by irlmin » Tue Jan 19, 2010 11:46 pm
The heater matrix is like a domestic rad , hot water runs through it and it emits hot air , the air is directed around the car ie to the screen or to the floor by the heater direction controls and there is a fan to help the hot air get where you need it , well that's the theory anyway , there are a few difficulties that crop up with age etc , the car might not be getting hot enough to have a decent heater this might be caused by a dodgy thermostat , the heater 'rad' might be blocked , the heater 'valve ' might be blocked or the adjuster cable has detached from the valve and leaving it in the 'off' position , or simply the heater control knob is in the wrong position , we have come across lots of reasons for a poor heater ,major improvements were made in Nov 1996 with the introduction of the MPi mini which had a 2 speed fan as well as an improved control valve . if your heater matrix or 'rad ' is blocked it might be worth using some rad 'flush' a liquid cleaner which is put in the cooling system and left for a short period to work , then use a domestic water hose to flush through the cooling system by detaching one of the heater pipes and turning on your tap and allowing the water to flow through your system , its amazing how much muck comes out , if this doesn't sort your heater I am afraid its time to remove the unit and have the matrix professionally stripped and cleaned or indeed fit a new matrix .
G