Technical HEATER Matrix unit removal

[jimmen17]

Please explain, it would be interesting to hear your reasoning? I put them back (due to the cables having extra protection from the yellow sheating, and the carpet protecting them some from getting caught and yanked).
I left the carpet holes open as well (but did the reverse and ensured that all *eight floor drains are in working order).

Broken, crushed and torn wires, airbag errors. Happened to me for passenger belt tensioner, had to remove the floor carpet and replace the cable. Also two extra holes in the rubber carpet to allow water to come in... even zinc coated metal can be destroyed if it's constantly soaked and in wet environment, I prefer to seal the floor as much as possible and pull any cables on top of it. There is enough space in the tunnel to pull them through next to the lighter cable and slip the connectors for belt tensioners through the space between the tunnel and the floor carpet. All the cables will be still not visible and there will be no way to yank and tear them, as they are still in the place where you can't really pull them with your foot or anything. It's better this way imo.

1-DIN Pioneer SPH-20DAB

This is what I actually have. A perfect 1-Din radio to have 2-Din and Android/iOS functionalities. I have the DAB antenna but I simply don't use it, I don't really listen to the radio stations that much, as I prefer my music. I wanted the automatic regular antenna but it turns out it's impossible to get a working one that doesn't break after a few months.

 

[tjr]

Broken, crushed and torn wires, airbag errors. Happened to me for passenger belt tensioner, had to remove the floor carpet and replace the cable. Also two extra holes in the rubber carpet to allow water to come in... even zinc coated metal can be destroyed if it's constantly soaked and in wet environment, I prefer to seal the floor as much as possible and pull any cables on top of it. There is enough space in the tunnel to pull them through next to the lighter cable and slip the connectors for belt tensioners through the space between the tunnel and the floor carpet. All the cables will be still not visible and there will be no way to yank and tear them, as they are still in the place where you can't really pull them with your foot or anything. It's better this way imo.

Thanks

This is what I actually have. A perfect 1-Din radio to have 2-Din and Android/iOS functionalities.

Nice

I wanted the automatic regular antenna but it turns out it's impossible to get a working one that doesn't break after a few months.

Ah ok, the Calearo brand is for (motorised) antennas, got it

 

[jmi]

There is enough space in the tunnel to pull them through next to the lighter cable and slip the connectors for belt tensioners through the space between the tunnel and the floor carpet. All the cables will be still not visible and there will be no way to yank and tear them, as they are still in the place where you can't really pull them with your foot or anything. It's better this way imo.

I made same thing. Also bought black Gorilla tape what i used to seal those holes in the floor carpet. Also taped tensioner cables to the floor mat. This protect if central tunnel tries to eat thru that yellow cable cover and the cables. Also makes them virtually invisible. And keeps them place so there is no any ways you can tear those cables.

- J

 

[Elena1989]

Hi guys! I am currently doing the most awful job I have ever had: replacing the heater core on my barchetta. And I am so close, but I can't figure out how to remove the unit with the radiator. I have disconnected all the connections and unscrewed all the accessible bolts, but it is still there. Maybe someone has some advice for me?

 

[DaveHolmes]

Hi, has anyone suffered a coolant leak inside the car from the bottom of the heater unit? I've had my 2002 Barch for 18 months and it's always leaked a little when the heater control was on anything but cold. Yesterday the little leak turned into a torrent. There was more than a litre of coolant in the driver's footwell. This morning I attempted to remove the unit to see what's going on, but it's a nightmare. I can't see how to take it out. I have the centre consul out. It still looks very happy to stay where it is.

I've decided to bypass the matrix for now by re-routing the water pipes under the bonnet, as it's very hot here at the moment so I don't need heaters for a while, but I do want to use the car.

Any suggestions? THANKS!

I got mine out after a painful eight hours of fear and worry - it seemed very complicated. The cost of replacement plus the unbelievable cost of freight to South Africa, forced me to go to a radiator shop who manufactured me a new matrix which fitted perfectly, and which works beautifully.

 

[tjr]

Hi guys! I am currently doing the most awful job I have ever had: replacing the heater core on my barchetta. And I am so close, but I can't figure out how to remove the unit with the radiator. I have disconnected all the connections and unscrewed all the accessible bolts, but it is still there. Maybe someone has some advice for me?

Could it be the soundproofing mat? A number of us had this issue (me included):

After 20 minutes of wiggling and pulling I realised it had become attached to the soundproofing behind. I pulled it out enough to get my hand down the back then gently separated the matting from the unit.

 

[Elena1989]

Could it be the soundproofing mat? A number of us had this issue (me included):

Thank you! I did it! I can't believe the heater itself was so easy to replace. A terribly long, but quite simple job. The forum information was super helpful!

 

[tjr]

Thank you! I did it! I can't believe the heater itself was so easy to replace. A terribly long, but quite simple job. The forum information was super helpful!

Good for you! I can only agree!

 

[Bjorn lars]

Hi JMSG. Yes, mine started as a small leak.. then turned into Lake Como. It's a real pain to do but it's not hard. If you like, I can make a short video to give a rough idea how to do it. I would have loved something like that before I started so I'll be happy to do it. You can also find a link somewhere on the forum to download the manual. It was very useful.

I broke a few things... but that's how it goes. I did managed to repair everything though. Get some good strong epoxy resin glue and you'll be fine

Let me know if you need help!!

Hi Richit, did you make that video? Would be great to have. Br Björn