Hi all, newbie here.

I have a 1996 MkV 1.6LX 16V Escort.

My heater isn't working, but the blower is, I'm just getting cold air which is no fun at this time of year. Haynes (spit) is no help at all.

It wasn't working last year when the head gasket went, but there were other symptoms then which haven't appeared this time. The car in itself is working fine.

Any thoughts as to the problem, and how difficult is it to fix? My technical skills about 2-3 spanners going by Haynes.

Thanks

 

So long as you're sure the engine is getting up to proper temp, and the stat working as it should, feel the in out hoses as they go from the engine compartment through the bulkhead to the heater box, if they are both warm, then inside the car, have a look at the flaps to make sure they are moving when you operate the lever for vent/floor/screen etc, and also the hot/cold one, it may just be a cable off, worst it could be is a totally blocked matrix, but even this would still produce luke warm heat.
tabetha

 

The flaps are certainly working, don't know if the heater dial is. Worth checking behind the dashboard then?

Hope it's not the matrix, that's beyond my skills.

Thanks.

 

Check your coolant level.

 

I've never done a matrix on one of those escorts, but it's not as bad as it seems most heaters, just a lot of stuff to remove etc.
If you want to really scare yourself with a matrix try it on a rover sd1!!
tabetha

 

Just to let you know, the problem is sorted in the short term. The pipes and matrix were furred up. My friendly mechanic pressure jetted the system and flushed it out with Radflush. Up to about 80% efficiency which will do for the moment.

I'll have to look at having the Matrix replaced in the summer, but at least I didn't have to shell out megabucks just before Christmas.

Thanks for your replys.

 

If you put in some WYNNS cooling system cleaner, you most likely would not need a new matrix, but will have to clean the expansion tank out after 200-300 miles as all the gunge will settle there, as a jelly like mess, works wonders this stuff.
tabetha

 

Thanks I'll remember that.