Volkswagen Repair: No heat on my soles..., vacuum lines, dash vents

Question
Hi Rocky!  About a year or so ago my 96 Jetta stopped blowing heat from the floor vents.  It comes out of the dash vents and the defroster, but not on my feet.  In New England, that's only an issue for half the year, but for those 5 to 6 months it's a big one!  Any idea what's happened and if I can fix it without getting a mechanic involved?  Thanks for your help!!!

Answer
Hi Rik;
After starting the car, stay parked, and turn the vent control to the floor.  Listen for any vacuum sound.  There is a vacuum operated "motor" that moves the doors inside the dash that redirect the flow of air.  If you hear the vacuum, it means that one of the hoses has come off of the distribution block that uses this vacuum to direct the vent doors.  In an "A3" such as yours, it's quite a bit easier to get to these than in the later model cars.  Just look for a collection of vacuum lines just to the right of the center console, up inside the dash, and secure, or repair that line.  Happy hunting.