How do I change a Renault Laguna heater matrix?

I've just tackeld this job on the laguna 2.0 RXE with aircon. Initially (and according to most web sites) I though it would be a dash out job. I managed to do it in 3 hours & by removing less than 10 screws.

Basically the blower unit & aircon radiator stops you from removing the old unit under the passenger dash.

I cut a hole in the blower unit cover which allowed sufficient space to replace the heater matrix. Sounds scary, but reqally wasn't a problem.

Start by first remove the cubby hole (not essential, but helps), the 2 screws holding the heater matrix in place, and the bolt holding the pipes onto the heater matrix.

Then drill a small whole in the bottom right of the black blower unit(being carful to only go in a few millimeters with the drill. You can the put a screwdriver in and feel around to see how much space is available to do the main cutting. Once you're comfortable with the amount of space and where not to cut, cut it open (I initially used a jigsaw, then tin snips). Replace the unit & glue it back together again with a heated glue gun.

Obviously this procedure should be done with care, but it saved me from an expensive and unpleasent repair job.

Stuart

Stuart
April 2005

As long as you don`t have air cond its not to bad to do otherwise its a dashboard out job, I have a laguna RN 96 (N reg) had the sim problem, take the trim panels off from the driver and passenger side footwell, and you will see the air duct its is about 12 inchs by 8 inchs squareish.
Then in the engine compartment dissconncet the 2 pipes to the matrix going through the bulk head.
go back to the air duct there are a few screws to remove and some clips, the matrix is inside the duct inbetween the intake and the duct that goes upto the dash, its takes about 45 mins to do and you have a bad back from laying in the foot well but its not to bad of a job

ste
February 2005