no heat to feet

[bheinen74]

A very common problem in the newer cars is no heat to the feet.

see:

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16356&highlight=no+heat+to+feet

 

and

 

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22542

 

for reference.

I would like to ask those of you with newer Baja's, Imprezas, WRX's, and Foresters, if you have feet heat or not, so as to know if I should consider those.

[bheinen74]

I greatly improved the heat output on the driver side feet of my 06 today.

I removed the plastic cover under the steering column (2 plastic pop screws, one plastic button retainer, and the 4 screws holding diagnostic connector in.

Once that was out of the way, found the 3 little slots where the air blows out from.

 

I used some tin snips, sides cutters, and a air powered rotary grinder with honing tip.

On the center outlet, is a criss cross gate of plastic, snip that out of the way completely.

Then with grinder, grind away all around the other outlets and the center one that had the criss cross gate, making them double or more in size. I made the outlet closest to the radio the largest, about 3 times the factory size.

 

Then hold the plastic cover back up, making note where to grind it. and grind the slots away on it too.

Take steel wool and shove into the 2 slots under driver seat duck, and same on passenger side. If you consistently have back seat passenger, just block off one on each side. I used steel wool, due to the fact eventually later on in the cars life, rodents can make a nest with something else, this will prevent that.

 

I think this is about 85% better heat to the feet and will be adequate.

 

I highly recommend this fix for those of you having the same.

Edited January 18, 2010 by bheinen74