Hi,
looking to cure a leaky matrix on my 1.1 non-aircon Panda,
should be identical to the 500 pop, ( and Ka - k )

anybody got pictures?,
I've got the ONLY link I can find(Panda section ) that was a leaky hose fitting,
after 10 years and 77K , it may well be worn through

never needed to do a Matrix in a FIAT before, perhaps they are a cheaper spec nowadays..??

I'll post pics as I do the job for forums reference

probably over Xmas..,
Charlie

Can the matrix be removed with the main heater box unit still remaining in place?

Most Easterly Pandas said:

Can the matrix be removed with the main heater box unit still remaining in place?

Click to expand...

There's a thread on this in the Panda section.

AFAIK it's a pig of a job, involving the removal of the airbags, steering column, most of the dashboard and one of the doors.

IIRC the last time you did one it took about 13 hours.

I've attached the job summary from FIAT's official workshop documentation.

It's scary.

If anyone who's actually done one (MEP?) knows of any shortcuts, I'm sure the OP would be most grateful.

jrkitching said:

There's a thread on this in the Panda section.

AFAIK it's a pig of a job, involving the removal of the airbags, steering column, most of the dashboard and one of the doors.

IIRC the last time you did one it took about 13 hours.

I've attached the job summary from FIAT's official workshop documentation.

It's scary.

If anyone who's actually done one (MEP?) knows of any shortcuts, I'm sure the OP would be most grateful.

Click to expand...

This is what I need OP to confirm though, I think its manual control, so only the matrix, not the whole box that needs changing - not sure if thats possible with dash in situe? I'll have to have a look at one of the old manual units I've got tomorrow to confirm.

Most Easterly Pandas said:

This is what I need OP to confirm though, I think its manual control, so only the matrix, not the whole box that needs changing - not sure if thats possible with dash in situe? I'll have to have a look at one of the old manual units I've got tomorrow to confirm.

Click to expand...

YES - it's a 1.1Active = NICE + BASIC,
the guy with the leaky joints seemed to get reasonable access - but didn't post any pics,
I'll have a peek at the weekend to see how it looks,

I'm hoping for a split hose/ dodgy union,
BUT there do now seem to be new matrix's around for sub £50

Charlie

jrkitching said:

I've attached the job summary from FIAT's official workshop documentation.

It's scary.

If anyone who's actually done one (MEP?) knows of any shortcuts, I'm sure the OP would be most grateful.

Click to expand...

NO Air-con on ours ,

looking at the 2 different units for sale on Ebay,

the aircon version looks very much "built-into-dash", rigid tubing

whereas the basic one is almost "cassette -like", with the hose unions in a bolt-up fashion,

here's hoping !

varesecrazy said:

NO Air-con on ours ,

looking at the 2 different units for sale on Ebay,

the aircon version looks very much "built-into-dash", rigid tubing

whereas the basic one is almost "cassette -like", with the hose unions in a bolt-up fashion,

here's hoping !

Click to expand...

The spare one I have is Manual but with AC, so rigid like you say, I'd assumed it was the same on the none AC also, but possibly not?

I'd leave the glove box in place, but removed the lower central shroud that goes around the bottom of the gear leaver central bit (I hope that makes sense). That should gain you good enough access to see whats what and what then needs to be done further

Most Easterly Pandas said:

The spare one I have is Manual but with AC, so rigid like you say, I'd assumed it was the same on the none AC also, but possibly not?

I'd leave the glove box in place, but removed the lower central shroud that goes around the bottom of the gear leaver central bit (I hope that makes sense). That should gain you good enough access to see whats what and what then needs to be done further

Click to expand...

Thanks,


I'm full of a cold - so turning my head upside down for long periods can wait a few days..:yuck:

Charlie

According to Haynes, A/C and non A/C are the same matrix, and same replacement instructions. Doesn't look too bad.

Mostly done from passenger footwell.
Remove centre lower fascia panel. (Below gear lever)
Disconnect hoses from engine bay.
Move any wiring out of the way.
Remove screws holding pipes to matrix. (Messy inside car)
Remove screws holding matrix to heater box.
Slide it out.

I'll bring the Haynes to the Sausage meet, so you can have a look. Recommend you get a Haynes, covers Panda and 500, not bad price on Amazon or Ebay.

Perhaps if Silverstone circuit/visitor centre is shut, we could all chip in and change it then? Or maybe not.

portland_bill said:

Perhaps if Silverstone circuit/visitor centre is shut, we could all chip in and change it then? Or maybe not.

Click to expand...

I'm game

portland_bill said:

According to Haynes, A/C and non A/C are the same matrix, and same replacement instructions.

Click to expand...

according to ebay;

non-aircon =

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-PAND...1340392838?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEATER-MA...-71453-/200847305807?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles


Air-Con =
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-KA-2...COND-B-/111046199977?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles

this leads me to believe the air-con version may well have the dash built around it ( KA = Same dash as 500 + Panda = Ypsillon),
as it appears to have rigid metal pipework..??

OR am I missing something obvious - like it sits by the RAD at front of engine..??

you may find that the matrix is screwed into the heaterbox before fitting, so even if there is an inspection hatch on the side of the heater box you wont me able to remove matrix through it as the box is holding it tight

varesecrazy said:

according to ebay;

non-aircon =

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-PAND...1340392838?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEATER-MA...-71453-/200847305807?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles


Air-Con =
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-KA-2...COND-B-/111046199977?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles

this leads me to believe the air-con version may well have the dash built around it ( KA = Same dash as 500 + Panda = Ypsillon),
as it appears to have rigid metal pipework..??

OR am I missing something obvious - like it sits by the RAD at front of engine..??

Click to expand...

Personally I wouldn't assume the KA is exactly the same setup as the Panda or 500.

varesecrazy said:

NO Air-con on ours ,

looking at the 2 different units for sale on Ebay,

the aircon version looks very much "built-into-dash", rigid tubing

whereas the basic one is almost "cassette -like", with the hose unions in a bolt-up fashion,

here's hoping !

Click to expand...

That extract I posted for you was taken specifically from the 1.1 Active section, which AFAIK was never available with A/C.

You may find a shortcut (FIAT's official documentation isn't always that accurate), but at least be prepared to strip out most of the front interior of the car, one of the doors and the main reinforcing panel which runs across the front of the car.

Sadly following through the links in the workshop manual suggests the job is a proper horror . If the Haynes manual has found an easier way, obviously I'd suggest you follow that instead.

jrkitching said:

one of the doors and the main reinforcing panel which runs across the front of the car.

Click to expand...

Both front doors have to come off to get the reinforcing / support bar one

Not *so* hard to get the doors off. More a pain in storing them whilst they are! And the car obviously isn't weather tight if you're working outside.

bgunn said:

Not *so* hard to get the doors off. More a pain in storing them whilst they are! And the car obviously isn't weather tight if you're working outside.

Click to expand...

Glancing through eLearn suggests removing the doors may be the least of your problems .

I'm thinking this thread might be better placed in the Panda section - a bit of feedback from someone who's actually done the job would probably help the OP more than my ramblings based on what I've read.

Personally if it were my 8yr old car, I might be thinking about bypassing the heater hose in the engine compartment and buying some thermal underwear.

jrkitching said:

Glancing through eLearn suggests removing the doors may be the least of your problems .

I'm thinking this thread might be better placed in the Panda section - a bit of feedback from someone who's actually done the job would probably help the OP more than my ramblings based on what I've read.

Click to expand...

Done.

jrkitching said:

Personally if it were my 8yr old car, I might be thinking about bypassing the heater hose in the engine compartment and buying some thermal underwear.

Click to expand...

Don't be silly. Where's your sense of challenge - it'll be fine and is never as hard as you think it'll be.

After all, I've just bought a 14 year old 156, and the engine and 'box is coming out tomorrow so I can do the clutch and cam belt.

According to my version of ePER, about a year old, all 1.1 & 1.2 have the same heater matrix, with/without aircon and with climate control. The 1.4 is a different part number and I did not check the diesel.

rad weld or barrsleak ooooops sorry not allowed to tell you that caused so much trouble last time i mentioned it but is cheaper than thermal underware
:bang: