Hoses going to the heater matrix

Thanks for this, guys.

To answer John's question (sort of) the thing is I only see coolant loss when the heater's set to hot, otherwise I don't really notice it. So even though the heater's always 'plugged in' and you'd think therefore that a leak will happen not matter what, that's not what I'm seeing.

I don't think I fancy the 'sunroof' in the front bulkhead approach. I'm going to keep a closer eye on things now that it's a bit warm and see how things go. I might run it about without the passenger side console panel in place to see if we can see what's happening in a bit more detail.

Thanks again.
Perhaps the dashboard out provides me an option to fit a range of new dashboard switches that I ordered in the Dieppe clear-out. That I'm still waiting to receive, though.

Jon

I only see coolant loss when the heater's set to hot, otherwise I don't really notice it.

Thats why I thought that by redirecting the air flow, it was removing the coolant and dumping it elsewhere. But if Lee says that does not happen.....well he has one to check out on the bench, so that must be right, however, I do find it strange that the matrix is effectively boxed when the control is set to cold, as the effect of that is just like putting a blanket around it, and the coolant will get hotter and hotter, which goes against Renaults claim that the "Circulation through the heater matrix is continuous and this assists engine cooling"... page B- 19 in the manual.
Lee, I am just going on memory of 10 to15 years ago, the last time I was playing around in there... are there not geared quadrants on the drivers side of the heater box which might be operating a second flap to exhaust the heated air when set to cold?

The geared quadrants are to direct to dash or feet etc .There is a dorty big flap that closes off the airflow to the matrix from the blower .
Renault claims are not always to be believed
As Martin has already stated the additional cooling claim is questionable .It becomes a sauna when set to cold .
I'll take some pics and split the one I have on the bench just to be sure though .The main body is in two moulded halves so should will able to see all the inner pathways clearly .

I'll take some pics and split the one I have on the bench just to be sure though .The main body is in two moulded halves so should will able to see all the inner pathways clearly .

Thanks Lee, no rush. but if that is the case it goes against all engineering principals that I know of......but then again.....it is French

Thanks Lee and John.

Would be great to have a better idea of what's going on.

Totally agree with the madness of this claim that having the heater always in play helps cooling. OK, it's a radiator of sorts but it's not getting any airflow - and just when you need more cooling, you have the heater set to cold which shuts the matrix off from everywhere giving it nowhere to radiate too.

Just to add to the claim that the heater matrix aids cooling, I can vouch that it does - if you're prepared to endure having all that hot air blasting into the cabin! Driving home from Wales last Sunday, we got stuck on a traffic jam on the M56. It was a warm sunny day and sat in traffic not moving the engine temperature started to climb. I opened both windows, pointed all the air vents towards the open windows and put the cabin heater and fan on full blast. Although it meant enduring hot air blasting across my face the temp gauge did actually drop noticeably when I did this.
Obviously, having hot air blasting into the cabin on a hot sunny day is not what you'd usually like - you would normally have the cabin heater set to cold and directing fresh air to your face and in this state with the flap closed it's probably true that it doesn't aid cooling. So I suppose it depends how it's used!

.. but that's why I said at idle it probably would... that is more related to the main rad performance and stacking hot air up behind the radiator i.e. heat soak, and restricted air path behind the rad - look at it

In terms of what is more important, hard driving, then it definitely isn't a good thing as implemented in the GTA...

Just finished pulling the interior out on a car to get to the matrix .Not that bad a job on this one as even the seat nuts came off without any problems I still think this is the only way to do it ..slotting out just isn't a goer .
Water has been pooling in the bottom of the heater box then sloshing out either side .....

LOL!!

Just love it!

I have replaced many a GTA matrix within 3 hours. Known weak spot.

I have never taken the dash etc out to change the matrix and the car is not left butchered.

Quick, clean and easy! The Irish way

are new matrix available anyway? or is it borrowed from something else?

I have not butchered it .....
I can't see how you don't have to remove the dash though ?? I know you won't tell but next time I'll send it over and get you to do it for £90 then

Matrix is R5.

I only kiss and tell!!

I enjoyed that film the Matrix

Matrix is R5.

I only kiss and tell!!

Perhaps you could give us some clues in the "members only" section?
The workshop manual says it's dash out and I'm with clee on this, I can't see any other way of getting to it without a grinder or saw

Fecker won't spill the beans Well , says he will but only after they have all been to Belfast and had the job done