Editing Heater Matrix (section)

=== Removing the matrix unit ===

Some vehicles have the matrix/blower assembly held together by an rubber band as shown in the workshop manual. Other vehicles have the two held together by a metal bracket and nut on both the top and bottom. These instructions describe removal of the matrix when the matrix/blower assembly are held together with the metal bracket.

It may be possible to bust the two rivets on one side of the matrix cover to allow the matrix to be removed without unscrewing the matrix/blower assembly. If this is possible, it will significantly reduce the disassembly/assembly time. If not, follow the procedures below:

[[Image:1999EliseMatrixBlowerAssembly.jpg|thumb|right|This model has a single green ceramic terminal block and a metal bracket and nut holding the matrix case to the blower case. Earlier S1 models varied.

You can see a spanner to the left of the green ceramic block removing one of the bolts holding the blower to the chassis. ]]
The matrix/blower assembly is held in place by 4 screws. Remove the metal [http://www.eliseparts.com/products/show/84/166/flexible-heater-ducting/ flexible heater ducting] and the hoses into and out of the matrix itself. One of the screws is just inside the outlet from the blower where the hose attached. Two are into the bulkhead below the radiator behind the cylindrical green ceramic terminal block. And the fourth is closer to the battery again into the bulkhead below the radiator. It's easiest if you remove the green ceramic terminal block - it's simply held on by the metal at each end which can be squeezed together and pulled out of the center of the green cylinder. Early Elise models had 3 cylindrical terminal blocks mounted on the blower. Later models had just one.

The wire which controls the hot/cold flap sits on top of the assembly. It cannot be removed while the cable is held by the spring clip and the flap arm is attached. Either lever off the surprisingly strong sprung metal clip or remove the attachment on top of the flap lever, and then the S-shaped end of the wire can be removed from the control armature.  The flap lever is held on with a #10 UNF grub screw (3/32" allen key) and if this is not rusted solid then the arm itself will be corroded on to the flap.

Once the matrix/blower assembly is free, it may still not be possible to get the unit out of the vehicle. The [http://www.eliseparts.com/products/show/61/182/heater-blower-fan/ blower] is connected to the matrix by a metal strip and nut both on the top and the bottom of the assembly. As the matrix/blower assembly is now free and has a certain degree of rotation within the car, the matrix can be separated from the blower by undoing the nut and rotating the metal strip about 30 degrees. The metal strip on the bottom of the assembly is identical.  The nuts are prone to rounding or shearing, in which case you will need to drill-out the rivet instead.

With the matrix separated from the blower, you can now remove the matrix from the car.  To aid removal, you may need to:

* Rotate the matrix around and extract it upside down
* Remove the front services compartment latch and alarm sensor
* Remove the battery clamp and slide the battery as far out of the way as possible
* Unclip all wiring beside the radiator and pull it on top of the radiator

The matrix unit is held within a plastic case which is riveted and can be glued on the bottom. Take care to remove the rivets without damaging the plastic too much - you only need to remove one pair of rivets as this will allow the plastic to bend enough to remove the matrix.