Windshield defroster

[IvanE36]

Hello! I have a problem with my 99 E36. Front windshield defroster would barely blow no matter which speed I had it on. I can hear the blower motor speed increasing as I increase the setting but still almost no air comes out of vents. Did anyone else had that problem?

[T.Dot_E30]

When was the last time your changed your cabin filter? Maybe it's clogged.

[IvanE36]

i changed cabin filter right after i bought the car, which was in may so it should be good i think

[IvanE36]

i guess i'm the only one with such a unique problem lol

[Discostar]

There are little flaps around the heater box that direct the air from the blower to the different vents you select. I have a similar problem but mine is a 92 325is with manual knobs not the newer climate control unit.

Those flaps can get stuck. Perhaps they are just unable to fully redirect the air to the Defrost vents.

Also, it could be that other flaps are just stuck open, decreasing the airflow to the defrost. Set the vents to defrost only, and check all other vents to see if air is still coming out. My foot vents have the same issue, full blast but they barely work. All my other vents work fine though.

[IvanE36]

Originally Posted by Discostar

There are little flaps around the heater box that direct the air from the blower to the different vents you select. I have a similar problem but mine is a 92 325is with manual knobs not the newer climate control unit.

Those flaps can get stuck. Perhaps they are just unable to fully redirect the air to the Defrost vents.

Also, it could be that other flaps are just stuck open, decreasing the airflow to the defrost. Set the vents to defrost only, and check all other vents to see if air is still coming out. My foot vents have the same issue, full blast but they barely work. All my other vents work fine though.

i have same thing, i can even hear that the air flow was redirected and no there is no air what so ever from other vents when climate is set on defrost, only a lot of sound but no air. I guess the only solution is to take the dashboard apart...

[tehskeo]

The flaps seems like a logical place to look at, especially if you feel air coming from other vents at full blast. I have a '98 with the auto climate control and I can hear the flaps squeak as they move around when I change the settings. I have a feeling that there's some sort of rubber seal around the flap which may get stuck.

I have no idea how to access these things or if you have to spend hours taking the dash apart. if someone has done it or is going to do it, I hope they chime in here with some info! I'd be keen to just lube the flaps as a preventative measure...

[Axxe]

Not going to be a fun job. You can get away with just takin the center console out and drilling a hole in a dash supoort but you can take the heater core cover off without pulling dash.

[Discostar]

Yes, unfortunately as I understand it, the whole dash must come out for this job. I will be tackling the heater box in the summer.

[IvanE36]

Originally Posted by Discostar

Yes, unfortunately as I understand it, the whole dash must come out for this job. I will be tackling the heater box in the summer.

yeap thats what i thought too , boomarked the link on DIY dash removal lol we'll see what happens

[5style]

Originally Posted by T.Dot_E30

When was the last time your changed your cabin filter? Maybe it's clogged.

this. It may sound silly but did you close the door on the cabin filter correctly? If its not on right, air will not be forced into the vents..

[IvanE36]

Originally Posted by 5style

this. It may sound silly but did you close the door on the cabin filter correctly? If its not on right, air will not be forced into the vents..

well in that case air won't to be forced to any of the vents right ? not only on top ones, but you really made me want to check now lol

[tg07lq]

i had a simliar issue and all it was was the ducting had come uncoupled, not easiest job to check but easier than pulling the whole dash out.

[IvanE36]

Originally Posted by tg07lq

i had a simliar issue and all it was was the ducting had come uncoupled, not easiest job to check but easier than pulling the whole dash out.

how did you check it ? any suggestions where should i start ? Thanks.

[5style]

Originally Posted by IvanE36

well in that case air won't to be forced to any of the vents right ? not only on top ones, but you really made me want to check now lol

yes, it will all flow out near the footwells, looks like you might be stuck with a dash job