Coolant In Drivers Footwell

[raziel2710]

Hi guys and gals. Back with a coolant issue of sorts. So I was driving around today on my way home from a little trip to a mates house. On my way back I got stuck in some real heavy traffic (I forgot there was a match down the road from where I live). I was in this traffic for around fifteen minutes when I felt my left foot get wet. I looked down and saw some fluid dripping from somewhere behind the centre console. When I was stopped again I put my hand down and the fluid was warm so it can only be coolant right? After keeping an eye on the temperature gauge I noticed the leak seemed to get worse a second or two before the thermostat opened and the rad fan kicked in. The car did not overheat and there was plenty of coolant left by the time I got home so wherever this is coming from it's not a big leak (though one of the pictures shows it's bad enough). I was thinking maybe there's a pipe behind or near the centre console that has maybe perished/cracked. I had a quick look under the bonet today but I couldn't see any pipes in that area. Maybe there's something behind the bulkhead? Does anybody know of any such pipes or maybe have anymore insight into this? I know there are situations where rain/windscreen washer fluid can get into the cabin around the same area my leak is. Anyways, I've posted some pictures that hopefully will help with diagnosing the issue.

 

Thanks for your time.

 

Dave.

 

[inchley313]

Looks like your heater matrix has gone pop!! I am unsure on how big a job this is on a galaxy but when mine went on my lasy car (a volvo v40), it was a complete dashboard out job to replace. Hopefully it is easier to get to on the galaxy but hopefully someone who has done this job may be able to advise you further.

[raziel2710]

Ah ok cool. Thanks man. That makes a lot of sence. I found a "how to" thread here about the matrix. looks like a time consuming but easy enough job to do. I'll have to try do it before the NCT (National Car Test (our version of the MOT)) next Friday. I just hope I can get one from a breakers yard. I'll keep ya'll posted on how I get on.

 

Thanks again

 

Dave

[raziel2710]

Back again gents. Could one fo you please let me know if this http://www.ebay.ie/i...=item48425896d2 is the proper matrix for my car (you can scroll down to see a diagram)? I think it is but I'd ratehr get some informed advice before taking the plunge.

 

Thanks yet again

 

Dave

Edited June 25, 2012 by raziel2710

[seatkid]

Before you leap into action, order parts and strip out dash (complete day for experienced mechanic). I would remove some of the trim and double check the water isnt coming from somewhere else. From your brief description it isnt clear if you are losing coolant?

 

From your photo, it appears to be coming from above the dash trim - not from the air outlet. Also if the matrix had popped I'd expect water on both passenger and drivers side. Places known for leaks include grommets (for cables etc) in the bulkhead, windscreen seals and bulkhead joint seals.

 

Also check the obvious, that the drains at either end of the scuttle tray under windscreen arent blocked, leading to water build up that then get in via the (saturated) pollen filter.

 

Me, being lazy, would be inclined to consider unding a radiator sealing additive if I was it was the matrix.

Edited June 25, 2012 by seatkid

[inchley313]

Before you leap into action, order parts and strip out dash (complete day for experienced mechanic). I would remove some of the trim and double check the water isnt coming from somewhere else. From your brief description it isnt clear if you are losing coolant?

 

From your photo, it appears to be coming from above the dash trim - not from the air outlet. Also if the matrix had popped I'd expect water on both passenger and drivers side. Places known for leaks include grommets (for cables etc) in the bulkhead, windscreen seals and bulkhead joint seals.

 

Also check the obvious, that the drains at either end of the scuttle tray under windscreen arent blocked, leading to water build up that then get in via the (saturated) pollen filter.

 

Me, being lazy, would be inclined to consider unding a radiator sealing additive if I was it was the matrix.

 

Looking at the pics, the water leaking in is blue so I would certainly be looking at the coolant. Plus as the engine gets hot, the coolant becomes pressurized forcing it through the smallest of cracks.

[raziel2710]

Looking at the pics, the water leaking in is blue so I would certainly be looking at the coolant. Plus as the engine gets hot, the coolant becomes pressurized forcing it through the smallest of cracks.

 

Yeah my thoughts too. It's when the temp goes just above centre on the gauge it begins to trickle. As it gets hotter and pressure builds u[ it drips a lot more. i think I'll bypass it for a day or two and run it up to temperature to see if the leak stops.

[raziel2710]

So just to confirm before I tackle this today or early tomorrow, I simply bridge the hoses marked 1 and 2 in the picture to bypass the matrix yes?

 

Edited June 27, 2012 by raziel2710