A/C - Odor at Vehicle Start Up: Overview
BULLETIN NO.: 96-T-35BISSUE DATE: June, 1997
GROUP/SEQ. NO.: HVAC-03
CORPORATION NO.: 681203R
SUBJECT:
Odor from A/C at Vehicle Start-Up
(Remove Debris, Disinfect and Install Delayed Blower Motor Control Module)
This bulletin is being revised to add a new part number for the underhood junction block used for 1997 vehicles and supercedes bulletin 96-T-35A, which should be discarded.
MODELS AFFECTED:
1996 Saturns and 1997 Saturns equipped with air conditioning built before and including the following vehicles:
Model Options VIN #
Sedan/Coupe Manual Trans. w/ABS VZ270301
All others V7271219
Wagon Manual Trans. w/o ABS VZ267540
Manual Trans. w/ABS VZ270131
Automatic Trans. VZ276754
CONDITION:
A musty odor from the air conditioning 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, clean evaporator with disinfectant 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:
21031158 Module Kit-Delayed Blower Motor Control
12112245 Terminal-Ring
12167634 Kit-Relay
21023711 Block-Underhood Junction (1996 Vehicles)
21021982 Block-Underhood Junction (1997 Vehicles)
21030784 Kit-A/C Disinfectant
21121827 Plug
CLAIM INFORMATION:
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as shown.