Heater Matrix?

[Paul240480]

Noticed the heater has not been very warm lately. I guess this means heater matrix has gone home?
Is that a big job on these?

[Brendan W]

Console side trim, glove box, blower, pipes and out it slides, easy peasy
At least the whole dash doesn't have to come off!
This guy actually sounds like he knows what he is doing. It's a LHD car but probably a few good tips in there about avoiding breaking stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37u_oQ0Q0Gc

[Paul240480]

Thanks, I’ve just watched RobertDIY’s video, doesn’t look too big a job, phew!.
Not too pricey either, around the 40 quid mark.

[VOLVOBOY]

Hi.
RHD car is a lot harder than LHD.
Search the forum for posts and you`ll see.
Suggest you remove the two quick-release fittings at the bulkhead and back-flush in both directions. You might be lucky.

[oragex]

I believe on RHD you'll need to cut something to free the heater.

These heaters rarely leak on P2 - the two o-rings may leak a few droplets. Most usually the leak is either from clogged sunroof drains, cabin blower bottom cover, cabin air filter cover, or climate unit drain hose which is close to the left side of the center tunnel. On 2004-2005 the leak may also be from above the CEM unit, leaking from the windscreen cowl.

For heating, see first how's the coolant thermostat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQxQnuU22Ow

[petrohl34d]

Looks like your carpet is wet there, so you might be a leaky heater matrix after all?

I'm having a heating issue as well at present (no hot air).

I flushed the matrix the other evening and it definitely did improve the heat but it's still not great.

I only forward flushed it though, so I'm going to back flush it and see if that works better.

NB: I broke one of the plastic clips when removing the hose from the bulkhead. After much searching it seems that you can't buy these clips separately and I have had to buy a whole hose + clip instead. The hose cost me £12 on eBay.

One half of the clip fell down into the engine. It was cold and dark and I was not in the mood to retrieve it, so I pushed the hose back on, positioned the clip where it should be and used a cable tie to secure it in place.

It's working ok but needless to say I am driving the car very easily until my replacement clip arrives.

[MarvinMitt]

75% it's the heater matrix o-rings.
The rubber has turned into plastic from 15+ years of heat cycles.
Not sure about RHD cars but on LHD car you can replace them in situ.
Aftermarket heater matrixes excluding Behr (OE like) and including Nissens have less core pipes and don't heat that well so I'd give the new o-rings a go at first.

[Paul240480]

Had to order the seals, went for clips too as, apparently they are easily bent on removing.

Just need the rain to stop so I can have a good look, oh best get some fresh anti freeze too as no idea how old it is.....