23 · Diagnostics

Unpleasant climate control odours

Make: Alfa Romeo
Model: 159 Factory Service Manual
Year: 2005–2011
Section: Odours › Unpleasant climate control odours

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Fault diagnosisUnpleasant climate control odours

UNPLEASANT CLIMATE CONTROL ODOURS

The climate control is working normally, but there are unpleasant smells in the passenger compartment.

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	First of all, check the following with the compressor ON: that the condensation drainage is not blocked; that condensation drains inside the passenger compartment; that the condensation drainage is not damaged; that the recirculation is not working; that there are no unpleasant smells coming from the outside by activating the recirculation	Move on to Step 1	1. Condensation drainage blocked	1. Clean the condensation drainage
			2. The condensation is draining directly into the passenger compartment.	2. Restore the correct operation of the condensation drainage.
			3. Condensation drainage damaged.	3. Replace the condensation drainage.
			4. Recirculation not working.	4. Continue as instructed in the See table L016 CLIMATE CONTROL RECIRCULATION NOT WORKING
			5. Smells coming from the outside	5. Move on to Step 5
1	POLLEN FILTER CHECK	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Check the condition of the pollen filter. "The pollen filter should be replaced at least once a year".	Move on to Step 2	Filter obstructed.	Replace the filter element Op. 5010B09 PURIFYING (POLLEN) FILTER FILTER ELEMENT - REPLACE
2	AIR INLET DUCTS CHECK	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Check the air inlet ducts: they should not be obstructed with dirt or unpleasant smelling substances.	Move on to Step 3	Ducts blocked.	Wash the ducts.
3	EVAPORATOR CHECK	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	With the engine started and the climate control system off (compressor OFF button), place the temperature knob in the max heat position and activate the fan. Check that the bad smell disappears.	Move on to Step 6	The smells persist.	Move on to Step 4
4	RADIANT MASS CHECK	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Check that the fins of the radiant mass are not blocked with dirt or other substances. With the vehicle engine on, engine temperature warm or climate control system (temperature) knob set to max heat, check for fluid leaks inside the vehicle from the plastic tank or the radiant mass case.	End of diagnosis	1. Radiant mass dirty or blocked.	1. Clean the radiant mass.
		End of diagnosis	2. Fluid leak from the radiant mass.	2. Replace the radiant mass.
5	AIR INTAKE CHAMBER CLEANLINESS CHECK	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Check that there are no foreign bodies inside the air intake chamber. Check, in particular, that the seal between the air intake chamber and the engine compartment is perfect.	End of diagnosis	1. Air intake chamber dirty.	1. Clean the air intake chamber.
		End of diagnosis	2. Seal not perfect.	2. Restore the correct operation of the seal.
6	EVAPORATOR REPLACEMENT	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Replacement of the evaporator (check whether it is possible to clean it) The use of Aircomatic equipment amd Wynn''s Airco-clean is recommended for disinfecting the mould on the evaporator and the directions should be followed.	End of diagnosis	Evaporator covered in mould	Ask the customer whether it is the first time that the problem occurs, in which case the evaporator should be cleaned; If the customer complains for the 2nd time more than 6 months later, continue to clean the evaporator, if it is less than 6 months replace the evaporator Op. 5040C64 A/C EVAPORATOR - R+R

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Parts & tools for this job For 2005 Alfa Romeo 159

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