Replacing heater matrix...

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous Technical Queries' started by The Guv., Feb 5, 2008.

  1. The Guv. New Member

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    Heater matrix has gone, finally managed to dry the car out took ages!!!

    I understand putting the replacement heater matrix in is a real mission!

    Surely someone has found a way to get at it without having to remove EVERYTHING from steering wheel to dash!

    Can it not be got at by dragging it through the dash at all?

    MK3 VR6 btw.

    Ta.
     
  2. StuMc

    StuMc Moderator and Regional Host - Manchester Moderator

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    Dash out I`m afraid. The matrix slots into the top of the airbox, so no way to fit it with the box in situ. And the box is too big to pull out from under the dash.
     
  3. Jamie_pyrite Forum Member

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    How can you tell if it's gone? Mine does a rubbish job of heating up, like after a journey it'll only be very very slightly warm but the air travels through fine on all settings.

    Really really hope this isn't the case!
     
  4. The Guv. New Member

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    Was easy for me, I had an oceans worth of coolant soaked into the carpets!

    If your water levels are skatty or your water temps are then that's a fairly good indication that there could be a problem.

    If it's just a blockage restricting the flow i think this can be solved but flushing the system with a anti-blockage solution.

    If it's done in for good like mine then it's 5+ hours worth of work :S

    Does anyone know if i can leave the steering wheel and storks on or do they REALLY have to be removed aswell?

    *searches google for cig lighter powered heaters"
     
  5. StuMc

    StuMc Moderator and Regional Host - Manchester Moderator

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    You won`t be able to remove the dash with the wheel and stalks (;) ) in place. You may not have to take the dash completely out of the car, but you will need to pull it forward and lift it. It`s not really a massive job to remove the wheel and stalks, just an extra 10-15 mins on what is a pretty sh*tty job anyway.
     
  6. Ben S

    Ben S Forum Junkie

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    i got my dash off to do the heater but i left my stalks on (took wheel off as i have a snap-off)

    the stalks do get in the way so you have a fight on to get the dash over them but noway was I going to drill out the bolts holding the column on
     
  7. The Guv. New Member

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    Ugh, what were they thinking when they designed this car! When I bought the car the owner mentioned the heater matrix, I figured like in most cars it'd be a simple pull out push in job! Bugger! lol

    Anyone fancy doing it for me for some ? ;)
     
  8. Ben S

    Ben S Forum Junkie

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    It takes a while to do... I think I could get the dash out in an hour
    1.5 hours to do coolant, new hoses, new matrix
    1.5 hour to refit stuff

    4hrs @ say 12/hr = 48 quid lol :p

    only done it once but it was only a few months back
     
  9. redi

    redi Forum Member

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  10. The Guv. New Member

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    48 quid? where abouts are you? lol...
     
  11. The Guv. New Member

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    Does this apply to a MK3 aswell, noticed you've got a MK2 and it was written up for the MK2...

    Cheers!
     
  12. lufbramatt Forum Member

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    whats the big deal with removing the stalks? surely its just a couple of plugs and 3 long screws? would much rather take them off tham risk snapping one of them tbh
     
  13. Ben S

    Ben S Forum Junkie

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    can't remember but couldn't get stalks off

    did it without anyway so i'm not too bothered


    i think the dash out faq / guide said drill out steering column bolts... and noway was i goin to do that


    ........ only just noticed he is talking about a mk3... doh

    can't help you there mate

    i have been in a constant state of knackered lately so i'm reading / misinterprettin things left right and centre so apologies for that
     
  14. The Guv. New Member

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    Bump, will pay 75 quid for someone to do the job for me... Have the part waiting! :)
     
  15. Nordoff Forum Junkie

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    You in near stoke? I've done a few now.
     
  16. golfpaul Forum Member

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    Yeah the dash deffo doesnt need to come out - mine didnt anyway...
    Still a real pain to do, expect very bruised and cut hands by the end.
     
  17. The Guv. New Member

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    I'm in central london way... I've got a MK3 golf does the not removing the dash still apply to the MK3? I see most of you have the MK2 styled dash.
     
  18. rubjonny

    rubjonny Administrator Staff Member Admin

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    I've done it both ways, by far its easier with the dash out.
     
  19. Spacemonkey Forum Member

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    Done mine with the dash in, but would do it with dash out next time.
     
  20. Mk2Luke16v Forum Member

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    Agreed, i did my mk2 with dash in, and it was the fiddliest **** of a job ever! When we did a mates corrado, took the dash right out and was a much easier job.
     

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