Speedo Just Died.....and Heater Matrix Too..., Any known fix?

[mcmoonter]

I just got my '96 VSX 2.1 on the road again. Sailed through MOT.

Hadn't driven it much before test so a couple of wee problems have reared their heads.

The speedo, speed by transducer type has just stopped working. I reread some threads and Noz recommended a good dash thump. Is there a more involved/ reliable fix?

Heater function is near non existant. Tepid temp just not enough with the current weather. I found a good secondhand baffle motor to swap with the one in the car. Both worked as they should so I have to assume the matrix is choked. I used a Celit sachet to stop a drip drip leak from the radiator, before I read the threads which warned against its use. Euro Car Parts do a new matrix for under £30 so I'm going to give it a go tomorrow, rather than faffing with trying to flush it out. I noticed some very helpful step by step pics in a recent thread on a V6. Is the procedure much the same for a 2.1TD? I think it will be worthwhile fushing out the radiator and header tank to get rid of the sealant.

Are there any hot tips for bleeding the cooling system upon refilling?

Despite these wee niggles, I am very pleased with the car's performance and ride.
Well worth the time spent getting it back on the road.

MC

[mcmoonter]

What do you know?

I tried the dash thump and the Speedo just came back to life.

If only everything was such an easy fix.

MC

[Peter.N.]

Hi MC

Sorry to hear of your woes, although your self healing speedo doesn't sound to bad! One of the glorious things about the 2.1 td is that there is no problem bleeding it as the thermostat being in the return means that you cant get air trapped in the head. Just keep pouring water into the header tank until it wont take any more and its full! It fills slowly though. If you are changing the matrix you may have to bleed that, just disconnect the heater return pipe and keep pouring water in as above, until it comes out both ends. You can just release the screw on the radiator to make sure that is full, then check the level again after running it for a few minutes.

Peter.N.