300tdi Heater Matrix Removal

After a bit of 'vigorous' off roading the other week which resulted in water over the bonnet and down through the heater matrix and into the car :doh:, I struggle to get any heat or airflow through the heater when on full hot setting.

Reading RAVE it looks like I have blocked the air side of the heater matrix with crud and need to clean it out. RAVE suggests that I need to remove the entire dash before the matrix can be slid from its housing.

Has anyone had any sucess in removing the matrix with the dash still in situ, and if so do I need to do any butchery to the dash.

Hints and tips gratefully recieved

Hi Dorset,

I've been researching this as I have exactly the same task to do this weekend... with the same cause!

From what I have found the heater matrix can only be removed with the dash taken out - although I'd love to find a way not to do this. However, if it's just the pipes they can apparently be got at with minor "adjustments" (cutting) to the lower dash.

Personally I'm going to take the dash out as I don't really want to cut things.

Matt

Somewhere recently in one of the forums the matrix was removed via the space to the left of the fuse box by all accounts it can be seen and after the hoses have been disconnect it can be lifted and pulled out. Complete job took about an hour.

discool said:

Somewhere recently in one of the forums the matrix was removed via the space to the left of the fuse box by all accounts it can be seen and after the hoses have been disconnect it can be lifted and pulled out. Complete job took about an hour.

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That's the method my local Indy uses, I think they cut the pipe's to gain access and patch them upon re-fitting. Quoted me £165 for parts and 1.5hrs labour.

Early V8s and 200 s need the dash out.
I beleive the 300 can be done insitu.

well that made me forget about fitting my matrix , wel untill next week anyhow ,thanks.

any more info on theis matter please.

Hi,

On my 300 I took out the dash etc... To be honest it was a long but VERY simple task. I took a few photos on the way but as an amateur mechanic with no experience of doing this work - and a copy of the Haynes manual - I had it done in reasonable time.

M

Torkers said:

Hi,

On my 300 I took out the dash etc... To be honest it was a long but VERY simple task. I took a few photos on the way but as an amateur mechanic with no experience of doing this work - and a copy of the Haynes manual - I had it done in reasonable time.

M

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hi i have the same problem. how long did it take u and how did u find all the bolt many thanks jim

I've donee without removing dash.UNbolt steel strip over fusebox, bend plastic,(it recovers ok) cut pipes with hacksaw blade.undo couples and it will slide out. Refit usng hose and jubilees.About 2 hours.