A/C - Odor
88buick02Bulletin 88-1-7
Date MAR. '88
Ref. No. 88-094-1
Corp. Ref. No. 811204
SUBJECT: A/C ODOR
MODELS AFFECTED: 1985-1988 ELECTRA/PARK AVENUE 1986-1988 LESABRE 1986-1988 RIVIERA
1988 REATTA
Some 1985-88 Electra/Park Avenues, 1986-88 LeSabres and 1986-88 Rivieras may experience odors emitted from the air conditioning system primarily at start up in hot, humid climates. This odor may be the result of debris in the heater/evaporator case or microbial growth on the evaporator core. To repair this condition, the following equipment and procedure should be utilized:
Required Equipment:
^ GM Goodwrench air conditioning system disinfectant kit, Part Number 25533404.
^ Kent-Moore tool number J-36645 or equivalent Air Conditioning Cleaning Gun.
^ Rubber gloves
^ Safety goggles (ordinary safety glasses are not sufficient).
^ NIOSH-approved acid gas/organic vapor, respirator with chlorine dioxide cartridges, 3M Part Number C1842 or equivalent.
CAUTION: Procedure may only be performed on a cold car to prevent the disinfectant from coming in contact with hot engine components.
Disinfectant can cause substantial but temporary eye injury. Do not get in, eyes or on clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling disinfectant.
FIRST AID:
If disinfectant gets into eyes, hold eyelids open and flush with a steady, gentle stream of water for fifteen minutes. Obtain medical attention if irritation persists.
Procedure
1. Put on rubber gloves, safety goggles, and NIOSH-approved respirator.
2. Pour the small bottle of the two-part GM Goodwrench air conditioning system disinfectant kit, Part Number 25533404, into the large bottle. Seal and invert the large container once or twice to mix contents.
3. Connect battery charger to avoid draining the battery during cleaning procedure.
4. Remove power module on C68 or resistor on C60, as described in service manual, leaving wiring connectors attached.
WARNING: Do not allow the metal heat sink of the power module to become grounded to any metal surface as this may result in internal circuitry damage. Position resistor in a location that the heated resistor won't cause any damage.
CAUTION: Power module heat sink or resistor way be hot.
FIGURE 1:
5. Check heater/evaporator case for debris. Remove any debris present through power module opening. If debris is imbedded into the evaporator core face and cannot be removed, the core will have to be removed from the vehicle and cleaned. If a large amount of debris is present in the heater/evaporator case the air inlet screen will require sealing around the windshield wiper post holes and fender edges as indicated by the arrows in Figure 1.
6. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position but do not start vehicle.
7. Set electronic touch climate control C68 to ECON, 60~ F temperature and low blower. On C60 set control to economy vent or heater and low blower.
8. Open all windows and doors. Exit vehicle.
CAUTION: Do not enter vehicle until procedure is completed to avoid exposure to disinfectant.
9. Place drain pan with at least a two quart capacity below heater/evaporator drain hole to collect disinfectant and rinse water runoff.
10. Use Kent-Moore tool J-36645 or equivalent siphon-type parts cleaning spray gun capable of delivering two ounces/minute of liquid when driven with 80-90 psi of compressed air. Insert the nozzle of the spray gun through the power module opening and insert siphon hose into container of disinfectant. Direct spray toward evaporator face taking extra care to ensure adequate coverage of the corners avid edges, completely saturating the entire core. Use the entire container of solution.
CAUTION: Do not allow disinfectant to come into contact with hot engine components such as the exhaust manifold.
11. Reach into vehicle and turn the ignition to the "OFF" position, and allow the core to soak for five minutes.
12. Check underneath vehicle to verify proper drain operation. If necessary, unclog and increase drain plug slits with a razor blade or sharp knife.
13. Reach into the vehicle and turn the ignition to the "ON" position, but do not start vehicle.
14. Thoroughly rinse the evaporator core with one quart of clean water using the spray gun to remove any disinfectant residue.
15. Reach into the vehicle and turn the ignition to the "OFF" position and then reinstall the power module or resistor.
CAUTION: Power module heat sink or resistor may be hot.
16. Dispose of disinfectant and rinse water runoff collected in the drain pan in an approved manner.
NOTE: This procedure will eliminate debris or microbial growth which can cause odors but will not prevent the possibility that debris or microbes present in the environment may return.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Labor Operation Number: T6235
Labor Time: 1.1 hours. (If debris needs to be removed from heater/evaporator case and the air inlet screen needs to be sealed, use an add time of .2 hour. If evaporator drain needs to be unclogged, use an add time of .2 hour.)
Trouble Code: 92