Safrane heater !

Alexg1 · Unread post by **Alexg1** » 24 Feb 2004, 05:25

I made the mistake of buying a Safrane !
The heater doesn't work and I think it's the Matrix [:(]
pipes into the bulkhead are hot but the blower blows cold air !
Not nice this time of year !
renault have quoted £850 to replace the matrix !! (more than car is worth !! well almost !)
Does anyone know the risks of DIY with effect to the passenger Air bag and the climate control air conditioning gas etc? ( No manual seems to be available in English !!)
Any help would be useful; except buy new car !!! [:D]
cheers

reblack68 · Unread post by **reblack68** » 24 Feb 2004, 12:08

Have you tried taking the heater pipes off and running a garden hose through the matrix both ways? Of course, that could possibly expose a leak but it's a risk you'd have to take.
It's also possible that either the temp control valve or its linkage is faulty. Or that the system hasn't been bled propely, the heater control should be on hot when filling the system.
As you know, changing the matrix is a pretty major job. It's definitely a good idea to explore thoroughly before going to all that bother.
For the airbag you need to disconnect the power well in advance (not sure how long) and don't be in the car when the power goes back on.

Alexg1 · Unread post by **Alexg1** » 01 Mar 2004, 18:05

Many thanks
I'll try the garden hose!
When you say heater control should be on hot when filling the system,
what do you mean?
I have electronic climate controls! i can put them on max!
and do you mean filling the rad?
Bit of a DIY trying to save money, i'm afraid!
Nice car otherwise !!

arry_b · Unread post by **arry_b** » 02 Mar 2004, 00:50

Don't worry about putting the heater to hot, most cars designed since the early 80's have their heaters working by mixing cold and warm air, rather than adjusting the flow rate through the matrix.
When you operate the climate control, can you hear the flaps moving? Its worth flushing the matrix, but I'd be examining the climate control as a primary cause. It's a complex system involving sensors and stepper motors, and I have a built in mistrust of french "clever" electrics.

gjn200 · Unread post by **gjn200** » 04 Mar 2004, 18:25

Manuals are now redily available on Ebay.

Alexg1 · Unread post by **Alexg1** » 10 Mar 2004, 05:56

Many thanks
I've had a look on ebay and it seems to cover all Renaults but the Safrane !!!
Just my luck eh !
When I adjust the heater controls I only hear the blower increasing or decreasing, but no flaps etc !!
When i switch on and off the car, there is some gurgling noise! but thats about all!
How do you flush the matrix?
I've looked at the pipes into the bulkhead but there are no jubilee clips etc except back at the cylinder block !!!
Thanks for all your help on this.

gjn200 · Unread post by **gjn200** » 12 Apr 2004, 13:55

The cd's contain the safrane, I've got one myself.

Alexg1 · Unread post by **Alexg1** » 05 Aug 2004, 19:15

Another question!!!!!
To replace the heating matrix I need to take apart the central console and area under passenger side of car. This area holds the Air Bag. Obviously I am concerned I trip the Air Bag whilst working under there. Does anyone know if the airbag key lock disables this and it is safe to work, or if taking out the fuse makes it safe? It doesn't seem to make it clear in the cd's !
Thanks

jon bda · Unread post by **jon bda** » 05 Aug 2004, 22:31

Disconnect the battery about an hour before you start work and you should be okay...i had the same worry when i needed to remove the steering wheel from my Laguna to replace the column, but after doing this i found it was fine to remove and refit...
[:)]