R53 no heat and it’s snowing..

[richard-p03]

Hi all,

After picking up the car last week from the garage after it had a new fuel pump, I’ve noticed that there was no heat coming in from the blowers.

Everything else seems fine - air blows as normal, just cold, regardless on what I to with the temperature switch. The temp gauge is fine and I’ve tried de-airing the system, checked coolant, etc (which is a bit brown) so should be ok there. And actually, I’ve had a look in the passenger footwell by the heater matrix and the pipe leading up to it was hot.

So, after doing some research, the most likely culprit is probably the heater matrix which is known for clogging up.

However, is there anything else I could check? When I twist the temperature switch from cold to hot or vice-versa, I can’t hear or see anything moving. Could it be that the bowden cable operating the temperature came off? I’ve tried looking but couldn’t really see where or how it attaches. Does anyone know how to check it?
Thinking about it, it seems odd that it went from being fine to absolutely zero so suddenly.

Also, replacing the heater matrix seems a bit of a pain. Any idea of how much it should cost to replace at a garage? I assume they would need to drain the coolant too.

I’m based near Surrey by the way

Anyway, thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Richard

[steve-5snwi]

You need to take the panel off in the footwell on the driverside, there is a cable that connects the temp control to the blend flap.

The matrix you can check to see if its hot both sides, there is also a valve under the bonnet that controls the flow.

[richard-p03]

Thanks Steve,

Very helpful as always!

I was trying to look on the passenger side above the matrix - didn't realize there was anything on the drivers side, so will take a look.

I'll check the pipes too. When I was having a look the other day, the bottom hose was hot - I don't know why I didn't check the top one. I assume the bottom one is the inlet? And I wasn't aware of the valve under the bonnet. Do you know roughly where it is located (and what to do when i find it)?

Thanks,

Richard

[richard-p03]

Hi all,

Just wanted to mention that the problem is fixed.

It was the plastic attachment that the wire is linked to - it came off and just needed popping back in.

FYI, it sits on the left in the driver footwell and is clearly visible when you move the temp gauge.

Hope it helps someone else too!

Richard