Odor from A/C at Vehicle Start Up #98-T-18B - (Jan 13, 2003)

1998 and 1999 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 on the next page must be explained to the customer.

Customer Information

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.

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, which 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.

Procedures

Depending on part availability, use A/C system disinfectant kit or cooling coil coating when performing this procedure.

Before starting procedures, obtain the following equipment and supplies:

• A/C System Disinfectant Kit (P/N 21030784; P/N 10953503 for Canada) or Cooling Coil Coating (P/N 12346390)
• Cleaning Gun, OTC Tool SA9216NE

Caution

When using Disinfectant Kit (P/N 21030784), ordinary safety glasses are not sufficient.

• If using Disinfectant Kit (P/N 21030784; P/N 10953503 for Canada), safety goggles or face shield
• If using Disinfectant Kit (P/N 21030784; P/N 10953503 for 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
• If using Cooling Coil Coating (P/N 12346390), safety glasses
• Rubber gloves
• Pedestal fan
• Plug (P/N 21121827)

1. Dry evaporator by:
• Adjusting temperature to full hot
• Turning RECIRC On
• Making sure A/C button is Off
• Close all doors and windows
• Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature
• Allow blower motor to operate on HI blower for 5 minutes, once engine reaches operating temperature
2. Raise vehicle on a hoist.




3. Check the HVAC module drain for blockage. If necessary, clear drain hole with a soft blunt tool such as the eraser end of a pencil.
4. Lower vehicle from hoist.




5. To reduce the risk of debris from entering the HVAC module, check for gaps between cowl panel foam and windshield, at base of windshield. Repair gaps by repositioning panels or by removing cowl panels and installing additional foam to panel. Use Kent Industries P/N 40115 Adhesive Back Shim Stock or equivalent 5/16 x 3/8 inch foam.
6. Place a drain pan directly below the HVAC drain to collect disinfectant or cooling coil coating and rinse water runoff.
7. Open all doors and windows in the vehicle and position pedestal fan so that it provides cross ventilation through the vehicle during the cleaning/coating procedure.
8. Cover interior of vehicle to protect it from spray.
9. Disconnect blower motor connector.




10. Remove blower motor mounting screws and remove blower motor assembly.

Notice

Use care when removing debris from front of evaporator so no damage is done to the fins.

11. Check the HVAC module for debris through the blower motor opening. Remove any debris from evaporator face.
12. Install blower motor and connect electrical connector.
Tightening

Tighten Blower Motor Mounting Screws to 1.7 N·m (15 lb in).





13. Using a 15/32 in. drill bit, attach a drill stop or depth gauge, or masking tape to allow for a 4 mm (5/32 in.) depth.
14. Locate the center of the triangle shaped portion of the plenum which slopes upward and to the right, next to the left-most blower motor fastener.

Notice

Running the drill bit in more than 4 mm (5/32 in.) can damage the evaporator.

15. Drill a 15/32 in. hole. Be careful not to let the drill bit penetrate beyond a 4 mm (5/32 in.) depth.

Important

Depending on part availability, two different products may be available for use on A/C evaporators. Select the appropriate procedure to follow based on the product you will be using:

- If using the Disinfectant Kit (P/N 21030784; P/N 10953503 for Canada), continue to the "Evaporator Disinfecting Using Disinfectant Kit (P/N 21030784; P/N 10953503 for Canada)" procedure in this bulletin.

- If using the Cooling Coil Coating (P/N 12346390), continue to the "Applying Cooling Coil Coating (P/N 12346390) to Evaporator" procedure in this bulletin.

Evaporator Disinfecting Using Disinfectant Kit (P/N 21030784; P/N 10953503 for Canada)

Perform this procedure only if you are using A/C System Disinfectant Kit (P/N 21030784; P/N 10953503 for Canada).

Caution

This procedure should only be performed on a cold car. It has been demonstrated that irritating vapors will be formed in the engine compartment if the disinfectant coming out of the drain outlet contacts hot engine components. Disinfectant can cause substantial, but temporary eye injury. Do not get disinfectant in eyes or on clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.

Caution

First Aid: 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. Allow vehicle to cool down before performing disinfectant procedure.
2. Put on rubber gloves, safety goggles and NIOSH approved acid gas/organic vapor respirator.
3. Pour the small bottle of the two part A/C System Disinfectant Kit (P/N 21030784; P/N 10953503 for Canada) into the large bottle. Put the cap back on the large bottle and invert the bottle once or twice to mix the contents.
4. Using the cleaning gun, OTC Tool SA9216NE (or equivalent siphon-type parts cleaning spray gun capable of delivering 2 ounces per minute of liquid with shop air at 552-620 kPa [80-90 psi]), insert siphon hose into container of disinfectant. Take care to place the bottle in a secure upright position to avoid spilling contents.




5. Insert nozzle tip of spray gun through the drilled hole and orient so spray pattern will be parallel to the evaporator face.




6. With the blower motor on HI and engine Off, spray the entire contents of the disinfectant mix. Rotate the nozzle tip up and down whole spraying disinfectant to allow for an even distribution and to ensure full coverage of the evaporator.
7. Turn blower motor Off.
8. Allow evaporator core to soak for at least 5 minutes.
9. With blower motor on HI, thoroughly rinse the evaporator core (using the above procedure) with 1 quart of clean water to remove any disinfectant residue.




10. Install the hole plug (P/N 21121827).
11. Properly dispose of disinfectant and rinse water runoff collected in the drain pan into a sanitary drain.
12. Remove the protective covering from the interior of the vehicle.

Important

Before enabling afterblow function, refer to Customer Information on page 2 of this bulletin and review operation of afterblow function with the customer.

13. If the delayed blower motor control module is to be installed, proceed to "Delayed Blower Motor Control Module Installation" in this bulletin.

Applying Cooling Coil Coating (P/N 12346390) to Evaporator

Perform this procedure only if you are using Cooling Coil Coating (P/N 12346390).

Caution

Cooling coil coating can cause temporary eye injury. Do not get cooling coil coating in eyes or on clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.

Caution

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.

1. Allow the vehicle to cool down before performing the cooling coil coating procedure.
2. Put on rubber gloves and safety glasses.
3. Using the cleaning gun, OTC Tool SA9216NE (or equivalent siphon-type parts cleaning spray gun capable of delivering 2 ounces per minute of liquid with shop air at 552-620 kPa [80-90 psi]), insert siphon hose into container of disinfectant. Take care to place the bottle in a secure upright position to avoid spilling contents.
4. Regulate the shop air to 276-414 kPa (40-60 psi).




5. Insert nozzle tip of spray gun through the drilled hole and orient so spray pattern will be parallel to the evaporator face.




6. Apply the cooling coil coating by using short bursts and by rotating the nozzle tip up and down. This will allow for an even distribution and to ensure full coverage of the evaporator.
7. Allow the evaporator core to soak for 30 minutes.
8. Dry evaporator by:
• Adjusting temperature to full hot
• Turning RECIRC on
• Making sure A/C button is Off
• Open windows 1/2 in. and close doors
• Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature
• Allow blower motor to operate on HI blower for 5 minutes once engine reaches operating temperature




9. Install the hole plug (P/N 21121827).
10. Properly dispose of cooling coil coating runoff collected in drain pan into a sanitary drain.
11. Remove the protective covering from the interior of the vehicle.

Important

Before enabling the afterblow function, refer to Customer Information on page 2 of this bulletin and review the operation of the afterblow function with a customer.

12. If the delayed blower motor control module is to be installed, proceed to "Delayed Blower Motor Control Module Installation" in this bulletin.

Delayed Blower Motor Control Module Installations

Important

Before proceeding with the installation of the delayed blower motor control module, make sure the customer is fully aware of its function and operation.

The following parts are required to install the delayed blower motor control module:

Caution

When performing service on or around SIR components or SIR wiring, follow the Cautions and Procedures in the appropriate year SIR service manual to temporarily disable the SIR system. Failure to follow the disable procedures could result in possible air bag deployment, personal injury or otherwise unneeded SIR system repairs.

1. Disable the SIR system. (Refer to "Disabling the SIR System" in the 98-99 "SIR Service Manual").
2. Record the radio preset stations and disconnect the negative battery cable.




3. Remove the right and left console extension assemblies.




4. Remove the HVAC module lower trim panel.

Important

The surface where the delayed blower motor control module is to be located is a horizontal flat space. It is close to the front of the dash, just above the carpet.





5. From the passenger side of the vehicle, wipe clean the top center horizontal surface of heater duct.
6. Remove the hook side of the hook and loop retainer that is attached to the delayed blower motor control module.
7. Peel the backing off of the hook side of the hook and loop retainer and apply it to the top center horizontal surface of the heater duct between the two structure ribs. Press firmly to seat.
8. Install the edge clip on the electrical connector of the delayed blower motor control module.
9. Using the electrical tape, solid wrap the delayed blower motor control module pigtail harness.
10. Cut a piece of cardboard approximately the same size as the delayed blower motor control module and place it under the loop side of the hook and loop material attached to the module.




11. From the driver's side of the vehicle:
1. Insert the delayed blower motor control module, with the pigtail harness end first and the hook and loop retainer down, onto the top center horizontal surface of the heater duct.
2. Align the delayed blower motor control module so that the rear edge is flush with the heater duct edge on the driver's side of the vehicle.
3. Remove the cardboard.
4. Press down on the blower motor control module to engage the hook and loop retainer. (Delayed blower motor control module should fit securely if engagement of the hook and loop retainer has been achieved.)




12. From the passenger's side of the vehicle:
1. Route the delayed blower motor control module pigtail harness between the forward edge of the heater duct and the carpet.
2. Attach the delayed blower motor control module pigtail harness between the forward edge of the heater dust and carpet.




13. Using black electrical tape, solid wrap 381 mm (15 in) of the delayed blower motor control module jumper harness, starting at electrical connector end.
14. Connect the delayed blower motor control module jumper harness with the delayed blower motor control module pigtail at the heater duct.
15. Route the delayed blower motor control module jumper harness under the front heater duct, forward of the rear heater duct (if equipped), to the I/P wiring harness on the driver's side of the vehicle.

Notice

To prevent any possibility of a short circuit, replace any tape that is pushed back or removed from any wiring harness that is moved.





16. Disconnect the black I/P harness connector and pull it into driver's side footwell.




17. Remove the radio.

Important

Do not push the center pins through the fasteners.

1. Depress the center pins inward to release the radio/HVAC control cover push pin fasteners.
2. Remove the fasteners and pull the radio/HVAC control cover rearward.
3. Disconnect the traction control-fog lamp-rear defog electrical connector, if equipped.




4. Remove the radio screws.
5. Push the spring clips in through the D holes on both sides of the radio brace.
6. Pull the radio out slightly to access the rear of the radio.




7. Disconnect the electrical connector and antenna.
8. Remove the radio.

Important

For steps 18 through 23, refer to the electrical schematic on the facing page.

Important

For information on splicing wires, refer to "Wire Splicing" instructions in this bulletin.

18. Make the following splices at the IPJB black 68-way connector:
1. At terminal A4, splice, using a salmon (pink) splice sleeve, the ORN 0.50 mm² ( 20 gage) wire from delayed blower motor control module into ORN 0.35 mm² (22 gage) wire (circuit 340-battery feed) from 68-way connector.
2. At terminal E10, splice, using a salmon (pink) splice sleeve, the RED 0.50 mm² (20 gage) wire from delayed blower motor control module into BRN 0.35 mm² (22 gage) wire (circuit 641-ignition) from 68-way connector.
3. Connect the black I/P harness connector.
Tighten

Tighten the I/P Harness Connector to 2.2 N·m (20 lb in).

19. Splice into the high blower relay coil ignition feed wire as follows:
1. Disconnect the HVAC fan switch (blower control switch) electrical connector from the HVAC control lead.
2. Detach the wiring harness clip (found attached to the HVAC module) so that the wiring harness can be pulled rearward to make it easier to work on the HVAC fan switch connector.
3. Route the TAN/ORN and BLK/ORN wires (from the delayed blower motor control module) up from the IPJB area, between the HVAC control head and the HVAC module, to the HVAC control head area.




4. Locate the ORN wire found in the cavity A of the HVAC fan switch electrical connector that goes to the blower relay. Cut the wire approximately 51 mm (2 in) from the HVAC fan switch connector.
5. Splice the TAN/ORN 0.50 mm² (20 gage) wire (one of the wires routed up from the delayed blower motor control module in step 19.3) to the HVAC fan switch connector side of the ORN 0.50 mm² (20 gage) wire, using a salmon (pink) splice sleeve.
6. Splice the BLK/ORN 0.50 mm² (20 gage) wire (one of the wires routed up from the delayed blower motor control module in step 19.3) to the harness end (that goes to the blower relay) of the ORN 0.50 mm² (20 gage) wire, which was cut in step 19.4, by using a salmon (pink) splice sleeve. (This splice should be performed in the HVAC control head area).
7. Tape the splice joints and the delayed blower motor control module wires to the harness to prevent rattles and interference with the temperature/mode lever movement.
8. Attach the harness clip (detached in step 19.2) to the HVAC module.
9. Connect the HVAC fan switch electrical connector (disconnected in step 19.1) to the HVAC control head.




20. Attach the ring terminal lead kit (P/N 12112245) to the BLK/WHT wire from the delayed blower motor control module using a salmon (pink) splice sleeve.
21. Attach the ring terminal to the ground location at the H-brace. Make sure that the new ring terminal is on top of the existing ring terminal.
Tighten

Tighten the Ring Terminal-to-Ground to 2.2 N·m (20 lb in).

22. Disconnect the PCM Lt. Blue 32-way connector.
23. Using a 1.5 m (5 ft.) length of 0.50 mm² (20 gage) wire:
1. At terminal J1D1 of PCM Lt. Blue 32-way connector, splice one end of 0.50 mm² (20 gage) wire to GRA 0.35 mm² (22 gage) (circuit 729-A/C relay control), using a salmon (pink) splice sleeve.




2. Route the wire to the IPJB as follows (using electrical tape, spot tape wire to the harnesses approximately every 51-76 mm [2-3 in]):
• Tape wire to PCM branch of I/P harness.
• Follow the harness up to the I/P splice packs, forward of PCM.
• From the top of the I/P, route the wire along the I/P harness, following the main branch across, forward of the beam, and then down to the IPJB. Route the wire to the left of the cruise control connector (if equipped).
3. Splice 0.50 mm² (20 gage) wire to the WHT 0.50 mm² (20 gage) wire from the delayed blower motor control module using a salmon (pink) splice sleeve.
4. Connect the PCM Lt. Blue 32-way connector.
24. The BLU wire from the delayed blower motor control module is unused. Tape the end of the BLU wire and tape back to the jumper harness of the delayed blower control module. The delayed blower motor control module GRN wire is used for testing.
25. Attach the top half of the "Notice" label provided in the kit to the blower motor cover. Attach the bottom half of the "Notice" label to the inside of the right side of the console extension assembly.
26. Using the black electrical tape, solid wrap the excess wire from the delayed blower control module jumper harness.
27. Connect the negative battery cable.
Tighten

Tighten the Battery Cable to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).

Important

Do not install parts that have been removed, except for the black I/P harness, until the correct operation of the delayed blower motor control module has been verified.

28. Proceed to the "Testing the Delayed Blower Motor Control Module" and verify the operation. After the operation is verified, proceed to the next step.
29. Install the radio




1. Connect the electrical connector and antenna to the radio.





Important

Make sure the spring clips are seated in the D holes on both sides.

2. Install the radio.
30. Install and tighten the screws.
Tighten

Tighten the Radio Mounting Screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).





31. Connect the traction control-fog lamp-rear defog electrical connector, if equipped.
32. Install the radio/HVAC control cover. Push in at the clip locations.
33. Install the push pins and lock.




34. Install the HVAC module lower trim panel.




35. Install the right and left console extension assemblies.
36. Enable the SIR system. (Refer to "Enabling the SIR System" in the 98-99 "SIR Service Manual").
37. Set the radio station presets.
38. Clear any SIR diagnostic trouble codes that may have set during the delayed blower motor control module testing. (Refer to the 98-99 "SIR Service Manual").

Wire Splicing

With the wiring used in the Saturn vehicles, it is recommended that approved Packard Electric Crimp and Seal Splice Sleeves, or equivalent, be used.

1. Remove the insulation from both ends, recommended strip length is 9.5 mm (3/8 in). Caution must be used to prevent cutting the wire strands. Locate new splice a minimum of 40 mm (1-1/2 in) from an outlet or other splice.
2. Determine the proper sleeve for the gage of wire. Position the stripped ends in the sleeve until the wires hit stop.

Important

When using the salmon splice sleeve with 0.35 mm² (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.

* Order through Packard at 1-800-PACKARD (1-800-722-5273).

** Order through Saturn Special Tool Catalog. Included with Terminal Repair Kit (SA9138Z).

Important

When splicing three wire ends into one splice sleeve, insert one cut wire end from the vehicle harness and new splice wire end into one side of the splice sleeve until the wires hit stop. Hand crimp using an approved crimping tool. Insert the remaining cut wire end from the vehicle harness into the other side of the splice sleeve and crimp.

1. Hand crimp sleeve using the approved crimping tool. Gently tug on the wires to make sure they are secure before applying heat to them.





Caution

Do not use a match or open flame to apply heat to splice sleeve.

2. Apply heat using Ultratorch®, or equivalent, heating splice sleeve to 175 degrees C (347 degrees F). Heat until glue flows around edges of splice sleeve.
3. Check for continuity in the wire.

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.

1. Locate the GRN wire at cavity H of the delayed blower motor control module and insert a metri-pack 280 series male test adapter into cavity H until contact is made with GRN wire terminal in the delayed blower motor control module pigtail connector.

Important

Do not disconnect the jumper harness connector from the delayed blower motor control module pigtail connector or system test will not function.

2. Start the engine. Turn the A/C to the ON position and verify that the compressor clutch engages. With the clutch engaged, apply the battery voltage to the test adapter installed in step 1 above.
After 30 seconds, turn the ignition OFF with the voltage still applied to the test adapter. Approximately 10 seconds after the ignition is turned OFF, the blower motor will run for one second if the delayed blower motor control module is wired correctly.
3. Disconnect the voltage to the test adapter and remove adapter from connector.
4. If the delayed blower motor control module runs for one second, go back to installation procedures and install parts removed from the vehicle. If the delayed blower motor control module does not run for one second, go back to the installation procedures and check all the wiring connections. Refer to "Delayed Blower Motor Control Module Diagnosis" in this bulletin if functional check is not passed.

Delayed Blower Motor Control Module Diagnosis

Parts Requirements:

• 21031158 Module Kit -- Delayed Blower Motor Control
• 12112245 Terminal -- Ring
• 12346390 Coating -- A/C Evap Organic Matl Growth Prev
• 21030784 Kit -- A/C Disinfectant (P/N 10953503 for Canada)
• 21121827 Plug
• 12089189** Splice Sleeve -- Salmon (Pink) -- 6 required (217670***)
• Electrical Wire -- 1.5 m (5 ft) length of 0.50 mm² (20 gage)
• ** Order through Packard at 1-800-PACKARD (1-800-722-5273)
• *** Order through Saturn Special Tool Catalog. Included with Terminal Repair Kit (SA9138Z).

Claim Information:

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as follows:

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer".  They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle.  Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely.  If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.  See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

© Copyright General Motors Corporation.  All Rights Reserved.