🚗 Classic Fault — Volkswagen (1974–1983)
Golf Mk1 heater matrix leak
💰 Estimated Repair Cost
$80 – $250 GBP
Parts and labour estimate
🔧 Tools Required
Coolant pressure tester, full trim removal tools
📋 Overview
The original heater matrix corrodes internally and leaks coolant into the footwells. Removal requires significant dashboard work.
🩺 Symptoms
- Sweet smell inside cabin
- wet front footwells
- coolant loss with no external leak visible
- fogged windows
🔍 Possible Causes
- Corroded heater matrix
- cracked matrix end tanks
- loose heater hose connections
🛠️ Diagnosis Steps
Pressure test cooling system — watch for coolant weeping near bulkhead. Remove glovebox and check matrix face
✅ Most Confirmed Fix
Matrix replacement
82% of users confirm this fix worked (31 reports)
🩺 Related Symptoms
🌡️ Coolant loss with no visible leak
🌡️ Sweet smell from engine or heater
🌡️ Wet footwells — heater matrix leak
🔗 Other Volkswagen Faults
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