Metallic Particles on the dashboard

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Kaine

Past Member
I remember reading an early post about metallic particles on the dashboard (maybe JD's comments I think).

Over the last few weeks, I have really started to notice a build up, and I am a little concerned what it is. (Have some idea, however dont want to guess)

I am going to contact my dealer, but firstly wanted to find out if anyone else (like JD?) has also found this and highlighted to their dealer. What was the reply/action?

Thanks

Kaine
 
Cheers John, however couldn't find any reference to Niks posts using the search option. Can you recall any detail from Niks posts?

Also, since only JD has replied can I assume that this was the only occasion for this problem, apart from mine now?

Kaine
 
Kaine
I did archive aver 12 pages of posts when I took over the moderator role so I may have the posts sat on my hard drive-if I do I'll let you know and we can sort out email etc. I'm in work at the moment and wont have time to look into it until tonight/tomorrow.

Steve - 1.4SE petrol, 2002, Silver
 
Kaine,

If further clarity helps I have experienced the metal particles myself on an A2 courtesy car, and it was only via Nik’s previous comments that I was aware of how dangerous it was. I say dangerous on the basis that sucking in aluminium particles is not good for ones health. The problem according to a knowledgeable air conditioning contractor is all down to the protective coating (or lack of it) on the evaporation unit. He explained that environmental pollution was generally the culprit, but expressed great surprise that it was happening in a new car.

I know Roy also started to experience this problem, so if we include the 6 cars as mentioned by Nik’s dealers, and then include yourself we have a total of 10 owners who have experienced the problem.

As I mentioned to Roy and my dealer at the time I strongly suggested that due to the problem the AC system should not be used at all, and certainly NEVER if young babies are passengers. Indeed because this is a health issue I am surprised that all A2’s have not been recalled for a checkup. Clearly there must be many owners who simply believe that the deposits on the dashboard are dust, when its not.

For the record the tell tale signs of this problem are that the top of the dashboard almost looks as though it is covered in hair dandruff, however in the right light/sunlight these particles will be seen to glitter – like metal particles would.

Previously I mentioned the fact that shortly after using the said courtesy car I was coughing up blood for countless days (very worrying). The Doctor said he believed I had somehow damaged my throat, and so the unknown question is was this just a coincidence, or could the metal particles have been the cause ? Who knows ?

Regards
John Disdale
 
Darn. I thought the dandruff was pure dust.

This worries me. I've been transporting my baby for 3 months in this car already, with the AC constantly on.

Is this indeed as dangerous as it seems, or are people overreacting?
 
I had a look in my car and I wonder whether it's really aluminium. It just doesn't look like it. To me, it looks more like some kind of foil or coating. Any ideas?
 
Kaine-I found the archive post I mentioned above and have emailed it to you.

If anyone else would like to see what was said on this subject in an old post, email me your email address via the forum 'email poster' button and I'll send you the page.

Steve - 1.4SE petrol, 2002, Silver
 
I have glittery particles all over the passenger seat - and assumed this was down to something the missus was wearing - do I need to worry? I'm going to look a right prat if I go to Whitehouse - and they tell me it has come off someone's dress. Should these particles only be on dashboard? If so, where about on the dash?
 
Thanks Steve - mail received.

Based upon the post from Steve, it seems that AUDI recognised this as a problem since they seemingly have recalled and changed upto six evaporators (that we are aware of anyway) due to this 'particles on the dashboard issue'.
quote:It turns out that the lining of the evaporator has flaked off and is blowing backup through the system (or at least I believe this is whats happening from the dealers explaination) so they sent out a letter to customers asking them to bring there cars in for a check. They have replaced two already and have another four to do.
Click to expand...
(Niks post - 5th April 2002)

Based upon this I can assume that they recognise some kind of problem, technical or health related [?]. I think that at least if we have this problem the dealer should take a look and decide if we are prats or not. :)

Kaine
 
Mine workers often suffer from a lung disease called siderosis, caused by sucking in large amounts of metalic particles. In this case however, the amount of particles is not that large (it takes months to build up this dandruff layer) and most particles will be transported out the lungs right away by the mucosa.

At least - that's what I think. I'm no doctor.

Inhalation of aluminium particles can - on the long term - cause fibrosis. It can't be healhty. I will contact the dealer right away.

I just hope it's alumimium and not some kind of coating that causes cancer or whatsoever. Because in that case, you have a real problem.
 
It’s a worthy thought that the A2 incorporates a “pollen” filter which removes the tiniest of particles, yet the particles what we are talking about can be seen and measured with a ruler. How can that in itself be right ?

Harps – If you believe your wife is dropping shiny particles on the seat try giving her a spray with WD40.

Regards
John Disdale
 
Hi,

I think it's coming from the evaporator or the condensor from the CC system. It has got be the coating since it's very unlikely that the whole unit will desintegrate and blow steady into the interior.

It could be bad for your health, switch of the CC and visit the dealer.



Dennis de Held

Amulet Red 1.4 Tdi
 
Called my dealer and they promised to call back for an appointment. Let's wait and see..
 
Yes, it was the lining from the evaporator. Not sure why it happens on some A2's but not others. Maybe a faulty batch of evaporators. They have to take the dash out to get to it so be sure to check it thoroughly when you get it back. They had to replace several bits such as the airvents and intrument binnacle on mine as I wasn't happy with it. It's still a bit rattley around the dash at times. Look out for the screwdriver marks where things have been levered out. They tend to be a bit slap dash!! about things quite often.
 
My evaporator was changed last week. It is a well known issue for Audi and there was absolutely no discussion required. All owner of a pre 2002 A2 shall look very careful for the particles and contact their dealer for a replacement. Takes 1 day to be done (dashboard removed)

regards,
Christian


A2 1.2TDI / Build 7/2001
 
Its good to know that Audi are not about to kick up a fight by those complaining, however it should be carefully noted that the car which I drove with the problem was in fact a 2002 model.

Regards
John Disdale
 
Dealer said they'll clean the entire CC system (and do a little more). No questions at all (it's lease, so it's free). Seems they verified it at the company that imports the cars.
 
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