loosing coolent rapidly HELP

[twolf1 0]

Noticed my windows kept steaming up in my car and the heater wudnt shift it, but only made the steam worse. so bad that i cudnt see out the windows.

My first thought was water was getting into the fans. then realised that something in my car must wet and when i turn the heatin up its creating condensation everywhere.

I checked the car and realised that the carpet on the back seat opposite side was soaking wet.

thought nothing of it, just thought it was drink spillage.

My engine water temp light then come on, i checked the water level and all the water in the coolent was gone, thought this was odd as only 3 weeks ago i drained the car of water and added 3 litres of anti freeze.

i topped up the car again and went for a drive, poped the bonnet and the collent level had gone down again. i checked the outside of the car and there was water spillage under the car and the carpet was soaking again.

Question. how can the engine coolent get from the engine to the back of the car under the carpet????- surely it just goes round the engine.

Hope anyone can help and i am absolutely baffled

[chief ka kar 0]

not sure to the back of your car but your coolant could leak via the heater inside your car

[b road blaster 0]

i would say the same as above heater matrix could be leaking

[VR6Pete 1,455]

Sounds like your heater matrix buddy

[craggsy 91]

Water will flow to the back when driving and also do you park facing up hill?

[twolf1 0]

Nice 1 all, how do I loose engine coolent so quick and how does it flow to the carpet under the back seat.

Also is it expensive

[b road blaster 0]

not sure on the cost but belive its a right pita to change ...

[VR6Pete 1,455]

Your talking a whole days labour. It's a massive job.. Dash out etc..

[CALICO 130]

There is a "how to" in the premium section to replace matrix

if you lift up your front carpet is it wet underneath

[twolf1 0]

Bollox bollox bollox, prob get rid of it I it costs to much

Thanks for advice all

[bungy 2]

A couple of things really. Why not bypass the matrix temporarily to confirm the problem and if you are getting rid of it just because of that let me know how much you want for it.

[twolf1 0]

Ok will do nice1. Will a mechanic know how to bypass it or can I do it myself... (don't even know where the matrix is)

[craig46 0]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong here but basically if you look at the back of the engine bay on the firewall, you will see quite easily two pipes going into the cabin, if you take these off at the firewall and get some pipe to sit over these and then two jubilee clips to make them water tight. Cable tie the pipes up in order to stop them flapping about. Will cost you no more than a fiver.

[probert993 0]

above is correct two hoses going into car at back run through matrix had this prob on a 106 gti i had, disconnect both pipes put a plastic join between them halfords wil have some and jubilee each side , u will have no heater but also will confirm a leak in matrix, as stated earlier the matrix itself is not expensive its all labour my 106 gti was 20 quid for matrix and nearly 250 in labour , took all day dash off air bags off , change matrix and re build, as i said once u have by passed matrix if leak stops u know its that, then ask for quotes , hope that all that helps mate