A/C - Odors on Vehicle Start Up: Overview
BULLETIN NO.: 96-T-34AISSUE DATE: March, 2001
CATEGORY TYPE: HVAC-02
CATEGORY: General
CORPORATION NO.: 01-01-37-004
SUBJECT:
Odor from A/C at Vehicle Start-Up (Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect Evaporator or Apply Cooling Coil Coating, and Install Delayed Blower Motor Control Module)
^ This bulletin is being revised to include instructions for using cooling coil coating on A/C evaporators and a new part number for cooling coil Coating.
^ Depending on part availability, use A/C system disinfectant kit or cooling coil coating when performing the procedures in this bulletin.
^ This bulletin supersedes bulletin 96-T-34, which should be discarded.
MODELS AFFECTED:
1995 Saturns equipped with A/C
CONDITION:
A musty odor from A/C system, most noticeable at vehicle start-up.
CAUSE:
An unpleasant (musty) odor from A/C outlets at vehicle start-up can be the result of microbial growth on the evaporator core. This bacteria feeds on the organic matter and moisture that is present on the evaporator core.
CORRECTION:
Remove any debris from evaporator case, clean evaporator with disinfectant or apply cooling coil coating, and install delayed blower motor control module according to the following procedures.
IMPORTANT:
Before installing delayed blower motor control module, the following information must be explained to the customer.
^ The delayed blower motor control module will not affect normal A/C or blower motor operation. However, the delayed blower motor control module will activate the blower motor on high speed for approximately five minutes, if the A/C compressor clutch has been continuously engaged for four minutes or more. The delayed blower motor control module will wait approximately fifty minutes after the ignition is turned Off before activating the blower motor. It is during this blower run time that condensate, that causes microbial growth, is removed from the evaporator core. The blower motor will be turned On with NO driver input if the conditions as stated above are met. The air rush sound created by the blower motor is noticeable from outside of the vehicle.
^ The parasitic current draw of the delayed blower motor control module, combined with the blower motor load, will lower the state of charge of the vehicle's battery, and may negatively impact battery life depending on the driving habits of the customer.
PARTS REQUIREMENTS:
CLAIM INFORMATION:
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as shown.
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