406 Heater matrix - much of a job?

Question

This car just KNOWS when I'm about to make a serious trip.....

1998 406 estate, just clocked 100,000miles. I'm driving down to the french alps next week, and yesterday I smelt hot coolant inside the car, and noticed the windows steaming up. Checked the coolant and it had lost about 3 pints since a service 2 weeks ago :-(

I dumped a can of Radweld in it, and it SEEMS to be holding up. (although dare I risk the trip with it?)How do you access the heater matrix, does the entire dash have to come out?

thanks, John

Ãvar PÃ©tur GuÃ°nason · Accepted Answer

If the 406 is like the 605, the leak is probably from where the 2 pipes enter the heater matrix. A ring of rubber at the union deteriorates with age and the coolant escapes into the right side footwell. Check this before removing the matrix ...

Ivar petur

John Ricketts · Answer

Thanks. will check it!

Nom · Answer

Same applies to the 405 !Ívar Pétur Guðnas

Ãvar PÃ©tur GuÃ°nason · Answer

Oh, and your local plumbing supplier should have a tube with a rubber lubricant, if you need it. Take care not to use something you just have laying about - some lubricants will destroy the rubber in practically no time at all. I got a set with the two rubber rings at a Peugeot dealers' at the ))reasonable(( proce of GBP 12.

Ivar Petur

Wichita · Answer

Previously in this group someone pointed to an extremely helpful

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shows in detail how the matrix connection o-rings work on a Range Rover, and that part of the connection looks much the same as on a 405.In a 405 they are above and to the right of the glove box, which you have to take out if you are not to remove the whole fascia.

John Ricketts · Answer

Thanks. A useful document!However, the Radweld seems to be holding it for now. As its now clocked 100,000 miles I reckon its about time to get rid and buy a proper car!

406 Heater matrix - much of a job?

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