Odor Diagnosis
A/C Odor Diagnosis:
Odors may be 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 growth of mold on the evaporator core. To address this condition, use the following equipment and procedure.
Tools Required:
- J 36645 Air Conditioning Cleaning Gun GM Goodwrench Air Conditioning System Disinfectant Kit
CAUTION: Procedure should only be performed on a cold vehicle 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 clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
IMPORTANT: If disinfectant gets into eyes, hold eyelids open and flush with a steady, gentle stream of water for 15 minutes. Obtain medical attention if irritation persists.
1. Put on rubber gloves and safety goggles.
2. Pour the small bottle of the two-part GM Goodwrench Air Conditioning System Disinfectant kit into the large bottle. Seal and invert the large container once or twice to mix contents.
3. Check underneath the vehicle to verify that drain outlet is not plugged.
4. Connect battery charger to avoid draining the battery during cleaning procedure.
5. Remove blower resistor. Leave electrical connectors attached.
NOTICE: Do not allow the metal coils of the blower resistor to become grounded to any metal surface. This may result In internal circuitry damage.
6. Check heater/evaporator case for debris. Remove any debris present through blower resistor opening. If debris is imbedded into the evaporator core face and cannot be removed, remove the core from the vehicle and clean it. If a large amount of debris is present in the heater/evaporator case the air inlet screen will require sealing around the air intake in the cowl area.
7. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position but do not start vehicle.
8. Set mode selector to "VENT," blower speed to "LO," and temperature to full "Cold."
9. Open all windows and doors. Exit vehicle.
10. Place a drain pan with at least a 2-quart capacity below heater/evaporator drain hole to collect disinfectant and rinse water runoff. If necessary, install additional hose onto drain so that all fluid goes into the drain pan.
11. Turn pedestal fan on "High" to provide cross ventilation during cleaning procedure.
12. Using J 36645, or equivalent spray gun, insert the nozzle of the spray gun through the blower resistor opening and insert siphon hose into container of disinfectant. Taking extra care to ensure adequate coverage of the corner and edges, spray directly toward the evaporator face. Saturate the core completely. Use the entire container of solution.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow disinfectant to come into contact with hot engine components such as the exhaust manifold.
13. Turn the ignition to the "OFF" position, and allow the core to soak for 5 minutes.
14. Double-check underneath the vehicle to verify proper drain operation. If necessary, unclog and increase drain plug slits with a razor blade or sharp knife.
15. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position, but do not start vehicle.
16. Thoroughly rinse the evaporator core with clean water using the spray gun to remove all disinfectant residue. At least a 2-quart rinse is recommended.
17. Turn the ignition to the "OFF" position. Reinstall the blower resistor.
18. Dispose of disinfectant properly and rinse water runoff collected in the drain pan in an approved manner.