Are you sure the mixer flaps are not just sticking - that's a common fault
and happened to me.
There are 2 small hex or torq screws holding the center air control in
place, a little difficult to get at and see as it's so close to the
windscreen. Remove them, and lift up the plastic bit, but do it slowly as
you will have to reach under to unclip the alarm LED.
Then you can reach down and feel the flaps (ohh err!!) and give them a
wiggle as you change the heater direction control...just see if there's
anything trying to move and just stuck.
If you are lucky, then all it needs is a little silicone spray to get things
moving again.



"Charlie Andrews" > wrote in message
...
> Charlie Andrews wrote:
>> Hello!
>>
>> How are we all? Good!
>>
>> Can anyone shed any light on this for me?
>>
>> The other day, my 156 started blowing hot air very enthusiastically at me
>> while driving, with the air controls set as follows:
>> Temp:20
>> Air qty: Auto
>> Other knob: Demist/feet.
>>
>> Since then, it will only give me a hot air- as if the sensors feel that
>> the temperature in the cabin is very cold, even when the temp selector is
>> turned all the way to the left.
>>
>> I have tried the procedure for putting the cc in 'manual' mode and back
>> from the handbook, to no avail. The only thing that I can govern is the
>> amount of hot air (using the middle knob) that I get.
>>
>> Other info that may be useful:
>> Alfa 156, 2000, 1,8TS.
>> Also, the water temperature gauge has been gradually showing a
>> progressively lower temp (now stabilises around 1/4 of the gauge) for the
>> last few months. May be associated with the same problem, possibly not?
>>
>> I am in Wilmslow, Cheshire, the local dealer, Mangoletsi, is a bit of a
>> trek, but they seem OK. Could anyone give me a clue as to what might be
>> going on, perhaps it's something I can fix myself, how much it's likely
>> to cost?
>>
>> By the way, is there another option for Alfa repairs near here?
>>
>> All advice greatly received!
>>
>> Charlie
>
> Right!
>
> The car has been to Mangoletsi, who tell me that the mixer motors
> (controlling the heating flaps, and regulating the hot/cold air mix) need
> replacing. Having had another look at the behaviour of the system, it
> seems quite reasonable that this is the problem. As they are stuck
> awkwardly behind the dash, they quote £670 all-in... that's a hell of a
> lot of money to spend on a 2000 156.
>
> Any other ideas? In particular, is there anyone else in Cheshire / Gtr
> Manchester who might be able to quote for the work?
>
> Oh, dear...
>
> Bye!
> Charlie