Chilly Car

[Marl]

I have a 1990 mkII Golf. I've had the thermostat and fan belt replaced recently but the heater refuses to blow hot. Is there anything to be checked before considering it may be a faulty heater matrix ( which I understand is a bit of a bummer of a job!)?

[RATTER15]

Is the water actually heating up, is the water actually circulating ok.

[tonyav]

Is the temperature gauge reading normal driving temp ?. It's possible that there is an air lock stopping the hot water flowing threw the heater matrix. If it is an air lock you could drain the system and then refill it with the car on a slope so that the front of the car is higher than the rear.

[TonyV]

Or maybe valve that diverts water into heater matrix is not working?

[TonyV]

Or maybe more complicated. Just need to go through it stage by stage

http://www.clubgti.com/showthread.php?261279-Heater-blowing-cold-not-hot-matrix-cleanse-and-air-flaps-foam-refurb-guide

[TWR]

Has the Rad been checked, Is it blocked?

Check the Heater Hoses are they Hot?

Has the Rad been Back Flushed?

As Tony, Air Lock!

Have the Hoses for some reason been removed? To replace, water Pump etc?

Did you / Have you / does the Heater Blow Hot / Cold /Hot / cold? if so, air lock.

[Gizmonster]

Check the level of the coolant .....

[Marl]

Thanks everybody for your quick replies. Given me stuff to think about! Cheers!