Replacement of Heater Matrix

Hi all
Just joined forum and was wondering has anyone had any experience of a leaking heater matrix in my freelander.
I have a damp floor on the passenger side, it smells of coolant and it appears that it is coming along the air inlet connector hose. I am lead to believe that it may be caused by damage in the heater matrix.
Any suggestions or handy tips?
Can this matrix be fixed or do i have to become a gynaecologist and remove all to replace this matrix?
many thanks
Ric

Not sure what is involved, but I have same prob and local Landy agent says its a MAJOR dismantle exercise - but then maybe they just want to charge a mint!

What I read on other forums in regards of this is that it indeed needs a complete dismantling of the dashboard....

Hi all,

Had a similar problem with my V6 wheras the passenger floor pan carpet was getting wet and smelling of coolant. Tried to investigate to exaclty where the leak was from but as you probably found out its impossible to easily see the matrix. Started to remove dash but gave up after realising the scope of what would be involved (the car would have had to be off the road for a week!).
Cured the leak by adding radiator sealant! (check the type you use is suitable for the engine). You must have the engine slighty warm add sealant but once in open heater controls to maximum heat and run engine for 20mins as you would a leaking radiator. This was only meant to be a temporary repair but 12 months later and still no leak. Hope this helps (it should depending on size of leak of course)

hi can you please let me know where about I need to put the sealant reason I have same problem on my Freelander leaking from passenger side but very little my e-mail is [email protected]
Thanks
Ahmed

ahmedc said:

hi can you please let me know where about I need to put the sealant reason I have same problem on my Freelander leaking from passenger side but very little my e-mail is [email protected]
Thanks
Ahmed

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you just add it to the coolant

Rad weld, stop leak and all that is really only a temporary fix, the heater box will be full of antifreeze that will steam up the windows when you put the heater on.

To change the matrix, it looks daunting and yes it is an involved job (the compete dash has to come out) but really, it's not that bad to do and any competent DIY mechanic will be able to do it in a day. LR book time is summat like 6 hours but most LR techs can do it in about 2!!

The dash can be removed as a whole unit (same way it goes in at the factory), no need to take out the instruments or wiring loom, the only parts that need to come off the dash are 'A' post trims, passenger air bag, heater controls, radio,clock and center console to get to all the bolts that hold it in.

Hi Clutch dust. I am about to replace my heater matrix, but in the haynes manual, it says that to remove the dash facia, you have to remove the steering wheel. Is this true? Does anone have a step by step discription of the work invoved in replacing the heater matrix?
Thanks,

I'd like a step by step guide as I have just had to bypass the heater matrix asthe inside was steaming up is this the correct one for a 300 TDi ? Heater Matrix. 1995 Land Rover Discovery 300TDi | eBay

palace said:

I'd like a step by step guide as I have just had to bypass the heater matrix asthe inside was steaming up is this the correct one for a 300 TDi ? Heater Matrix. 1995 Land Rover Discovery 300TDi | eBay

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Ermm this is the Gaylandered section. I'd run if I was you. or some limp wristed wannabe offroader will be offering to blow ya hoses..

palace said:

I'd like a step by step guide as I have just had to bypass the heater matrix asthe inside was steaming up is this the correct one for a 300 TDi ? Heater Matrix. 1995 Land Rover Discovery 300TDi | eBay

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The clue is in the title.....

redhand said:

Ermm this is the Gaylandered section. I'd run if I was you. or some limp wristed wannabe offroader will be offering to blow ya hoses..

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I quite likes it in here........tis all pink and fluffy :cheer2:

oops lol