Heat coming from under the steering wheel

**Sunny4** · 08-22-2008 09:05 PM

So this is my first post guys!! I just got my 04 S4 and there is heat coming out of driver side. After driving for a few minutes I can feel the heat just ozing out from under the steering column. Is this a common issue? Has anyone experienced this? I'm going in on Saturday to get my new key and was going to ask about it. Also when I put the car in reverse and turn the wheel to the right and give it gas there is a grinding noise. This dosent happen all the time but happens often enough and is loud enough to cause me to be concerned. I am driving a manual. Has anyone experienced this? Also, this is kind of a stupid question but what does the econ button do in the climate control? I been trying to find a way to let outdide air come thru the vents without using the fan and i have had no luck with this. Thanks guys, Sunny.

**WaySloS4** · 08-22-2008 09:46 PM

I just picked up my '04 as well, and also experience the heat and noise you are referring to. Im not sure its normal, but at least your not alone!

**UberDave** · 08-22-2008 10:11 PM

The ECON button just turns off the AC compressor...

**covertS4driver** · 08-24-2008 04:12 PM

My interior always feels a little too warm. I'm guessing its just an S4 thing. That engine generates some major heat!

**Sunny4** · 08-24-2008 05:30 PM

ya I glad I'm not alone. Well atleast the cars under original warranty till end of September and I got the extended too. Soooooo glad I went with a CPO. The heat thing is just weird. Over all it runs good, I just feel bad hurting it...still trying to master driving stick LOL.

**Sunny4** · 08-24-2008 05:31 PM

The interior is fine. Its just the driver side that pulls all that heat out.

**bklein8888** · 08-24-2008 07:40 PM

i have the same two issues. the grinding noise in reverse is the awd system and the heat is an unknown. i took my car to the dealer about the same issue and they found nothing wrong. you feel it more when the car is driven especially hard or for a long time. i wouldnt worry about either...i think those are just little s4 quirks. enjoy the new ride!

**FastB7S4** · 08-24-2008 08:54 PM

Definitely hot in the driver side leg area. I always just assumed it was due to the heat produced under the hood and nowhere for it to go.

**Sunny4** · 08-25-2008 02:57 PM

Me and my buddy tried to reproduce the sound yesterday with no luck. I was driving in reverse in circles for 15 minutes while people were walking by looking at us all funny...haha! This is suck a pain if i cant show the dealer and my factory warranty is about to be up soon!!

**Sunny4** · 08-25-2008 02:59 PM

Anyone race a G35 with a VQ supercharger pushing like 10psi...i think thats the name of it. I raced my buddy on the highway and was able to keep up with him stock all the way thru third and partially thru 4th gear(thanks to my crappy shifting). Then he tells me that his clutch was slipping when shifting from 3rd to 4th. He is all bummed that he might have to replace his clutch...its the stock clutch too.

**Tsotne** · 07-09-2016 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by covertS4driver

My interior always feels a little too warm. I'm guessing its just an S4 thing. That engine generates some major heat!

I have 2,0 TFSI B7, had the same problem untill i replaced the heat shield under the steering, also added some shields behind the pedals. and its ok now,
I'm also planning to install heat/sound shields inside the doors. You should try, there are alot of shields on ebay and they arent expensive .

**alcatranz518** · 07-09-2016 09:10 AM

The heat you are feeling is most likely from the heater core lines that run down through the center console. Audi Engineers placed the core about where your calf is in the center console and the pipes radiate the heat. I have tried using gold foil insulation on the trim cover to reduce it was had no luck. If you put your hand up around the top of the accel pedal near the console your REALLY notice it, but be careful if you just ran the car and touch the pipe you will get a wake up from how hot it gets. The A4's may not run as hot as the 4.2 so it could be a little easier to cover, not sure. Since we have 3 radiators, I'd guess the 4.2 runs a little warmer.

I find it hard to accept Audi QE's let this go, but cannot find anything to indicate the car did not come this way. This issue was a OCD - "I will fix it thing" for me for like a month. Here in AZ you can imagine how comforting that extra heat is on a 100 degree day and you don't run the AC, and all I traced it to was a "not much you can do" solution. So yea, in short I believe its just a characteristic of our car.

**Concavitor** · 07-10-2016 12:22 AM

What does the owners manual say about the ECON button?

**Nollywood** · 07-10-2016 07:39 AM

Make sure the large rubber grommet, that the lower steering column passes through, to exit to the engine bay, and mate to the PAS rack is well sealed.

If the groove is not engaged to the steel opening, you will get exhaust manifold heat wafting up the footwell.