Heater matrix has gone on my 6n, i'd just like some info on how to get to it. Do I need to take off the entire dash or is there a simpler way to fix?

Dash out

From the VW manual

Removing

– Remove dash panel

– Unbolt earth connection -arrow- on right A-pillar.

– Remove dust and pollen filter together with filter housing → Chapter.

– Open expansion tank cap.

WARNING

Danger of scalding injuries.

The cooling system is pressurised. When the engine is warm, the coolant temperature may be above 100° C.

If necessary, release pressure before carrying out repairs.

– Place drip tray -beneath engine.

– Clamp off coolant hoses near heat exchanger using hose clamps to 40 mm Ø - so that no coolant can escape.

– Remove coolant hoses from heat exchanger.

– Place a compressed air pistol in heat exchanger connection and carefully blow out remaining coolant.

– Unscrew hexagon nuts from bulkhead in engine compartment.

It is a dash out job as above, but are you sure the matrix has gone? I had a similar thought a few days ago but it turns out it is the water pump, so make sure it is at fault before diving in to this potentially weekend consuming job.

HTH

Cheers guys- got to it and it was knackered. Halfway there now just got to test it all out....

On 11/10/2012 at 20:29, dixy said:

It is a dash out job as above, but are you sure the matrix has gone? I had a similar thought a few days ago but it turns out it is the water pump, so make sure it is at fault before diving in to this potentially weekend consuming job.

HTH

Only way to test if the matrix has gone is to disconnect it. Rejoin the hoses with some 15mm copper pipe. ( I will add a photo later on. This is an ongoing job  ) Then see if you continue to lose water. If you do not then you know that your heater matrix has had it. Like I found when I bought the car back in 2020. Just before the lockdown. 
And having a slight water leak. And not being able to find it. One garage advised me to scrap the car. After informing me the cylinder head gasket had gone. And the 1st garage I took it too couldn’t even find the leak. Topped the water up. Said everything is fine. Then sent me on my way still losing water. Eventually I got a guy that sells tyres to diagnose the problem. And he disconnected the heater matrix. Car is now running fine without it. But it’s bloody freezing in the winter. Without the heater matrix to send warm water into the car. around the matrix. And for the electric fan to blow warm air around the car.

On 11/10/2012 at 15:04, nige8021 said:

Dash out

From the VW manual

Removing

– Remove dash panel

– Unbolt earth connection -arrow- on right A-pillar.

– Remove dust and pollen filter together with filter housing → Chapter.

– Open expansion tank cap.

WARNING

Danger of scalding injuries.

The cooling system is pressurised. When the engine is warm, the coolant temperature may be above 100° C.

If necessary, release pressure before carrying out repairs.

– Place drip tray -beneath engine.

– Clamp off coolant hoses near heat exchanger using hose clamps to 40 mm Ø - so that no coolant can escape.

– Remove coolant hoses from heat exchanger.

– Place a compressed air pistol in heat exchanger connection and carefully blow out remaining coolant.

– Unscrew hexagon nuts from bulkhead in engine compartment.

Mine has just gone😏

do you have to remove the whole dash? 
Thanks

Bonnie

On 14/03/2023 at 08:33, Bonnie97 said:

Mine has just gone😏

do you have to remove the whole dash? 
Thanks

Bonnie

No it’s just the centre. Out with radio and all accessories in the middle. And all is accessible from there. Only you have to be careful of the airbag module. I’ve yet to do mine. Just not got around to it.

On 14/03/2023 at 08:33, Bonnie97 said:

Mine has just gone😏

do you have to remove the whole dash? 
Thanks

Bonnie

No you do not need to remove the whole dash. Just the Center of the dash where your radio sits. However it’s quite a time consuming job. Before you start this job, it’s important that you disconnect your battery ? Because as you dismantle the dash there is an electronic control box that controls your air bags. And the battery needs to be disconnected at least an hour. To discharge any voltage within the airbag control unit. Haynes manual states that this has to be removed before removing your heater matrix. “ why this has to be removed I’m not so sure “ I’d have to go back to the manual and read up on it before saying precisely why. Anyway I will be having a go at replacing my heater matrix shortly. When I do it. I will take photos of the various step's and come back here. With photos. And give further details as I undertake this task. 
 

On 13/10/2012 at 09:38, Livvles said:

Cheers guys- got to it and it was knackered. Halfway there now just got to test it all out....

What size was the nut to release the heater matrix. Can anyone let me know this please.