groomers

how does the heater matrix come out of a saff does the heater box have to come out or does it slide out in place?

cosrep

Bit of a messy job, the heater matrix has to come out and of course all the bits and pieces in the way.

Miller 3

iTrader: (4)

LHD220Turbo

iTrader: (4)

got to change my heater matrix too; so any other pointers/tips would be handy!

groomers

umm know that does the heater box have to come out ie does the dash have to be removed or is it an easy one?

cosrep

Just awkward, the lower part of the dash needs to be removed, which means the centre console needs to be removed so access to the vent hoses and retaining screws can be had.

tabetha

Been a while since I done one, as always use copper heater matrix, but seem to remember that you can get enough space withouttaking box out, as it slides rearwards after undoing pipes etc ?
tabetha

Csm

Fiddly job and you will be in a pissed of mood when your doing it !!!

I have done 2 and last one was my cossie about 2 years ago .........

Lower half of the dash out for starters then its a hit or a miss if you can get the matrix to slide out behind the clutch pedal, my old 1.8 saph was a doddle when i was about 18 but the cossie was just a pain in the arse as it was hitting the clutch pedal perfectly with no hope of it coming out and that was with me twisting the box that matris is in around etc ..........ended up taking the pedals out the car in the end sniff sniff

AndyPen

iTrader: (24)

I've got this job to do as well. If you need pics of the unit taken out let me know as I have a couple of spares here... keep putting the job off!!

Just a thought and it didn't work for me - but have you tried reverse flushing it. I think Tabetha also knows of some gunge remover that might work if you connect bits of hose pipe up temporarily?? Tab??? Am I right??

groomers

dont work when its pissing out!

tabetha

I use WYNN's cooling system flush, in for 500 miles or so before yearly antifreeze change, so clear as a, well er clear thing!!
tabetha

dojj

iTrader: (3)

in the engine bay undo the pipes to the heter matrix
then the 2 screws that hold the tab in place otherwise the matrix won't come out at all
driver and passenger side sill covers next
then kick panels
then the drivers side lower dash
then the passenger side lower dash
then you can see what you need to do
pop the cable controls off the adjusters
unscrew the clamping plates for the cables
undo the 2 13mm nuts that hold the heater box in place
slide the whole lot out
remove 2 screws that hold the matrix in the heater box
refit as you remove

you may need to remove the centre console if it's not been out before and the rear under seat heater pipes are a bit of a bitch to do as well
and yes, try and keep your temper and don't do it if you think you need the car in the next 10 minutes either

AndyPen

iTrader: (24)

Didn't realize it was leaking mate - what a bummer!! Info above sounds good - I've had the whole dash off and wish to heck I knew it would clog up as I'd have sorted it then ;-(

dojj

iTrader: (3)

but you've got a pre facelift car so there is less wires to unplung and contend with when removing the lower dash

some peole say you can do it quicker by just moving the pedals a bit, but it's fookin' akward and does your back no favours being bent over like that in the footwell
it might take a little while longer but at least you'll sleep safe in the knowledge that you took the easy way rather than the quick but painfull method