My recently acquired '93 Passat wagon only blows heat/air through the dash vents. The control doesn't divert air to defroster or floor. Any idea what may be the problem and fix? Also, the fan speed doesn't seem to do anything on the "1" setting. The local repair shop said it doesn't blow much air, but acts more as a vent. Any comments? Thanks

I'd check for vacuum problems first. Try checking the vacuum hose connections at the back of the throttle body, the small braided hoses often deteriorate.

Thanks. I just had the car in the shop and they claim they replaced a load of vacuum hoses. I'll specifically check for this one. So the dampers are vacuum actuated rather than cable?