Heater matrix
Heater matrix
Right had some right old problems with my IS200 recently. The main problem is it keeps over heating. It broke down two weeks ago and I had to get towed, after the radiator busted.
I replaced this last weekend, and flushed the engine out while I was at it, as it was full of gunk! Some of you might have read previous threads about problems I have had with the heaters only blowing warm air through one side of the car. I hoped that flushing out the system might sort this problem. I also checked my fans were working while I had it all in bits.
So all was well, apart from the blowers still only blowing half warm. Until Saturday when sat in traffic and the car started to overheat again.
I checked the car when it had cooled down, and it had lost loads of water. I bought the radiator from a scrap yard, so fearing the worst I thought it was this that had failed. But when I got to work Sunday evening, I noticed the drivers footwell was damp. Only closer inspection, the heater matrix has failed. Great!
So my question is, has anyone replaced it themselves? And how big a job is it? I have found a second hand heater matrix and blower assembly for a decent rate on fleebay.
I think the electrics and airbags will be the biggest problems..........
Hi James , my matrix failed to ,
Tools required:
phillps head screw driver
Torch or some form of light
Pliers
Hacksaw
Hose the same dia as the heater hose
4 hose clamps
Proceedure:
Removal
1. In the engine bay, Losen/remove both hose clamps on heater hoses.
2. Disconnect Both heater hoses (if they are stuck on try to twist them).
3. In the cabin, Remove the pannel below the stering wheel (three screws), then dissconnect fog lights, dimmer, air temp senor and unlatch bonnet cable.
4. Remove the 3 screws (these hold the heater and the heater pipes in place).
5. Slide the heater out, as it is broken anyway just yank the pipes out, they will bend very easy.
note: you may want to have some rages on hand to catch any water that comes out of the matrix or pipes.
Install
1. On the new Matrix, cut the frist pipe (higher pipe on matrix). Make the cut in beetween the two mounting positions on the straight section. Be gentle and take your time.
2. On the new Matrix, cut the second pipe (lower pipe on matrix). Make the cut before the mounting position on the straight section. Be gentle and take your time.
3. Cut two lenghts of hose and install both on the matrix side of the pipe. Be gentle when installing.
4. Place losely two hose clamps on each hose, fasten the clamp close to the matrix. Keep in mind the positioning of the clamps for easy access later.
5. Gently side the matrix into place. You may need to rotate the pipes to clear everthing for a smooth entry.
6. Once in place, re-latch (screw up) the frist mount and tighten.
7. Starting with the lower pipe (it goes throught the top hole in the firewall), once though the top hole insert it into the hose to connect it to the matrix.
8. Once in the right position tighten both mount for that pipe and also second hose clamp.
9. repeat above step but though the lower hole in the firewall.
10. In the engine bay, reconnect hoses and hose clamps.
11. Top up water.
12. In cabin, re-install pannel below steering wheel.
13. Start car, top up water again
Note: it is allways a good Idea to check no water is leaking from the re-installed pipes and matrix
Done. Hope this helps , Dave , it helped me .