New proud owner of x350 3.5 v8. Bought the car with non functioning heater. Suspect either core or aux pump. Both are on order from supplier.

When I feel the pipes going to the matrix these are much cooler than the other coolant pipes. Is this because there is no circulation through the matrix and the coolant is simply not flowing or is it because the aux pump is not working?

Would be grateful for some input. I can get away with just swapping the pump for now and and save the matrix for later that would be great

br Martin - Norway

 

Very hard to say.
I think you have to change the pump and see if there is any improvement
Usually if there is a blockage in the matrix it only affects one side ie driver's side if it's RHD vehicle.
BTW If you need to replace the matrix the dealers have a kit for resealing the joints (which look pathetic)
Hate to mention the dealers but AFIK that the only place to get it.

Cheers

 

I have a similar problem. I just bought a 2005 Vanden Plas (Canada) with only 80000 km on it. I thought it was a safe bet because I know the 93 year old owner and he said, "It has never had a snow flake fall on it". The problem with that is, he didn't know the heater isn't working properly. While I was driving the car home to Alberta from Toronto, I froze while my wife was baked.
Can anyone refer me to a video, or instructions on how to fix this problem. It also need the air-conditioning evaporator replaced. :-/
Cheers

 

If you have heat on passenger side and not on drivers side it is a blocked heater core.

You need ti remove the glovebox, then you can access the housing for the blower fan. Once removed you can access the heater core. If you Google Jaguar X350 heater core you will find one video on YouTube explaining briefly how to replace the core. There are also a couple of forum threads and workshop manual so you can get an overview of the work.

br Martin

 

Thanks, Martin. I did find a couple of videos before I posted, but they are very short and lack any real detail. I was hoping there might be something a little more substantial that I had missed. Cheers

 

You are right that it is no step by step method for the work. Only thing I picked up is no need to remove the ECU and do any work from te engine side.

Br Martin

 

Have been looking at heater cores for my 04 XJ8.
They sell two, one is very inexpensive, compared to the other one.
Not as wide, & connectors are closer together.
The question is will it fit, & supply enough heat ?
Smaller width unit should make installation easier.