Technical Heater Matrix Job Cost

[mattjolley]

Hi All,

I have a damp passenger side carpet, and the car is always misting up even when I'm blowing hot air in it from the heater. Im always having to use kitchen roll to clear the mist. The heater always stinks like burning, sort of sickly-sweet.

I've been told this is the heater matrix? If so, what would you say is an agreeable price for this to be repaired on my MK1 Punto? Either by a fiat dealership or a smaller garage?

Matt

 

[fingers99]

No idea -- won't be cheap, though -- why not DIY with a second hand matrix from a scrappy? Check first that the drainage holes in the bulkhead are not blocked up with dead leaves, etc.

 

[Noddy]

If you get one from a scrappy take it out yourself then you know how to do it on yours.

 

[mattjolley]

No idea -- won't be cheap, though -- why not DIY with a second hand matrix from a scrappy? Check first that the drainage holes in the bulkhead are not blocked up with dead leaves, etc.

How do I get to the drainage holes? Ive also read about drainage ducts being full of leaves etc. I can have a look at this tomorrow if anyone can point me to how i find them!

Matt

 

[fingers99]

A search should find it. From memory -- assuming Mk 1 -- you go in through the plastic strip that is in beteen the screen and the bonnet. Beneath the wiper motor/assembly you'll see a shelf. They're in there at the bottom.

 

[mattjolley]

does it involve unscrewing or opening it up because im useless with DIY jobs on the car!

 

[beau]

have you tried some coolant stop leak stuff? usually works in matrix's

 

[fingers99]

Horrible stuff, can do real damage to an engine. I'd sooner have the leak!

Yep, involves a little unscrewing. Go for it!

 

[mattjolley]

on a sidenote, how do i check my coolant? all i can see in the bonnet is the radiator, which i just fill with water, the oil, brake fluid and screen wash. hmm.

 

[beau]

you need to get some coolant, blue stuff i would imagine.

and the forte cooling system sealer stuff is great stuff, wouldnt block anything up it is so thin.

 

[DaveMcT]

You would be best changing the coolant for new blue (the cheapest***) and put some Radweld or Forte radiator sealer into the tank before you pour in the new coolant.

You will also need to bleed the air out or the cylinder head will blow.

If you are unsure about DIY, get a local garage to change the coolant and "install" the radweld/Forte.

*** If it still leaks you wont have wasted too much cash on the coolant.

Search the FF for coolant change information. There might even be a guide on the job.

 

[mattjolley]

well a bit of an update:

got into the car on monday to find a puddle of grey water so i think it mustve rained and the duct thing is simply blocked so the water ran into the footwell?

Took it a garage and the guy basically took the bonnet up, stuck his finger in a gap and loads of black sludge came out. so now im looking for a de-humidifier! I hope this is the end of the prob, but ill probably open it up properly to clear the duct out fully.

 

[DaveMcT]

We did say to to check in there. If not on this thread its on lots of others.

Hope its sorted, but the sickly smell is ominous of a heater matrix leak..

 

[mattjolley]

Right,

I'm convinced the matrix has definately bust because the heater now blows freezing cold even when switched to hot, and the radiator gauge has just gone right to the top. Plus its still misty as hell, theres definately a damp problem since the leak. I think its a combination of the broken matrix and there was probably a blockage until a few weeks ago when as reported I got it removed.

Could the radiator gauge etc be because of the weather if the coolant has frozen? I know I haven't topped it up with antifreeze lately! Or is this another sign that the matrix has died?

Also im convinced the exhaust is giving off way too much smoke lately. Are these more signs of the heater matrix going or just another issue to add to the list?

I'd scrap this POS if i could afford to!

 

[fingers99]

Get a compression test done. Of course, you may be loosing coolant because of a broken matrix. Not topping up with anti freeze is not a good idea.

 

[ChrisUK]

Hang on you know about the problems yet you drive on without a fix (even a cheap bodge?) and then you blame the car......

And yes NOT using antifreeze in this weather is a one way trip to Headgasket failiure as it will cause it to freeze and block the waterways and will take a while to defrost in the mean time your engines starved of coolant.

Yes the extra smoke in the exhaust (if it is smoke, should be a blueish color) is a sign of headgasket failure. Remove the oil filler cap and check for white milky residue (means coolant has mixed into the oil) AND get a compression test if there is none just to make sure.

 

[mattjolley]

well the local fiat dealer's garage has diagnosed the problem as a knackered cam belt which has caused the head gasket to go aswell. does this sound right to people?