Xantia heater matrix

[superloopy]

It's that time of year ... to be at least *considering* this job

I remember back to the dark days when i had to valiantly try and keep the TD going with a Ring 12v heater on the dash, not good times

So .. there are a few discussions on here about the job, mostly minus the pictures of what's needed (in case of scaring any potential diyer away from the job) to do the job.

Most seem to be saying conflicting things about which bits of the BOL can be skipped or done in a different fashion so what's the most definitive thread I need to be looking at in order to prep the job?

Someone will have an indexed topic i'm sure, even if they never saw the job through

I've now got a TD and a V6 needing a new matrix and, if needed, a SORN'd MK1 & Mk2 Activa to practice on

[xantia_v6]

From what I remember, the BOL is actually a pretty good guide for this EXCEPT that you should not separate the A/C evaporator box (or fan box if no A/C) from the car, split the heater box from it at the vertical joint.

Also, take great care removing the plastic scuttle trim, as the windscreen is easily broken and the scuttle trim itself is hard to replace. I used a flexible knife (like a boning knife) to cut the sealant.

[DickieG]

Some photos of a couple I have done to brighten your day, top one is a S1 Activa and the second one a S2 V6.

[Hell Razor5543]

Not bad for a days' work. What did you do for the rest of the weekend?

[superloopy]

[quote="DickieG"]Some photos of a couple I have done to brighten your day, top one is a S1 Activa and the second one a S2 V6.

Thanks [emoji16]

[DickieG]

Not bad for a days' work. What did you do for the rest of the weekend?

Having done a number of these I managed to get the time down to 8 hours but never what I'd call a pleasant job.

[superloopy]

I'm scheduling a week! Going to follow BOL to the letter then reverse the pages to get it back together again.

[Stickyfinger]

8 Hours....geeeze I would pay you double rate at that speed and still come out of the deal better off and without the 1st years winter worry wondering if I had done it right .

That Sir looks like some quick work.

[DickieG]

I'm scheduling a week! Going to follow BOL to the letter then reverse the pages to get it back together again.

IIRC the bol fails to mention that you need to remove the LHM tank in order to access a nut securing the dash, also be careful of breaking the evaporator drain pipe when pulling back the heater assembly. First thing to do is to separate the heater pipe to matrix connection, best way I found to do it is to get the engine up to full temperature with the cooling fans running and use the additional pressure to help force the joint apart as it can be quite difficult to separate leading to breaking the plastic elbow.

[citroenxm]

I discovered after a few theres no need to undo the nut that holds the heater box to the bulk head behind the lhm tank.

This a dodged be seperating the heaterbox inside the car just after the air con evaporator. Theres two 10mm (possibly 8) top and bottom just after the air con evaporator which allows the right hand half with the heater to come away leaving the air con evaporator and blower motor in place.

Also there is NO NEED to remove the wiper assey to remove the three dash securing bolts that are behind grommet covers.. a deep 10mm socket on small socket set will get past the wiper arms under the scuttle. Remove the scuttle will be very hard. Indeed if its still citroen original bonded and runs risks of cracking the screen.. yes its bloody hard.

The bol also says to jack the front of the car up remove wheels and release the handbrake cables off the front calipers. However.. if you start the car.. and pull the handbrake and then press the foot brake and pull the hand brake the lever will come up even further and useually the angle can go up just enough to get the centre console up and over the lever without taking the cables off the calipers...

[myglaren]

Then a quick dash to the A&E to have the scalded hands seen to.

[CitroenCrazy]

I have the memory of a goldfish, so when I did mine last year, I wrote it up in detail, ready for next time.

Link to the document here: " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Any suggestions for improvements gratefully received, especially as I have another one to do soon.

[citroenxm]

That guide is awesome andrew!!

That should REALLY be put in the top of the self help guide!! Sadly i cant do it on FCF im not an admin or anything to do that unlike the xm forum.

Great work!! I like the way you seperate the two halfs like i would ...

I scanned quickly.. did you remember to mention to remove the nut that holds the heater box to the firewall??

[myglaren]

That guide is awesome andrew!!

That should REALLY be put in the top of the self help guide!! Sadly i cant do it on FCF im not an admin or anything to do that unlike the xm forum.

Great work!! I like the way you seperate the two halfs like i would ...

I scanned quickly.. did you remember to mention to remove the nut that holds the heater box to the firewall??

Second that!
Put that link in the "How To" thread. If I do it it will look as though I have posted it.

[superloopy]

I have the memory of a goldfish, so when I did mine last year, I wrote it up in detail, ready for next time.

Link to the document here: " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Any suggestions for improvements gratefully received, especially as I have another one to do soon.

That'll come in handy alongwith the other contributions, thanks

I'm just about ready to source the bits needed although wont make a start until the weather is set fine in the longer term

Which one to do first ... V6 or TD?

Or ... play with one of th the knackered Activae??