cost of matrix replacement

[addo]

I now again have working aircon. New OE fit drier (Coolking brand; Taiwan) and some hoses were remade.

Leaks of LHM had damaged the high side hoses between R/D and the TX. I had the flex parts remade in Galaxy thinwall, and we added two threaded unions - one adjacent to the TX, and the other above the doseur. This way, if/when the low side needs remaking it is far simpler to detach.

WARNING: The garter spring hose coupling behind the offside upper mount tower is a right bugger, even with the special releasing tool.

Low side gauge pressure is around 45 inches (positive) - while oddly high, I am assured this is common for the SDV716 type compressors - aircon bloke is not in love with them at all.

Some pictures:

[ed4ferrets]

hi, on page 2 the description of matrix removal says disconnect glovebox light whereas Haynes bol says remove glovebox, is this necessary please? this is a S2 Xant.

[addo]

It is not strictly necessary to remove the glovebox, however it makes the dash lighter and easier to see what's going on!

Above the passenger's toes, is a disconnect plug for the light globe and microswitch; if you elect to leave the glovebox in this must be released.

[ed4ferrets]

thanks Addo, i have removed the screws above and to the side of the glovebox but can't locate how to release the bottom... any ideas please!

[Chris570]

iirc there's some in the carpet of the glovebox

[ed4ferrets]

shall check it out.. weather permitting!

[ed4ferrets]

yep moved carpeting and screws were revealed thanks!

everything removed but the dash will only pull out about 4cm on both sides and no further

it's almost as though something in the middle is fouling but i can't see/feel anything... any suggestions would be welcome please

[ed4ferrets]

with the use of 'reasonable force' it came out

[Peter.N.]

How would using your aircon evaporator as a heater work, does it have enough surface area? Obviously you would loose your aircon but a heater is more important - well to me anyway.

I wouldn't go down the road of electric heating, a normal car heater has an output of about 3-5Kw that would represent a current draw from the battery of around 300-500amps, you would need a pretty big battery and alternator to supply that.

Peter

[Skull]

Ahh there you are

It was like trying to find the real MATRIX


Ta RichardW for the thread directions

[KP]

To me aircon is more important as it dries the car out and speeds up demisting.

Warming up is easier than cooling down in my book

[VertVega]

Decided to add pics here. I hope it will be useful for others who need help on Xantia Heater Matrix.

In order to remove:
1. move the metal clip to the right with your thumb in the arrow direction (see pic).
2. when the locking part is free, still keeping your thumb on the clip (forcing it to the right side)
3. at the same time pull equally both hoses off (pull towards the engine)



Also heater matrix pics I have taken from a scrap Xantia (LHD).
You can make a mirror image of these for a RHD Xantia