Matrix Matters.

[Soenvious]

A whiff of coolant in the cabin, a misty patch on inside of windscreen and a sticky/wet carpet, I guess I need to join the Matrix club.
After reading the excellent 'how-to', I'm wondering if it can be done with both seats, still in the car, but pushed right back and does the steering definitely wheel have to be removed?

 

[conaero]

You don’t have to remove the seats no but its easier and they take 10 mins each to take out

 

[RichTaps]

Agree with Conaero. Your brain might try and convince you that it'll be easier to keep the Wheel and seats in place, but in reality it's so much easier to take them out!

 

[Soenvious]

Getting on with stripping the dash out and noticed a GPS module stuck to the top of the speedo binnacle.
I'm wondering if this is the GPS for the navigation system or part of the Navtrak tracking device? Anyone seen this before?

 

[Soenvious]

Getting on with stripping the dash out and noticed a GPS module stuck to the top of the speedo binnacle.
I'm wondering if this is the GPS for the navigation system or part of the Navtrak tracking device? Anyone seen this before?

Just answered my own question, found the part on Eurospares parts list.
See, talking to yourself can be productive.....

 

[Soenvious]

Latest update on my matrix replacement.
Eventually removed the dashboard and ventilation ducting.
What a right Royal PITA that was and to be fair I gave myself more hassle because of limited access in my garage. It's easier if you can have both doors wide open, for freedom of movement, in and around the car.
Although there are several how-to guides around, none of them are clear on the method of removing the dash and ducting. They show lots of screws being undone and then hey-presto it's all out.
I initially thought the dash and ducting assembly would come out as one piece, silly me but then realised I needed to separate them first. I decide to leave the steering wheel on and although it might give a little more access, for a couple of screws, it doesn't have to come off.
I ended up taking the handbrake off it's mounting, which gave more clearance for manoeuvring the dash and removed the right hand end of the dash for extra clearance. The large bracket, top centre, of the dash fits under and behind the ducting making it difficult to pull out.
Ok, enough whingeing, on to the heater core.

 

[zagatoes30]

Once the dash is out the heater matrix is relatively straight forward, then there is the task of putting it all back but good progress so far well done

 

[conaero]

Yes well done.

 

[philgarner]

I did it without taking the steering wheel out but I broke a few bits and it definitely risks damaging the dash.

 

[Soenvious]

Heater box out and matrix re-fitted ready to put back into position.
Matrix was wet down each side and the heater box had residue in the bottom, so at least it looks like the decision to change was the correct one.
Now for the easy part, put it all back together, any bets on how many 'spare' screws I have at the end....

 

[Soenvious]

Mission accomplished.
It seems to have taken ages but I've cleaned all the 'sticky' from the associated plastic parts as well, while I had them off and re-wrapped the wiring harnesses around the centre console.
Been out for a couple of test drives, with heater on 23deg. and all seems ok. I left the carpet and under-dash soundproofing out, on passenger side, to be able to check the hose clip joints.
Almost left the dash-top soundproofing out but realised before I'd screwed everything back together, so, no harm, no foul.
Had a mini scare when checking the dash warning lights because a yellow seat icon was lit, I thought it might be related to the airbag system but then realised I'd inadvertently switched on the seat heater, doh!
Although before commencing, it seems very daunting, it's a job for a methodical approach and don't be tempted to rush.

 

[DLax69]

Mission accomplished.
It seems to have taken ages but I've cleaned all the 'sticky' from the associated plastic parts as well, while I had them off and re-wrapped the wiring harnesses around the centre console.
Been out for a couple of test drives, with heater on 23deg. and all seems ok. I left the carpet and under-dash soundproofing out, on passenger side, to be able to check the hose clip joints.
Almost left the dash-top soundproofing out but realised before I'd screwed everything back together, so, no harm, no foul.
Had a mini scare when checking the dash warning lights because a yellow seat icon was lit, I thought it might be related to the airbag system but then realised I'd inadvertently switched on the seat heater, doh!
Although before commencing, it seems very daunting, it's a job for a methodical approach and don't be tempted to rush.

Spare screw count?

 

[Soenvious]

Ok, I'll fess-up. 4 spares.....
Two that were changed because of head/thread damage and two that were not worth the effort of re-installing because they were part of the small trim piece that bridges across the top of the steering column.
Phew! confession is good for the soul.

 

[DLax69]

Ok, I'll fess-up. 4 spares.....
Two that were changed because of head/thread damage and two that were not worth the effort of re-installing because they were part of the small trim piece that bridges across the top of the steering column.
Phew! confession is good for the soul.

You have received absolution. Go forth and sin again, my child.