Heater Matrix

[inchley313]

Hello again!! Yes I am now having more problems with the V40.

I know I should cut all ties with this car but it now stands me at too much money to let it go and quite honestly, I really like driving this car!!

I have got a small problem with the heater matrix on the car ('97 V40 2.0 non-turbo) as it's 'p'ing out coolant when it gets warm

Has anyone here tackled getting the matrix out from behind the dash and how much of the dash needed removing.

This is a job I've been aiming to do for the last 2 Sundays now but have been conveniently finding other jobs to do around the house because this job is starting worry me with how much work may be involved.

If anyone can help me by letting me know just how much of a wimp I'm being and how easy this job really is, it would be massively appreciated.

Thanks

Ian

[Baffler]

The complete dash needs to be removed in order to gain access to the climate unit. I replaced the matrix on my '98 TD in November '09 and it wasn't much fun in the cold weather (didn't have time to do a pictorial) so get it done as soon as possible.



Here's a taste:












Removing the AIRMIX cable is a bit tricky but it's just a case of depressing the retainer on the nylon pin and pulling the inner cable off.
Some contortionists moves are required though







Once you remove the dash you will also need to remove the two steel support uprights either side of the centre dash to allow for room the remove the climate unit.

If you have air-con it complicates things futher due to not being able to disturb the evaporator within the climate unit. You will need to release/remove the nuts around that section of the climate unit to allow room to manoeuvre off the section containing the matrix.






Please note: the above pics are for a LHD car so just reverse for RHD.



P.S. ...the heater matrix in the X40 range has no in-line shut off valve so it receives a constant hot feed from the engine.

[inchley313]

Not the easy job I was hoping for!!

Think it may be time to man up!! grow some balls and just get on with it

Thank you for this guide, I can see it being very useful in my quest to have a smell free interior and a car I can actually use

[gatos]

It is a hard to do job with many screws placed odd places. But it is doable. I have removed 2 of them until now, but luckily did not have to put them back together. Make sure you take as many photos as you can of each step, as this will help you putting everything back together at the right place.

[inchley313]

Right!!!!! Finally started work on the Volvo tonight!! Started stripping the ash and have taken photos. Will post when I have time!!

Just writing a quick reply to bump this thread so those instructions on the first page are easy for me to find!

Cheers all!

[baldmosher]

Well, that settles it, I'm not removing my dash.

:-)

[Volvoline]

Isnt it easier to cut the firewall and reseal it ? lol

[inchley313]

Some pics of the job so far!!

[inchley313]

It's all going really easy so far, not had time to do any tonight but will get cracking again tomorrow night.

So far so good, just hope it all stays as easy as it has been so far and all goes back together as easy!!

Can't see it happening myself, but in the end I always win!!

[SIAMBLUE]

I keep on getting a sweet coolant smell when i turn my heaters too hot, i am guessing my matrix is starting to fail.
Gatos kindly gave me a spare one to replace, but it looks a very daunting job, seeing where they are situated, i have to do it sooner than later before it dumps all of the coolant in the footwell..

Gary