Audi A3 (2013 8V) Heater Matrix Replacement (A3 No Heating)

[@mikeyoneil6389]

Brilliant informative video well documented thanks for taking the time to post this

[@pwhitelegge5]

Thank you for this, you have saved me hours of work and quite a lot of money. Changed the matrix in a day and all working again..only issue is bleeding the air out of the matrix after

[@Chris_CDB]

No problem, In theory a couple of decent drive cycles should sort the bleeding process.

[@jonathonrodwell2877]

What a cracking video thank saved me a big bill from my local garage 🙏🏼

[@Nugez69]

Cheers for this. 👍 Just found out the silica bag in my expansion tank had split (why audi!) and now my heater matrix is only blowing cold air. I'd read the whole dash had to come out to replace it, but you've made this look a lot less painful.

[@Chris_CDB]

No problem, yea it is still quite a strip out, around 3-4 hours I would say taking time to not break bits. Granted on some cars the dash would need to be removed, however this particular model it is fairly accessible.

[@ala9785]

Powerful video cheers mate 🤜🏼🤛🏼💪🏼

[@matthewfrost2317]

Fantastic help just had to do my 2013 a3 spot on information thank you

[@Chris_CDB]

No problem mate.

[@MrByootox]

Excellent video, very helpful. Thankyou for putting this up.

[@Chris_CDB]

Your welcome

[@h-al9180]

So I've just done this operation myself thanks to this video. If I may add a few notes, you do not have to remove the arm rest as it will come out with the centre console as long as the 4 bolts holding it down are out it will come cleanly out with everything else. Secondly for us S-tronic users, the gear selector needs to be in drive to be able to remove the centre console once fully unbolted. Thanks massively for this video I would never have attempted it without it.

[@h-al9180]

PS. It's well worth doing if you can as Audi quote £1200 to do this replacement job.

[@nickybrooks84]

@@h-al9180 I've just been quoted 2300 yesterday

[@Chris_CDB]

Wow, I have had customers come from a fair way away to get this job done as no garage seems to want to do the job!

[@pjbrowne6506]

i was quoted the same in ireland form audi 2300 euro bu managed to get an audi independent to do the job for 503 euro @@nickybrooks84

[@benjidave91]

Just done this yesterday following your video, was extremely helpful, thanks. Now the 2 left vents are red hot! But the right 2 are barley warm. Apparently it’s the interior temp sensor what needs changing and it’s extremely common. But for now some heat is better than none lol

[@Chris_CDB]

Yea sounds about right, as you say, some heat is better than stone cold!

[@Blackledge24]

Mines doing exactly same, did you manage sort?

[@GreenGunz]

@benjidave91 any update on your issue? I have the same problem and any advice would be great thanks.

[@Positivementalattitude247]

Iv just done this job Took me longer than it should after I put together and had a leak, may be worth trying inserting o washers into your new radiator matrix then push the pipes in. Seemed to be a tighter fit and no leaks now, top clips a bit fiddly but just pushes on when pipes are in enough

[@pingers622]

Thanks for this video - Just replaced my heater matrix on my 2014 Audi a3 2.0 TDI. My local garage quoted £713 plus VAT (total approx £855). I purchased the heater matrix from eBay for £49.95 and a set of radio removal tools off Amazon for about £3.50 The whole job took about 4 hrs from start to finish and that’s with time spent finding the correct sockets etc. my heater now blows hot air again. Saved a fortune - Glad I found this video and had the nerve to give it a go.

[@olliej9592]

Think I may have to do this. Been leaking coolant for a couple weeks and tried the easy option which was a new cap. No luck. Just tried the hot air and only Blowing cool so I’m assuming this needs replacing rather than than the EGR, if that sounds more likely? Thanks in advance for this informative video, going to give it a crack if the garage quote me silly money for it! These videos really are massively helpful and cost saving!

[@Greasem0nkey1]

Fantastic video. Thanks!!!

[@Chris_CDB]

No problems!

[@merigs1]

Thanks good explanation

[@minimush2373]

thanks for the video is the airbag mod under that matrix?

[@laterontodaymate]

A very useful video. The 10 minutes of video doesn’t cover the 5 hours it’s taken me to get to the stage of putting the new matrix back in. I’ve the same problem others have had of getting the lower pipe to fix snuggly back into the new matrix so think it’s a clamp it up and hope it all pulls back together. One small note of caution. I broke the silver part around the gear change trying to get the boot off. It’s very soft plastic and easily broken. Thanks for the video though I wouldn’t have known where to start especially taking out all the centre console just to get to the matrix in the footwell. Audi don’t want you to do this repair. Just a final note. It took me two days to replace the matrix and the fan. The fan is the easy bit. I struggled with the lower pipe. I kept getting a leak but eventually it fitted. Buy a new bolt for the clamp. The one fitted is just too short. Tools needed: T15 torx T20 torx 8mm socket 10mm socket Trim removal tools

[@user-js6gx5zr3b]

Hello, I am also struggling with the lower pipe, how did ypu managed to put it back in its place? Tia

[@laterontodaymate]

@@user-js6gx5zr3b in the end I just kept putting it together until it fitted and didn’t leak. It took me all weekend to complete the whole job.

[@user-js6gx5zr3b]

Took me a big while too... I ended up pulling the matrix a bit out fit the pipes then push it back in place, but thank you

[@leepatterson7561]

I'm another victim of the old split silica bag! Or perhaps sand from when the engine was cast I'm told, who knows. Really helpful video though, thank you! 👍

[@Chris_CDB]

No problem, it will more than likely be the silica bag, the casting sand would be pretty far fetched!!!!

[@dg2818]

Very very helpful video

[@Chris_CDB]

No problem, that’s what it’s for!

[@whichdoctor4858]

Anyone know if there are actuators on the driver’s side?

[@user-lb9ic2rp7t]

Hi thanks for the video, I have changed my heater matrix and it’s working perfectly 😁. The only problem is my automatic gear selector lights do not light up, I don’t remember there being a switch for this? Thank you

[@Chris_CDB]

Have you definitely plugged all cables back in under the console?

[@BL4YNY]

Great video thank you 😊 How long did this take you to do ? Had you done many before ? Is it something I can try myself or do you recommend taking it to a garage Sorry for all the questions Thanks again for the video 👍

[@Chris_CDB]

I would say it is a 3-4 hour job (mornings work), I have done a fair few matrix’s before, however 1st on this particular model. If you follow the video and are confident with your tools you should be able to do it yourself.

[@flex2125]

would this be the same for a left sided steering wheel a3 audi usa vehicle?

[@Chris_CDB]

It should be pretty similar, as you are not dealing with the “dash”.. but you might have to remove possibly the pedal box potentially, I don’t think they would of reversed the setup for the left hand drive ones.

[@nikialekssandrov]

After assembling everything back I forgot to plug air bag switch in the glove box and started the car . Now I have air bag light on . What would you advise ?

[@Chris_CDB]

Plug it back in, get it on a diagnostic scanner and clear the codes.

[@tomtw6515]

Hello looking for some advice and seems alot of you have had similar issues. I have an audi a3 sline 2ltr 63 plate. Its winter now and my cars heating doesnt seem to get warm especially on the drivers side. Just blows cold air. The thermostat sits at 90degree as should but constant cold air is blown through. Also i seem to loose alot of engine coolent? Any advice/help is appreciated, your video is very helpful but i dont know my way around cars lol

[@Chris_CDB]

Hi, if you are loosing coolant and have no heating it could be a couple of issues, you may have a leaking waterpump, or leaking heater matrix, and also the matrix could be blocked, common issue in these a3s.

[@allanjones4932]

How in gods name did you reconnect the pipes to the matrix i just cant seem to het the clamps back on

[@Chris_CDB]

Hi mate, I think from memory I used a big pair of 90 degree needle nose pliers to squash the clamps back round and had the bolt ready to do up,… it’s a bit of a fiddle once you have opened them clamps up to remove them!

[@dearders86]

I have the same problem in that my heater doesn’t get that hot. Passenger side seems to work fine, but driver side doesn’t. Every now and then it will dump over a litre of coolant out and I’ll have to top it up. Have pressure tested and replaced the PRV cap and expansion tank. Paid Audi £200 today for them to tell me the heater matrix is blocked and the system needs flushing with acid etc - all in £2700 which almost made me cry! You think this will do the trick or do I have a more sinister problem?

[@Chris_CDB]

Wow, is it an a3 like this video?

[@Grant547]

is the front park assist speaker behind the glovebox??

[@Chris_CDB]

No idea mate, have never needed to look for it.

[@user-lb9ic2rp7t]

Hi this looks like a great video, will try attempt this myself, just wondering do I need to drain the coolant first before changing the heater core. My coolant is pretty clear currently. Thanks in advance

[@Chris_CDB]

Yes you will need to drain your coolant before you attempt this, unless of course you have plans to turn your footwell into a fish pond!

[@user-lb9ic2rp7t]

@@Chris_CDB thanks for the quick response Chris I appreciate it, just one last thing mate, is there drain petcock on the radiator or do I need to remove lower hose? My car is A3 2016 (66 plate facelift) Thanks once again!

[@user-lb9ic2rp7t]

Does the coolant need to be flushed because the old contaminants may block the new heater? My coolant is pretty clear, Or is it to stop the footwell getting soaked, because I think I should be able to catch the water with a bottle 🤣. Thanks once again mate

[@foregonereality]

Hi there ! Great vid! Can anyone confirm the part number for the heater core ? Thanks !

[@addya4011]

Wanted to see if anyone can help. I’ve got a full service for my car and a coolant change. Since I had the coolant change my heaters are not working properly. I have dual climate control the passenger side is giving out hot air however the driver-side is giving lukewarm air. Both temperatures are set on high. Any ideas anyone?

[@brandonjordan5772]

Did you fix this issue? If so can I ask how?

[@addya4011]

@@brandonjordan5772 no mate. Just ended up selling the car

[@lewissim3388]

This might be a daft question but any help appreciated it.. I’ve just managed to complete this job with no issues. And it’s worked. Apart from….. my mmi screen is completely black and I have an airbag warning light.. everything is plugged in correctly as I took it all back apart too check! I’m lost for ideas?

[@Blackledge24]

Did you manage find out why it wasn’t working

[@lewissim3388]

@@Blackledge24 yeah.. I didn’t plug it back in 😂👍🏻

[@Blackledge24]

@@lewissim3388😂 was it difficult job to do? Having my heater matrix done on Tuesday no warm heaters in cabin and losing coolant, was yours same symptoms? Cheers

[@lewissim3388]

@@Blackledge24 we just had no heaters, it fixed that problem mate. The veins on the matrix get clogged with shit. It’s good practice to flush the system at the end of every summer, that’s what we do now. What concerns me with yours though is loss of coolant AND no heaters. That scream head gasket to me but hopefully I’m wrong. They are know to leak coolant from the bottom hose on the expansion tank though, I’ve had to replace mine.. worth a check mate

[@Blackledge24]

@@lewissim3388 had a mechanic look at it mate he’s gone for striped it down for change water pump thinking it could be that and he’s told me water pump is fine, he said all pipes are hot apart from the one going to heater matrix if that makes sense? I’m not that clued up with cars, coolant leak is like taking a good few weeks before I notice it drop abit, car drives fine no milky white in oil and no white smoke from exhaust and temp is fine and drives like it should do you still think it could be head gasket? Cheers mate

[@mubashirmughal8142]

I have the same issue can you help

[@chriswright9720]

How do you bleed the air from the matrix after replacing

[@Chris_CDB]

Just run the engine, it will self bleed via the waterpump circulation.

[@TheBenjamingough]

How did you determine this was the fault I’ve got no heat with no fault lights

[@Chris_CDB]

Basically if your cooling system is operating ok, and you have coolant in the tank, no over heating then you can pretty much determine it is the heater matrix that is blocked. If You feel the hoses to the matrix they should both be hot.

[@JWYATT18]

Did you use genuine heater matrix ? VAG one is £300 A valeo one is like £150 ...

[@Chris_CDB]

Valero unit mate, the genuine will be a valeo one anyway just with a vag sticker on it!

[@h-al9180]

Can confirm that the OEM matrix is a valeo unit. When I did my change recently, the one that came out had a VW Audi logo and Valeo next to it. It's all the same crap sold from different vendors.

[@elhomer12]

I think the matrix is blocked on my 2015 8V too... seems like a common thing but at least this shows its not as hard as forums etc suggest

[@Chris_CDB]

Yea it’s not all that bad, few hours being careful

[@skinnyp7460]

Can this cause coolant loss and a warning light coming on dash?

[@Chris_CDB]

If you have a leak on the matrix yes, or you may have an external (engine bay) leak

[@skinnyp7460]

@@Chris_CDB cheers for reply mate and I’ve Checked everywhere in engine bay and no coolant has been found and I’ve been through about two full expansion tanks of it

[@jahid_1]

@@skinnyp7460 did you manage to fix this in the end ?

[@AS-oo7vn]

Hi mate can i come to you to get my heater matrix replaced? 2014 Audi a3 1.6tdi My heater has not been working for a few months now, had the thermostat and electric pump replaced but still the heater doesnt work Please can you help

[@Chris_CDB]

Hi mate, yes you can bring it to me if you would like to. I’m sure we can sort it out for you!

[@AS-oo7vn]

@@Chris_CDB thank you where are you based mate? How can i contact you privately?

[@Chris_CDB]

@@AS-oo7vn Based in sheerness mate, you can search CDB mechanics on Facebook and can contact there if you wish mate.

[@samsonsithole5384]

Hi mate my heater only blow on the windscreen my feet are always cold

[@6jan1love]

@@Chris_CDB hi mate I'm staying in sheerness at the minute as im working there, had this problem for about a year now how much do you charge if I supply the matrix and coolant thanks

[@Blackledge24]

Had heater matrix replaced after no heat at all, now only get hot air on passenger side, anyone any ideas

[@Chris_CDB]

Could be the heater flap motors potentially one broken

[@Blackledge24]

@@Chris_CDB it’s like lukewarm on drivers side, if I turn temp down it goes cold, will it still be heater flap motor? Passenger side is really warm but drivers side not so warm. thanks

[@Rhaewyn]

Bastard VW. Always finding ways to make things harder to access/service.

[@Chris_CDB]

Yes it’s not an ideal job, but not too bad in the grand scheme of things.