"Charlie Andrews" > wrote in message
...
> Humpty Dumpty wrote:
>> 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
>>
>>
>
> OK- I followed your advice Humpty. I've found the ventilation direction
> control flap, and that's working fine. The problem is the hot/cold air
> mixer flap; is that accessible from this area? I certainly don't see it
> down there...
>
> All further advice greatly appreciated.
>
> Ta!
> Charlie

Unfortunately I didn't have to dig any deeper than those direction flaps, so
I'm afraid I'm not sure where the other mixer flaps are. They can't be too
far away - I changed the pollen filter recently (remove windscreen wipers
and then take off the plastic cover - it's under there) and I could see the
blower fan/motor down below underneath the pollen filter. Presumeably there
is the heater matrix and this air control flap under the passengers side of
the dash (on RHS version) - maybe it can be reached from the footwell??
Anyone else know???

I've also noticed that when re-connecting the battery, there is the sound of
moving motors and flaps from within the dashboard, as though they are
initialising/resetting themeslves...maybe worth a try
disconnecting/reconnecting the battery (maybe leave it 10 mins before
reconnecting to ensure everything fully discharged?)

Regarding the lowering temp shown on the gauge, again I just had this (I
think the hot summer weather caused the thermostat to stick open) and
changed the thermostat - now the temp sit just under halfway. But, when
faulty, this didn't cause the blower just to blow hot all the time, so don't
'think' this is related.

Can anyone else here confirm if this air control flap is accessable without
having to remove the dash????
Also, where are the locations of the temperature sensor(s) - are there any
more than the one I can see just under the control buttons?? Could it be a
duff sensor/bad connection??

Hopefully we can save you spending £670!! Or you'll just have to keep the
windows open