Subject: | Odor from A/C At Vehicle Start-Up (Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Apply Cooling Coil Coating, and Activate or Install Delayed Blower Motor Control Module) |
Models: | 2001-2004 Saturn L-Series vehicles with standard HVAC (RPO C60) |
2002-2003 Saturn L-Series vehicles with Automatic Climate Control (RPO C68) |
Attention: | General Manager, Fixed Operations Manager, Parts Manager, Technician |
Some customers may comment on a musty odor from A/C system that may be most noticeable at vehicle start-up.
An unpleasant (musty) odor from A/C outlets at vehicle start-up may be the result of microbial growth on the evaporator core.
Remove any debris from the evaporator case, clean evaporator with disinfectant. For vehicles with standard HVAC (RPO C60), install delayed blower motor control module according to the appropriate procedure in this bulletin. For vehicles with automatic climate control (RPO C68), activate delayed blower motor control according to the appropriate procedure in this bulletin.
Important: Before performing the procedures in this bulletin, inspect, clean, and/or replace the passenger compartment air filter to ensure odor is not caused by debris in the filter. Refer to the appropriate section in the HVAC Service Manual for Removal and Installation procedures as needed.
Important: Before installing the delayed blower motor control module (for manual HVAC systems, RPO C60) or activating the delayed blower motor control (for automatic climate control systems, RPO C68), the following information MUST BE EXPLAINED TO CUSTOMER.
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
• | 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 clutch has been continuously activated for 4 minutes or more. The delayed blower motor control module will wait approximately 50 minutes after the ignition is turned OFF before activating the blower motor. |
It is during the blower run time that condensation which causes microbial growth is removed from the evaporator core. The blower motor will be turned ON with no driver input when the ignition is turned off and the conditions as stated above are met. The air rush sound created by the blower motor is noticeable from outside the vehicle. |
• | The minimal 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. |
Before starting the following procedure, obtain the following equipment and supplies:
• | A/C System Cooling Coil Coating (P/N 12346390; P/N 10953503 in Canada) |
• | Cleaning Gun, OTC Tool SA9216NE |
Caution: WHEN APPLYING COOLING COIL COATING (P/N 12346390; P/N 10953503 in Canada), ORDINARY SAFETY GLASSES ARE NOT SUFFICIENT. |
• | Safety goggles |
• | When applying cooling coil coating (P/N 12346390; P/N 10953503 in Canada), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved acid gas/organic vapor respirator with chlorine dioxide cartridges (3M® P/N 5103-small, 5203-medium, 5303-large), which are to be used with a pre-filter (P/N 5010) and retainer (P/N 501), or equivalents. |
• | Rubber gloves |
• | Pedestal fan |
1.1. | Adjust HVAC controls to hottest temperature setting. |
• | For models with manual HVAC (RPO C60), adjust temperature to full hot (highest setting). Set mode to heater only, turn RECIRC on, and make sure A/C button is off. |
• | For models with automatic climate control (RPO C68), adjust temperature to 32°C (90°F) in AUTO mode. |
1.2. | Set fan control to highest setting (for models with manual HVAC, RPO C60), or AUTO (for models with automatic climate control, RPO C68). |
1.3. | Close all windows and doors. |
1.4. | Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature. |
1.5. | When engine reaches operating temperature, set blower motor to HI for 5 minutes. |
Caution: MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED ON HOIST. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO OPPOSITE END OF VEHICLE THAT COMPONENTS ARE REMOVED FROM.
Caution: THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED ON A COLD VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED THAT IRRITATING VAPORS WILL BE FORMED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IF THE COOLING COIL COATING COMING OUT OF THE DRAIN OUTLET CONTACTS HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS.
COOLING COIL COATING CAN CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL, BUT TEMPORARY EYE INJURY. DO NOT GET COOLING COIL COATING IN EYES OR ON CLOTHING. WASH THOROUGHLY WITH SOAP AND WATER AFTER HANDLING. FIRST AID: IF COOLING COIL COATING GETS INTO EYES, HOLD EYELIDS OPEN AND FLUSH WITH A STEADY, GENTLE STREAM OF WATER FOR 15 MINUTES. OBTAIN MEDICAL ATTENTION IF IRRITATION PERSISTS.Important: Steps 11-13 should be skipped if vehicle does not have the I/P lower dash insulator.
Notice: TO AVOID CUTTING INTERNAL COMPONENTS, CUT ONLY INSIDE THE RAISED BEAD AREA. Do not cut through or damage raised bead. This bead will be used as a sealing surface when completing procedure.
Notice: Use care when cleaning and removing debris around the evaporator to avoid damage to the fins.
Notice: Proper sealing is important to prevent condensation from leaking into passenger compartment.
Tighten
Tighten the Evaporator Core Service Door-to-HVAC
Module Fasteners to 1 N·m (9 in-lbs).
Important: Step 27 should be skipped if vehicle does not have the I/P lower dash insulator.
30.1. | Adjust HVAC controls to hottest temperature setting. |
• | For models with manual HVAC (RPO C60), adjust temperature to full hot (highest setting). Set mode to heater only, turn RECIRC on, and make sure A/C button is off. |
• | For models with automatic climate control (RPO C68), adjust temperature to 32°C (90°F) in AUTO mode. |
30.2. | Set fan control to highest setting (for models with manual HVAC, RPO C60), or AUTO (for models with automatic climate control, RPO C68). |
30.3. | Close doors and open windows 12.7 mm (0.5 in). |
30.4. | Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature. |
30.5. | When engine reaches operating temperature, allow blower motor to operate on HI blower for 5 minutes. |
With the wiring used in the Saturn vehicles, it is recommended that approved Packard Electric Crimp and Seal Splice Sleeves (or equivalent) be used. The information in this section applies to wire splicing performed in the subsequent sections for both Delayed Blower Kit Installation (manual HVAC, RPO C60) and Delayed Blower Motor Control Activation (automatic climate control, RPO C68) procedures.
** Order through Saturn Special Tool Catalog. Included with Terminal Repair Kit (SA9138Z).
Important: When using the salmon splice sleeve with .35 mm (22 gage) wire, remove 19 mm (3/4 in.) of insulation. Bend the stripped portion in half to double the thickness of the wire going into the splice sleeve. Twist the stripped, doubled wire and insert into the splice sleeve.
Important: When splicing three wire ends into one splice sleeve, insert one cut wire end from vehicle harness and new splice wire end into one side of the splice sleeve until wires hit stop. Hand crimp using approved crimping tool. Insert remaining cut wire end from vehicle harness into other side of splice sleeve and crimp.
Caution: Do not use a match or open flame to apply heat to splice sleeve.
Important: This procedure is for vehicles equipped with manual HVAC systems (RPO C60) only. If vehicle is equipped with automatic climate control (RPO C68), go to "Delayed Blower Motor Control Activation" section in this bulletin.
Before starting the following procedure, obtain the following parts:
• | 3 Wire Splice Connector, P/N 22709318 |
• | Delayed Blower Control Module Kit, P/N 22679784 |
• | Relay Kit, P/N 22688666 |
• | Splice Sleeves -- Salmon, P/N 12089189 (need 5 sleeves) |
• | Splice Sleeves -- Yellow, P/N 12089191 (need 5 sleeves) |
• | Splice Sleeves -- Blue, P/N 12089190 |
Installing the Delayed Blower Motor Control Module
For the following procedure, refer to the wiring diagram on pages 10 -- 11.
Caution: When performing service on or around SIR components or SIR wiring, follow the cautions and procedures in the SIR Service Manual to temporarily disable the SIR System. Failure to follow the disable procedures could result in possible airbag deployment, personal injury or otherwise unneeded SIR System repairs.
18.1. | Route WHT wire (pin E) through the front of dash pass through for the I/P harness to the underhood junction fuse block. |
18.2. | Remove top of junction block to gain access to the wires in the black 68-way connector. |
18.3. | Route WHT wire (pin E) into lower cavity of the UHFB. |
18.4. | Locate circuit 459 at pin C4 in the black 68-way connector at the UHFB. |
18.5. | Splice WHT wire into circuit 459 a few inches from the 68-way connector using a salmon splice sleeve. |
18.6. | Install top of junction block into base. |
18.7. | Using electrical tape or wire ties, secure white wire to the wiring harness. |
21.1. | Splice the ORN wire from pin A at the after blow module into ORN .5 mm (20 gage) wire (circuit 440) in cavity B1 using a salmon splice sleeve. |
21.2. | For 2001-2003 model year vehicles: splice the RED wire from pin B at the after blow module into YEL .35 mm (22 gage) wire (circuit 43) in cavity B2, using a salmon splice sleeve. |
For 2004 model year vehicles: splice the RED wire from pin B at the after blow module into YEL .35 mm (22 gage) wire (circuit 43) in cavity B11 using a salmon splice sleeve.
21.3. | Splice the BLK/WHT wire from pin C at the after blow module into BLK 1.0 mm (16 gage) wire (circuit 550, ground) in cavity A12 using a blue splice sleeve. |
21.4. | Splice the wire from pin 86 at the relay into the BLK 1.0 mm (16 gage) wire (circuit 550, ground) in cavity A12 using a blue splice sleeve. |
Important: Do not install parts that have been removed until correct operation of the delayed blower module has been verified.
Tighten
Tighten the Battery Terminal Bolts to17 N·m
(13 ft-lbs).
Testing the Delayed Blower Motor Control Module
A full functional check of the delayed blower motor control module is required to assure that all electrical connections are connected properly, and it is functioning as designed.
Important: Do not disconnect the jumper harness connector from the delayed blower motor control module pigtail connector or system test will not function.
Delayed Blower Motor Control Module Diagnosis
VEHICLE RUNNING, HIGH BLOWER SETTING DOES NOT OPERATE
Cause | Solutionr | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The afterblow relay wires to the LIPFB and Blower motor are not properly connected. |
|
BLOWER DOES NOT OPERATE AFTER SPECIFIED DELAY TIME (MAKE SURE THAT ALL WIRES TO MODULE ARE PROPERLY CONNECTED. USE A VOLTMETER TO CHECK THAT THE PROPER SIGNAL IS APPLIED TO EACH WIRE.)
Cause | Solution |
---|---|
(Test Mode Only) GRN test wire from delayed blower motor control module is not properly connected to vehicle battery source. | Connect or jumper GRN test wire (pin H) to the vehicle's battery (not ignition). |
Proper signal not received from A/C compressor. | Make sure A/C compressor is connected electrically. Secondly, use a voltmeter to verify that A/C compressor low signal is zero volts when air conditioning is turned On. |
A/C compressor was not in operation long enough to trigger delayed blower motor control module. | Start engine and turn On A/C. Make sure A/C compressor clutch is continuously engaged for at least four minutes to trigger delayed blower motor control module. For test mode, run A/C for 30 seconds before turning Off engine. |
Important: This procedure is for vehicles equipped with automatic climate control systems (RPO C68) only. If vehicle is equipped with a manual HVAC system (RPO C60), go to "Delayed Blower Kit Installation" section in this bulletin.
Before starting the following procedure, obtain the following parts:
• | 3 Wire Splice Connector, P/N 22709318 |
• | Splice Sleeves -- Yellow, P/N 12089191 (need 3 sleeves) |
Caution: When performing service on or around SIR components or SIR wiring, follow the cautions and procedures in the SIR Service Manual to temporarily disable the SIR System. Failure to follow the disable procedures could result in possible airbag deployment, personal injury or otherwise unneeded SIR System repairs.
Important: For steps 6-10 refer to electrical schematic.
7.1. | Remove the terminal position assurance (TPA) retainer. |
7.2. | Insert the terminal lock release tool into the front of the connector cavity. Pull wires and terminal out of the back of the connector. |
7.3. | Reinstall the TPA. |
Important: For step 11, refer to electrical schematic on previous page.
Using the 3-wire splice connector (P/N 22709318), splice the three cut ends of circuits 268 and 502 to the three wires in the connector, using the yellow splice sleeves.
Tighten
Tighten the Battery Terminal Bolts to 17 N·m(13 ft-lbs).
Part Number | Description | Qty |
---|---|---|
12346390 10953503 in Canada | Coating -- A/C Evap Organic Matl Growth Prev | 1 |
22679783 | Evaporator Service Door | 1 |
22709318 | 3 Wire Splice Connector | 1 |
22679784 | Delayed Blower Control Module Kit | 1 (C60 only) |
22688666 | Relay Kit | 1 (C60 only) |
12089189 | Splice Sleeves -- Salmon | 5 (C60 only) |
12089191 | Splice Sleeves -- Yellow | 5 (for C60) 3 (for C68) |
12089190 | Splice Sleeves -- Blue | 1 (C60 only) |
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as follows:
Labor Operation | Description | Labor Time |
---|---|---|
D3316 | Install Delayed Blower Motor Control Module | 1.7 hrs |
D3319 | Core, Evaporator -- Clean and Disinfect | 1.4 hrs |
Important: When it is necessary to clean and disinfect the HVAC system at the same time the delayed blower control module package is installed, submit labor operation D3319 as a "related line" to failed labor operation D3316.