actuator is affected. Unfortunately, I don't have the corresponding reference manual to list the error codes for all four actuators. I would like to ask anyone who is able to do this to send me a private message or email with the relevant information.

Regarding error code 11.5, I can confirm that it relates to the V70 engine.
Regarding error code 08.7, I can confirm that it refers to the V68 engine.
In both cases, based on my own experience...


There are 4 servo motors that can be replaced by the user. 2 of them are relatively easy to replace, while the other 2 require more effort.


It is extremely important, and therefore I want to emphasize this upfront: After replacing one or more actuators, a basic adjustment of the actuators must absolutely be performed. This can be done using VAG-COM or with the VAG1551/1552. More on this at the end of this article.


The engines have the following designations and part numbers:

V68 >> 443 820 511A
V70 >> 4A0 820 511
V71 >> 4A0 820 511A
V85 >> 4A0 820 511B


Two of the motors are relatively easy to replace. These are the V68 and V71 engines.




V68 (simple):

The V68 motor is located in the water reservoir on the left side of the blower housing, under a cover. To replace this motor, the windshield wiper linkage, including the wiper motor itself, must be removed. It's quite simple, and you can easily get the hang of it.
(I will describe it in more detail later, when I replace the cover behind which the V68 is located on my car.) Then I need to develop the facial expressions further and will then put it into words.



V71 (simple):

The V71 valve is located on the right side of the water chamber, between the evaporator and the blower.
He is easily accessible.



V70 and V85 (this is where things get interesting):


The two servo motors, models V70 and V85, are located approximately 35 cm deep within the center console. If you have skillful fingers and patience, you can do it even without disassembling the center console.

The V70 fan is located on the right side of the blower/heater box and has a blue connector. The V85 fan is located on the left side and has a red connector. Both can only be replaced with patience. They are mounted on a bracket that needs to be removed. The motors are then essentially replaced on a workbench. Then the mounting plate needs to be reinstalled.

You can do it without completely disassembling the center console, but you'll have to contort yourself into some awkward positions... (like putting the back of your head on the floor of the car to be able to see the actuators... it's up to you to figure out where your legs go).
I approached the task by bending the side panels of the center console outwards. I did not remove the center console itself. But the climate control panel and the radio have to be removed.

Okay, let's go:

Tools: Socket set with 8mm, 10mm sockets, Torx bits, a short Phillips head screwdriver, two long, thin flathead screwdrivers (may be needed to disconnect the red and blue connectors of the motors).

Remove the glove compartment with its frame and the driver's side footwell storage compartment.

After that, I ended up upside down in the footwell...
Then, remove the ventilation pipes on both sides that are pointing towards the windshield.

Detach the side panels of the center console (only the left side has a screw, the right side is clipped in place). Then, carefully bend the panels aside only as much as necessary to reach inside and work behind them. Be careful, as there is a risk of breakage. Especially in the winter...
A flashlight is very helpful for these tasks.
Looking for something to wedge in there to keep the trim from popping out.

Then you'll see a blue and a red joint linkage on each side. Remove the securing screw (one for each joint) and detach the joint (don't worry, it only fits in one position).

Then, on each page, find a screw on the support plate. The screws are installed upside down; this loosens the base plate, where both servo motors are attached.
Unscrew these two screws.

There is only one screw per colored joint, and one screw on the left and one on the right to secure the base plate on which the motors are mounted.
The base plate is approximately 25-30 cm long and 6 cm wide, and about 4 cm high. It is mounted parallel to the switch panel, meaning it runs horizontally across the vehicle.

Now comes a bit of fiddling... so please be patient. Always remember the money you've saved.

Remove the base plate towards the passenger side. It must first be tilted horizontally in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed from the passenger side.
(You essentially need to fold the base plate downwards, towards the climate control panel.)
Then carefully pull it out to the side. As I said, it's quite fiddly here.

Once the mounting plate is removed, replacing the actuator motors is a piece of cake. You can then see exactly where you need to unscrew the motors. It is also impossible to confuse the two motors due to the differently colored connectors.

The installation must be done in the reverse order.


Perform basic settings using VAG-COM:

Select the climate control module.
Select the default button setting (04).
Click the START button.

Now, the actuators are being set to a basic position. The end positions of the flaps are then stored in the electronics. This ensures that the flaps always open to the correct angle.



I do not guarantee the accuracy of this description. Anyone who attempts to repair their air conditioning system themselves does so at their own risk.
"If there are any errors in this description, please let me know so I can correct them."
Whenever the opportunity arises, I will try to take meaningful photos and add them to this description.

Well... have fun and good luck!