Good guide, cheers!

 

No problem [y]

And the bit for removing the cross member - especially for Tabs []

Neil

 

looks like a proper pita, its the only thing thats putting me off getting mine flocked.

 

Where have the instructions gone? need to change my matrix over crimbo, and could do with a pic of the matrix, as the one i have just had delivered from euro has different pipe connections to what i can see under the bonnet on the bulkhead.

 

They are still there [C]

 

hmmm, they have reappeared, it seems that my computer was being a dumbass

 

sorry to be a pita again, but i dont suppose you know whether the matrix pipes that stick through the bulkhead are the ACTUAL ones that are on the matrix, or whether they are just a fitting and the matrix sits further back. the outlets on my new matrix look like the type where you would use a jubilee clip, but the ones on the bulkhead are push fit with the wire/spring clip. hope that makes sense.

 

This is all the info I have

Neil

 

thats superb, the last picture is just how my new matrix is the piece i can see in the car must be a seperate piece. thanks

 

sorry to be a pain,

but your heater matrix might still be different as thats a LHD guide, and if you got your matrix from a EURO supplier it might be a LHD thing,

i don't know if there is a difference?

 

Im sure my matrix had the pipes connected. 2 pipes came through the bulkhead when i took mine out.

 

well, its coming out tommorow. fingers crossed it goes well. the matrix came from euro car parts

 

well, been at this fecker all day, and still havent got it out. looking like the cross member is going to have to come out too. aaaarrrrrrrggggggghhhhh.

 

anybody know how the heater box is fastened into the car? im struggling to figure out how to get it out.

 

It is held in by 3 nuts on the bulkhead side, you have to remove the crash bar first [y]

 

well, thanks for all your help, but i gave up, and am in the process of putting it back together now. not a job for the faint hearted i tell ya. taking the cross member out was the bit that stopped me in my tracks, because of all the wiring. once again, thanks for all your help.

 

you would not believe how long it took me to find this thread! started getting misty windows so replaced pollen filter... then noticed i was low on coolant but didnt put the two together until i noticed the red coolant in passenger footwell, ordered a new matrix and thought id attack it after a day at the garage...

Started about 2 1/2 hours ago and its been going well so far, bit of a pain as its cold and the gas bottles have ran out arggggg! just going to get the cross member out then hopefully rip the heater out. its certainly one of the most in depth repairs ive done this year and will keep me here for another few hours too

Thanks for the guide, i have taken photos of the pieces coming off bit by bit so will post them to show what it all looks like as its getting bare (and half a ton lighter!)

 

trust me, talking to many mechanic friends, and even they wont take it on.

 

my matrix is all done and dusted, i must admit that i have an overwhelming sense of pride for doing it! i have some photos to upload later... thanks for this tutorial, was a life saver! a few points for anyone replacing their matrix:

1) the job is one of 'point of no return' dont start it and give up... its heavy job but is easy, only time consuming.

2) dont be too light handed, the dash is pretty solid

3) the 3 nuts holding the heater core on 2 are above the exhaust flex behind the fire proof cover and one is next to n/s shock again behind cover (there are flap cut outs but hard to see)

4)disconnect the hoses from the matrix as its difficult to get it out with them still on (i disconnected from engine first but then from matrix end)

5) don't bother trying to remove the whole heater, just undo the silver clips holding the two halfs together, there are some on front, top, below and behind so its a task in its own but easy with patience and small screwdriver

anyone who needs it doing or needs a hand i am willing to help, its a weekend job and does help having someone whos done it before with you.

 

did you ever have a problem with the plastic connections that connect to new matrix cause i done mine today (took me 7 hours aargh) but i think mine is leaking on the plastic connectors between matrix and rubber hoses

 

Excellant need to remove mine in a few weeks time, this will be well handy...

 

Why didn't i see this yesterday! []

 

Great guide thanks.

I was just looking at how to detach the panels under the dash so I can run a mic from my stereo to the roof. Now I know

 

This will all come in handy for when i have to tackle all this.

 

dash removal is a pain in the arse. 8 hours or so it took me. but good to have a guide