Bypass heater matrix?

[Normg002]

Hi guys. Got a 54 plate 1.9d berlingo.

Im pretty sure the heater matrix has gone, as I've got all the usual symptoms.

I only use the van for short commutes , so don't need a heater.

Has anyone bypassed the heater matrix before? I just don't want wet carpets, not bothered about heat  ?

Cheers , 

Geoff

[Sol]

Yeah, was commonly done on ford cortina models back in the day. You just pull the two pipes that go to the firewall in the engine bay, and link them with a bit of solid pipe and 2 jubilee clips. 

You still have the fan to help with steamy windows in cold weather but won't work so well without heat!

Will be flipping Baltic in the winter, but easy to do.

[Normg002]

Hello mate! Thanks for the info! Funny you should comment today, I've literally just finished the job.

I pulled the pipes from the matrix on the engine bay side of the firewall, then cut both pipes away from the connector.

Joined together with a 20mm barbed connector and 2 18-26mm jubilee clips. Bled the cooling system, and so far seems to work a treat...

95% of my use of the van is a 5 minute drive to and from work, and the other 5% is just around town, so I'll probably manage on the winter, and will also look to get one of those 12v fan heaters as well.

For me, this was a much more desirable option than the countless hours it would of taken to pull the cabin apart to replace the matrix.
Cheers,

Geoff

[Sol]

Superb mate, glad to hear you've got the outcome you were after!