Replacing rear heater matrix.....

[Bongo??]

Hello again.
If i was to replace the rear heater matrix,do i have to disconnect the AC pipes??
Also,if i by-passed the rear matrix,presumably the rear AC would still operate for cold air??
Thanks in advance....

[Simon Jones]

To get the matrix out, the whole heater unit will need to come out, so the A/C pipes will need to be disconnected. Getting system de-gassed, then when you're done all your bits, to have it pressure tested & re-gassed will probably cost in the region of £50.

[jaylee]

Its a fiddly job.. (& i only got in there to repair a directional flap)

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... mgno=.html

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... mgno=.html

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... mgno=.html

I cant see why the heater pipes can't be disconnected & bypassed from underneath, leaving the heater drained matrix in place..?
The AC condenser thing is a separate unit, still at least giving cooled air in the back..!

I would however suggest looking behind the panel for damage to the plastic casing to the heater AC unit on the outer panel side, suggesting a possible "oversight" from past repair to the panel behind the drivers door from a collision which may have crushed/moved the unit inward, causing your leak...??!! (& possible leak on the AC system too??)

You never know...?!!

[jaylee]

More reading here... http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... ter+matrix

[helen&tony]

Hi
I've by-passed the rear heater on mine, until I've got the energy to do it.
If you look at the heater-pipes to and from the matrix, you will see one goes to a metal pipe alongside the chassis on the driver's side. Fix a 2-metre piece of hose rated for car coolant systems...I got mine from a tractor shop, and feed it through the cross-members along with the metal pipes crossing the Bongo, and find the corresponding metal pipe on the chassis passenger side...That is the return from the heater. Disconnect the heater return pipe which is still connected, and cut your new rubber pipe to size and connect it. Easy job, and lasts until you want to fix the heater...The Air Con. still works. When you get the time, remove the trim panel in the rear and take a look, BUT only do this on a warm summer's day, as when the plastic trim is cold, it shatters, and you'll break the mountings for the spring clips holding the panels in.
From memory (and I don't trust my memory these days ) , you might get the top off the heater box without taking it out and just remove the matrix....but take care not to lose the clips that hold the 2 halves together
Good luck, and may the Force be with you
Cheers
Helen

[dunslair]

We had to take the whole unit out to access the clips on the back which hold the top section on, but Mazda may have refined the design on the later models (ours is a 2003) to make the job more difficult

[helen&tony]

Hi Dunslair...
You're probably right about the back, I simply can't remember...I last did a repair on the rear heater motor a couple of years back, so I can't be positive on access
Cheers
Helen

[Bongo??]

Hi.
Thanks for the replies.
Reckon i`ll just by-pass the rear heater,seems straightforward...
THANKS.....

[tonnee]

Changing my rear matrix was extremely easy, just took the new matrix and £75 to Aidrian at Bury and voila a few hours later it was all done, new matrix, a couple of new hoses and new coolant, didnt even need to clean my hands afterwards