Leaking heater matrix help

[M D E]

I think my heater matrix is the cause of my soaking wet rear footwell (drivers side) but is there a normal place these leak from ?

[philharris]

had exactly the same problem, quite easy to replace

[M D E]

So do I need a new heater matrix or is it just a case of tightening up the hose clamps ?

[bonzo200363]

I have just had the heater matrix out of my 1997 V70 AWD to replace the bulkhead fitting the heater hoses plug into. - Taking out the matrix was dead easy. It may not actually be the matrix which is at fault (although if your car has been 'under-antifreezed' it probably is). It may be one of the two o-rings which fit on the end of the pipes which go into the back of the heater matrix. - Standard round profile o-rings which will cost you about £1.90 each from Volvo and pennies from a decent motor factors.

You will need Torx bits and ideally a 3/8" socket set. Other than that, a standard toolkit will allow you to do the job.

[M D E]

Many thanks, just one last question can the matrix be removed with dashboard in situ ? Is it just a case of removing the kick plates under the dash ?

[bonzo200363]

Yes.

Take off the kickplates in both footwells. (On the passenger side you will need to remove the glovebox interior shell to get access to the screws). Remove the two plastic side pieces which run along the transmission tunnel, pull the carpets back and you get good access to the heater box which contains the matrix. - Believe it or not, the Haynes manual does describe the removal process quite well.

Good luck!