HOW TO: Heater Matrix Repair

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,071
Does anyone know how the windscreen/dash vent duct attaches to the dash and is it possible to remove it without taking the whole dash out?

Not only is there something rolling around in there but I’ve just knocked a screw down there while trying to find the offending item, :mad:
 
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alfatwo

Member
Messages
5,517
Does anyone know how the windscreen/dash vent duct attaches to the dash and is it possible to remove it without taking the whole dash out?

Not only is there something rolling around in there but I’ve just knocked a screw down there while trying to find the offending item, I’m really beginning to dislike this POS :mad:

There's two torx screws at the front, then the plastic cover/vent just lifts out!

Dave
 

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,071
One would roll the entire width of the dash every time you turned right at a roundabout.
 

Forcerouge

New Member
Messages
16
Amazing tutorial, thanks a million times!

Just a little remark: it is not very easy to follow for non english speakers due to what I assume to be English mistakes in the writing. That makes some of the steps confusing, in particular the ones regarding the airbag, does it mean to unplug the white connector and then put it to earth or does it mean to unplug the connector and unplug the earth? I red in the manual that they suggest to use some kind of "special plug" to put on the connector, hence my doubt.

There are a few things like that which are a bit confusing to me in the how to. I hope it's not too much to ask, but would it be possible to edit the OP to correct these?

Again, great work and thanks again for this how to!
 

Gp79

Member
Messages
1,393
Amazing tutorial, thanks a million times!

Just a little remark: it is not very easy to follow for non english speakers due to what I assume to be English mistakes in the writing. That makes some of the steps confusing, in particular the ones regarding the airbag, does it mean to unplug the white connector and then put it to earth or does it mean to unplug the connector and unplug the earth? I red in the manual that they suggest to use some kind of "special plug" to put on the connector, hence my doubt.

There are a few things like that which are a bit confusing to me in the how to. I hope it's not too much to ask, but would it be possible to edit the OP to correct these?

Again, great work and thanks again for this how to!

Bon jour

It is written well so must be the translate that is causing the confusion. I managed to follow it no problem.

Anyway it means disconnect both the white connector and the earth connection.

Make sure battery is disconnected for some time before disturbing airbags and don’t put any cables to earth.
 

MaserCoupe

Member
Messages
564
This is one heck of a helpful thread, got me really thinking about mine alot and has been a constant thought at the back of my mind. I do not fancy it peeing itself on the ECU and electrics. I went to see a blue Mediterranio CC car four years ago at a dealer in Billingshurst when I was on the hunt originally and to my surprise the passenger footwell was covered in an inch deep of coolant. Absolutely saturated! It makes so much sense now as to why and as I don’t fancy that happening to my car, I’m taking the plunge (no pun intended) and going for it. Next month it’s off to France for a week (where the car is) and I’ll be playing, crying/ swearing and no doubt relieved to have done this job before it squirts! Thankyou again to all you Maser boys and girls for posting and contributing on this topic.
 

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MaserCoupe

Member
Messages
564
Postcards from Normandie France........ Well, what an adventure! I’ve been knee deep in Maserati Matrix Madness and what fun! Gotta love them Italians.....enjoying the experience and the learning, but not looking forward to bleeding the system. A little apprehensive...

So far on this madcap rollercoaster ride, I’ve learned that your best mates are zip bags!!! Zip bagging every nut, bolt and washer with what you’ve dismantled along with labelling the wiring connectors. This takes a bit longer but well worth it on the reassembly journey back.

Within the car I keep seeing factory stuck labels with date stamps, codes and hand written (with a felt pen) numbers and country destination indicators. This in turn has been invoking thoughts of 2005 on the assembly line with Luigi hand gesturing to Mario to wether it was time for a “Peroni and a plate of pasta” yet....

Right.....Back to it then for a final attack on the Matrix removal.........I’ll be swearing in Italian to keep it authentic!
 

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MaserCoupe

Member
Messages
564
Rack em up!!! It will start looking like this!!
 

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B_Tank88

New Member
Messages
25
I'm considering a 4200 in the coming year.. but I have to admit, having to do this job is terrifying me.

How common is this failure? It it guaranteed to happen to everyone at some point or is it luck?
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
I'm considering a 4200 in the coming year.. but I have to admit, having to do this job is terrifying me.

How common is this failure? It it guaranteed to happen to everyone at some point or is it luck?

Dont worry about it, just buy one that has been done....most have by now. I would say the later GS and 42's (2005-07) will be mostly up for this job now.

It looks more daunting that it actually is. It takes a weekend of your time, following the how to thread and taking it step by step. Other than a puller for the steering wheel, its all basic tools.

Its rust, that is the issue.
 

MaserCoupe

Member
Messages
564
It’s nearly “Miller” time!! :D Yep Conaero is right, take your time, gentle hands, and a constant stream of refreshments. Bag and tag everything and keep em by the bits that they belong to. I found it easier to remove the handbrake from its two nut mount to give clearance for the dash board removal.
 

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TimR

Member
Messages
2,654
Surely rust is only an issue if it's been leaking, and if it's been leaking that badly, it'll surely have fried your airbag ECU I understand..?
Im trying to wrestle the back boxes off mine atm...rust is an issue here for sure ! Cant reach anything and the ones I can get at, I'll break them clean orf they are so badly corroded...!

Utter ba5tard ! :p
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Tim, it may be the use of different metals again each other that is causing the corrosion.

I have never had the pleasure of doing this job so I am only guessing.