heater matrix

[strothrc]

Where is the heater matrix and how do you replace it?

[Critch]

I believe it mounted passenger side of dash board.

[strothrc]

how do you get at it?

[Critch]

I haven't changed one so couldn't give you an in depth detail.

But from what I know. It's a case of opening bonnet.
Looking towards bulk head should see 2 coolant pipes going into bulk head from block they need disconnecting ( note coolant will leak)

Then remove glove box Look in towards centre and matrix should be around that area.

Plastic etc may have to be removed.

I can try and get a detailed remove procedure
If no one else has been along to say otherwise

[Critch]

Quick google cane up with this not sure if it will help or not

To remove the matrix from your car you will need to first drain the radiator then you will need to look behind the engine block in the middle you will see 2 pipes about a hand with apart in the center of the car you need to disconnect both of them.
When you have disconnected both of them you need to strip out the center console of your car also take out the housing around the hand brake and gear stick.
When you have done that you will then see a long black plastic casing and the bottom of the console unscrew the four bolts and then slide the bottom of the casing out.
Wiggle the matrix it self out and place the new one in.
Can be a sod to do but did mine on cav in about 2 and half hours.
Carefull when refilling because i got air lock in mine but have sorted it out.
If that happens for you then take off the top radiator hose and run the engine untill water starts to flow out then reconnect op hose.
There you go how to strip out and put in heater matrix.

[kicker]

Hi all,

I'd like to give you the symptoms experienced with my veccie to try to determine if the heater matrix is the fault on mine.

The heating temperature in the cabin has never been very good since I've owned it.

a: 2 yrs ago the thermostat housing was leaking and was re-sealed with gasket seal. As the temperature in the cabin was not hot (luke warm) the heater matix was flushed and checked no air lock was there but orange rusty colour sludge came out. The cabin temperature rose a little but not hot.

b: the thermostat housing leaked again just before xmas and was resealed again.The temp guage is normal. the pipes on the heater matrix dont seem to get really hot - just lukewarm. cabin temperature is just luke warm still.

Is it possible that the sludge that came out was a mixture of old coolant/water/crap and also the inner lining/finish/plating of the heater matrix? and is this possible why I have barely any heat in the cabin?

[BAG320]

I'f you have a vectra c which is a guess from your picture, I just done my matrix,

You need to drain the system by the drain plug lower left of the radiator, if the coolant is that old to save money run a piece of hose pipe from it and run into a bottle.
Then locate the two pipes running into the bulk head behind the engine and there is two wire clips on them, use a screw driver to pop them up and then pull off the pipes.

Go in the DRIVERS side foot well and remove the cowling that is under the steering when. You will need to pull the light switch out as there is a screw there and then 3 under the steering wheel itself

Then there is a small plastic panel in the well by the clutch petal with a screw you need to remove that then rotate it round. Then you will see either a white or black case top take this off and there is the matrix. It's in the driver well not passenger

And a strong tap or hose will clear it out

Putting it back in reverse. Connect the pipes and fill with coolant run the engine and then remove the right hand pipe to bleed the air out of the matrix, you will know when it's done when it starts to run water from the pipe in the bulk head

Hope this helps

I would recommend taking the thermostat off and sealing it properly not just plastering the sides with instant....

Rhys



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[kicker]

cheers rhys. just one query - the heater matrix hoses - you mention takign the right one off - is this whilst looking into the engine bay or as in the vehicles right hand one...sorry.

[strothrc]

Thanks, i have used radweld as a temp fix to stop windows steaming up!

Ta.