Antifreeze Smell from heater

[Ade]

Hi Help Help Help
I can smell anti-freeze coming from the heater when on hot, I think that’s it’s the heater matrix ?
Can it be tested my me and how, where the **** is it and easy is it to change.
Thanks Ade
[:0]Oh My God[:(]

[JohnD]

Are you having to top up the header tank? Dampness will show itself in the passenger footwell.

[Richard Gallagher]

The chances are is that it is the heater matrix. If so then good luck because you will need it!
The matrix sits just below the N/S wiper pivot point at the back of the facia, it must be the very first thing put into the shell when the car is built. To change it is very involved, dash out etc etc etc the job goes on and on, its not technical just very time consuming, allow two days.
You could try Radweld or the more highly recommended 'Forte' rad sealer but these do come with long term health warnings for head gaskets/radiators.
If you search on this subject then you will find numerous posts relating to it.

[Ade]

Thanks for your replys
I bought the car 2 weeks ago and have not needed to top up the rad and i can't find a damp patch in the passanger footwell.
The whole dashboard out[:0] (as i passout with horror)you are joking arn't you?
Thump[xx(]
Ade

[ZEGA]

No need to worry you don't have to move the dash (usualy on other cars you have) but on this cit (XM) no...
Here are some pics...




ZEGA

[James.UK]

Zega, your pics are excellant! nice one. having made this matrix so easy to aceess (compared to ZX's) why on earth did they change the system?

[Ade]

Thanks ZEGA
I Will Give it a go over easter and let you know
Thanks Again
Ade

[Kered]

Errm ---- Pictures are of an XM ---- but don't you have a Xantia Ade? If so then it's the dash out!