Daewoo Matiz Common Problems and Solutions
Failing to Start
Problem:
If you park for around thirty minutes, the car won't start but has no problem starting after not being used for around 24 hours.
Solution:
Check your coils for cracks or any signs of damage, and order replacements from BreakerYard. You should also check the spark plugs and replace them as needed.
Difficulty level
Ignition Coil
High Levels of Exhaust Smoke
Problem:
The car is producing a large amount of thick smoke from the exhaust pipe.
Solution:
The cambelt on a Matiz needs to be replaced every 40,000 miles. Check yours, and if it looks worn or shiny, you'll need to install a new one, which we always have in stock.
Difficulty level
Timing Cam Belt Kit
Slow To Start
Problem:
It's taking up to ten attempts to get the engine to turn over. The problem occurs mostly on cold mornings.
Solution:
Check your spark plugs and replace them if they are worn out. If that fails to resolve the problem, then it's going to be a faulty coolant temperature sensor, which you can order from us and have delivered.
Difficulty level
Spark Plugs
Heater problems
Problem:
Are you having problems with the heater blower not working? This is caused by a failure of the heater blower resistor.
Solution:
Fitting a replacement heater blower resistor will fix the issue.
Difficulty level
Clutch problems
Problem:
If you are finding that the clutch pedal is very stiff on your Matiz, this is an indication that the clutch cable is not working properly and needs to be replaced.
Solution:
As mentioned above, you will need to replace the clutch cable to sort the issue out.
Difficulty level
Clutch Cable
Gearbox problems
Problem:
The gear changes on the Matiz are known for being very notchy. If you are having real problems changing gear, then it will most likely be caused by a problem with the gear linkage.
Solution:
You will need to replace the linkage to fix the problem. Watch the video below to see more about this problem. We can help you find a replacement gear linkage at a very low price.
Difficulty level
Gear Linkage
Aerial snapping
Problem:
As the aerial on the Matiz screws in the opposite way (with a left hand thread) to the body, it has been known for people to snap the aerial by turning it the wrong way.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement aerial to resolve the issue, and make sure you turn it the opposite way to put it in.
Difficulty level
Aerial
Fuel gauge problem
Problem:
Are you finding that the reading on your fuel gauge seems to be inaccurate? If so, this is a known problem on the Matiz.
Solution:
You will need to take the car to a Daewoo garage as there is a modification needed on the fuel gauge. They will check to see if yours has had this fixed on their computer, and if not, they should sort it free of charge.
Difficulty level
Heater problems
Problem:
Are you having problems with the heater blower not working? This is caused by a failure of the heater blower resistor.
Solution:
Fitting a replacement heater blower resistor will fix the issue.
Difficulty level
Heat Blower Motor
Clutch problems
Problem:
If you are finding that the clutch pedal is very stiff on your Matiz, this is an indication that the clutch cable is not working properly and needs to be replaced.
Solution:
As mentioned above, you will need to replace the clutch cable to sort the issue out.
Difficulty level
Clutch Cable
Gearbox problems
Problem:
The gear changes on the Matiz are known for being very notchy. If you are having real problems changing gear, then it will most likely be caused by a problem with the gear linkage.
Solution:
You will need to replace the linkage to fix the problem. Watch the video below to see more about this problem. We can help you find a replacement gear linkage at a very low price.
Difficulty level
Gear Linkage
Aerial snapping
Problem:
As the aerial on the Matiz screws in the opposite way (with a left hand thread) to the body, it has been known for people to snap the aerial by turning it the wrong way.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement aerial to resolve the issue, and make sure you turn it the opposite way to put it in.
Difficulty level
Aerial
Fuel gauge problem
Problem:
Are you finding that the reading on your fuel gauge seems to be inaccurate? If so, this is a known problem on the Matiz.
Solution:
You will need to take the car to a Daewoo garage as there is a modification needed on the fuel gauge. They will check to see if yours has had this fixed on their computer, and if not, they should sort it free of charge.
Difficulty level
Fuel Gauge
Losing Water
Problem:
You are losing water from the coolant system, but there are no signs of any leaks.
Solution:
Your first step should be to check your coolant cap, the thermostat, and the cooling fan. If there are obvious signs of damage, then order a replacement part from our parts page. If there are no signs of wear or damage, then there's a chance that your head gasket is on the way out and will need to be replaced.
Difficulty level
Stereo/Cigarette Lighter/Central Locking Malfunction
Problem:
The car is working fine, but the stereo, cigarette lighter, and central locking have all failed.
Solution:
Check that all of your cables and wires are intact and correctly inserted where they should be. If there are no obvious problems, then this is most likely a simple case of buying a full fuse set, which we can deliver to you. Replace the faulty ones, and everything will go back to normal.
Difficulty level
Fuse Box
Spongy Brake Pedal
Problem:
The brakes work, but the brake pedal feels spongy when you press it.
Solution:
This affects a large number of Matiz models built between 2008 and 2009 and is being caused by a sticking ABS valve. If your car is affected by this fault, then you're going to need to order a replacement ABS from our parts list and then drain and replace the brake fluid.
Difficulty level
