HOW TO: Heater Matrix Repair

[philgarner]

Well, finally out. There are some very hard to get to 7mm bolts holding the heater box in on the driver's side. Make sure you have a good selection of 7mm tools!

Any tips on all the black sealant around the heater box? Did anyone replace it?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/CyF2TKLjfz54YPNu9

Also the replacement Nissens matrix doesn't have any foam under the connections pipe which I think helped to seal it against the housing. Did others do anything about this?

New item by Phil Garner

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[RJ237]

When I replaced the matrix in my spyder I found all of the foam seals had decomposed so I cut polyurethane sheet foam to replace them.

 

[Eightpot]

I bought a roll of adhesive foam draft excluder for household door frames of similar density and stuck this around the matrix.

 

[Cliff]

I bought a roll of adhesive foam draft excluder for household door frames of similar density and stuck this around the matrix.

Same hear

 

[FIFTY]

Quick question which I think that I already know the answer to...

In order to remove the front seats from the car; do the doors need to be wide open?

I'm assuming that they do! I want to remove the main carpet from the car and give it a steam clean, trying to figure out if I can do it with the car in the garage or if I have to do it on the drive.

 

[philgarner]

I didn't have room in the garage to have the doors fully wide open and I still managed it fine. Just be careful.

 

[Oneball]

Quick question which I think that I already know the answer to...

In order to remove the front seats from the car; do the doors need to be wide open?

I'm assuming that they do! I want to remove the main carpet from the car and give it a steam clean, trying to figure out if I can do it with the car in the garage or if I have to do it on the drive.

I don’t think you do but I’m not 100%

if you’re taking the carpet out there’s a bunch of other stuff to come out too. Centre console, rear seat base, seat belts

 

[FIFTY]

I don’t think you do but I’m not 100%

if you’re taking the carpet out there’s a bunch of other stuff to come out too. Centre console, rear seat base, seat belts

View attachment 96272

Yeah I know it all needs to come out I'm also fitting a cable from the fusebox to the boot. Rear seat is super easy, centre console a tad more fiddly but I have had it out a load of times already

 

[RSM Masser]

Those seats are blooming heavy as well!

 

[HerbieNL]

Brought my car to Maserati Aachen for the Heater Matrix replacement. Shared them this thread as the main mechanic is out sick, and the other mechanic has never done it.
Thanks for all involved in creating this great overview! Hope my repair goes well ;-)

 

[Zep]

Fantastic. SM now helping Maserati techs!

 

[philgarner]

Not sure I'd want to pay main dealer labour rates so they can read what to do off a forum like the rest of us!

 

[Scaf]

Not sure I'd want to pay main dealer labour rates so they can read what to do off a forum like the rest of us!

I guess it could be better than paying main dealer rates when they don’t have a clue and you pay for their “learning time”

 

[Nibby]

I guess it could be better than paying main dealer rates when they don’t have a clue and you pay for their “learning time”

A few years back someone had their oil changed by a main dealer on a 4200 and it leaked oil when it came back due to them not putting a copper washer on the sump bung, it's because of things like this that when at all possible I like to do servicing jobs myself.

 

[philw696]

I like to think that at my time working for Maserati or any other Dealership I've worked in the same professional way that was instilled into me as a boy 45 years ago.
If an apprentice is doing something close supervision is a must as we were all beginners once.
Those that are no good usually become Service Advisors or Managers.
Could do with the Rant thread back.

 

[HerbieNL]

Luckily I agreed on a fixed price for the repair (and while the car is there an oilchange and brakefluid change). I'm not handy enough myself to do this kind of work, so I'm sure they will do it properly.

 

[Danny]

But why bring it to a German dealer when there are not only dealers but also many specialists/indies in the Netherlands? Or do you live in/near Heerlen?

 

[HerbieNL]

But why bring it to a German dealer when there are not only dealers but also many specialists/indies in the Netherlands? Or do you live in/near Heerlen?

Hi Danny,
I indeed live next to Heerlen ;-).

BR Chris

 

[HerbieNL]

Work in progress.....

 

[Soenvious]

A smell of coolant in the cabin, a misty patch on inside of windscreen and a sticky/wet carpet, I guess I need to join the Matrix club.
After reading the excellent 'how-to', I'm wondering if it can be done with both seats, still in the car, but pushed right back and does the steering definitely wheel have to be removed?