Workshop Manuals Factory service & repair Alfa Romeo
01 General information02 Specifications03 Manufacturing data and tolerances04 Tightening torques05 Fluids and lubricants06 Maintenance07 Diagnostic checks08 Engine09 Clutch10 Gearbox and differential11 Transmission (4x4)12 Axles and driveshafts13 Brakes14 Steering15 Suspension and wheels16 Heating, air conditioning and auxiliary units17 Electrical equipment18 Body fittings19 Body panels and frame20 Wiring diagrams and electrical functions21 Wiring harnesses22 Connectors and pin-outs23 Fault diagnosis24 Special tools
Alfa Romeo 159 Factory Service Manual (2005-2011)23 · Fault diagnosis
23 · Diagnostics

Climate control not cooling

Make
Alfa Romeo
Model
159 Factory Service Manual
Year
2005–2011
Section
Climate control › Climate control not cooling
Fault diagnosisClimate control not cooling

CLIMATE CONTROL NOT COOLING

Automatic Air Conditioning

The fan works properly and sends air to the passenger compartment according to the pre-set flows but the air remains at the outside temperature and is not cooled.

The enablement of the engagement of the refrigeration circuit is controlled by both the climate control node and the engine management node

0PRELIMINARY CHECKALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Connect the climate control systme to the special repressurizing equipment and check the pressure of the system

See Test 5040OB Air conditioning system operational check (pressure)

Check that the engine cooling fan is working properly.

Move on to Step 41.Pressure not correct1.Move on to Step 1
2.Incorrect operation of engine cooling fan.

2.Carry out the

See Test 5040AB REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT CHECK

1CHECK FOR GAS LEAKS FROM CONDENSERALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION
With the engine started and the climate control system started (compressor button ON), check that the leak is by the system pipe housings or the seat for the drier filter or the pipe couplings at the condenser assembly.Move on to Step 21.Gas leak from condenser.

1.Replace the condenser and refill correctly.

Op. 5040A40 AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER - R+R

2.O-ring puckered.

2.Replace the o-rings and refill correctly.

Op. 0010T84 COOLANT FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - DEHYDRATE AND REPRESSURIZE

Mark the point where the gas is escaping on the condenser.

2CHECK FOR GAS LEAKS FROM EVAPORATORALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION
With the engine started and the climate control system started (compressor button ON), using the leak detector, check that the leak is near the expansion valve or the bend in the pipes.Move on to Step 31.Gas leak from evaporator.

1.Replace the evaprator and refill correctly.

Op. 5040C64 A/C EVAPORATOR - R+R

2.O-ring puckered.

2.Replace the o-rings and refill correctly.

Op. 0010T84 COOLANT FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - DEHYDRATE AND REPRESSURIZE

Signal the point where the gas is escaping at the evaporator.

3CHECK FOR GAS LEAKS FROM COMPRESSORALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

With the engine started and the climate control system at the maximum speed (compressor button ON), place the temperature adjustment button in the LO position, move the probe of the leak detector near the pipe outlet connector and check for any leaks.

If there is a leak, repeat the test to make sure that there really is a leak.

With the engine switched off, move the leak detector probe to the area of the compressor shaft and the compressor rear seal.

If there is a leak, repeat the test to make sure that there really is a leak.

Move on to Step 41.O-ring puckered.

1.Replace the o-rings and refill correctly.

Op. 0010T84 COOLANT FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - DEHYDRATE AND REPRESSURIZE

2.Leak from compressor shaft.

2.Replace the compressor

Op. 5040A20 AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR - R+R - INCLUDES FLUID LEVEL CHECK AND TOP UP IF NECESSARY

3.Leak from compressor rear gasket.

3.Replace the compressor

Op. 5040A20 AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR - R+R - INCLUDES FLUID LEVEL CHECK AND TOP UP IF NECESSARY

4CHECK USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Connect the Examiner diagnostic equipment and check the following at the Engine Management Control Unit:

  • that there are no errors at the linear sensor;

check the following at the Climate Control Node:

  • that there are no faults in the evaporator temperature sensor;
  • that there are no errors at the air mixing actuators;
  • that there are no faults in the outside temperature sensor;
  • that there are no faults in the passenger compartment temperature sensor.
Move on to Step 51. Error at the linear sensor.1. Move on to Step 10
2. Error at the evaporator temperature sensor.2. Move on to Step 6
3. Short circuit to earth error at the actuators.3. Check that the Lin Bus cables are not caught between the metal parts (pay special attention to the gearbox bolts) and move on to Step 6.
4. Short circuit to +12 V error at the actuators.4. Check that the Lin Bus cables are not caught between the metal parts (pay special attention to the gearbox bolts) and move on to Step 6.
5. Mechanical lock / interference error5. Move on to Step 14
6. Error at the outside temperature sensor.6. Move on to Step 6
7. Error at the passenger compartment temperature sensor.7. Move on to Step 6
5CHECKS USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION
Keeping the Examiner diagnostic equipment connected, check the correct operation of the air mixture actuator through active diagnosisMove on to Step 7Air mixture actuator not workingMove on to Step 6.
6ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CHECKALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Check the continuity/insulation and visually inspect for any looseness or damage at the electrical connection contacts:

  • of the air mixture actuators;
  • of the outside temperature sensor;
  • of the passenger compartment temperature sensor;
  • of the evaporator temperature sensor;
  • of the climate control system control unit connector.

See E6020 AIR CONDITIONING

Move on to Step 71. Electrical connections loose or damaged.1. Renew the electrical connections.
2. Electrical connection broken or not insulated.2. Restore the continuity/insulation of the electrical connection.
7PIPE AND FILTER CHECKALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION
Check that the air conditioning high and low pressure pipes are not blocked.Move on to Step 81.Pipe from compressor to condenser obstructed.

1.Replace the pipe from the compressor to the condenser

Op. 5040A50 PIPE FROM AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR TO CONDENSER - R+R

2.Pipe from condenser to expansion valve obstructed.2.Replace pipe from condenser to expansion valve.
8CHECK USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Keeping the diagnostic equipment connected, check:

  • that there are no errors at the engine management node;
  • through active diagnosis, that the compressor engagement relay is working correctly, making sure that, at the same time, the compressor electromagnet coupling is activated.
  • that the solar sensor is working properly

See Test 5040DC Check sunlight sensor operation

Move on to Step 121.Errors at Engine Management Node.1. Continue as instructed by the diagnostic equipment
2.The relay comes on and the coupling is not activated.2.Move on to Step 9
3.The relay comes on and the coupling is not activated.3.Move on to Step 10
4.Solar sensor defective

4.Replace the solar sensor

Op. 5010D56 SOLAR SENSOR - R.R FOLLOWING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CHECK

9ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CHECKALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Check the continuity/insulation of the electrical circuit for the compressor engagement relay

See E6021 COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT - DESCRIPTION

Move on to Step 101. Electrical connections broken or not insulated.

1. Restore the continuity/insulation of the electrical connections

See E6021 COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT - DESCRIPTION

2. Compressor engagement relay faulty.2. Replace the compressor engagement relay
10ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CHECKALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Check the continuity/insulation of the electrical power circuit for the compressor

See E6021 COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT - DESCRIPTION

Move on to Step 111. Electrical connections broken or not insulated.

1. Restore the continuity/insulation of the electrical connections

See E6021 COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT - DESCRIPTION

2. Electromagnet coupling faulty.

2. Replace the compressor

Op. 5040A20 AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR - R+R - INCLUDES FLUID LEVEL CHECK AND TOP UP IF NECESSARY

11COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT CHECKALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Check that the compressor comes on correctly by carrying out the

See Test 5040BC Climate control compressor linear sensor on/off check

Move on to Step 121.Electrical connections broken.

1.Check and, if necessary, restore the continuity/insulation for the electrical connection

See E6021 COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT - DESCRIPTION

2.Linear sensor does not give the go ahead.

2.Replace the linear sensor

Op. 5040B20 AIR CONDITIONING LINEAR PRESSURE TRANSDUCER - R.R.

12CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Check that the following errors do not persist:

  • at the air mixture actuators;
  • at the outside temperature sensor;
  • at the passenger compartment temperature sensor;
  • at the evaporator temperature sensor.
Move on to Step 131. Left air mixture actuator error.

1. Replace the left air mixture actuator

Op.

2. Right air mixture actuator error.

2. Replace the right air mixture actuator

Op.

3. Outside temperature sensor error.

3. Replace the outside temperature sensor

Op. 5010D12

4. Passenger compartment temperature sensor error.

4. Replace the climate control system control unit

Op. 5040D15

5. Evaporator temperature sensor error.

5. Replace the evaporator temperature sensor

Op. 5040B64

13CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION OF MIXTURE ACTUATORALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Check whether the electrical wiring connections are loose.

Disconnect and visually inspect for damage at the connector contacts and reconnect the connection to the motor mounting.

If it persists, before replacing the actuator, check its operation by manually activating the function that the actuator should carry out.

With the engine running, switch on the fan at maximum speed.

Place the flaps in the various distribution positions via the control/control unit (manually).

Check the air flow in the passenger compartment with your hand at the vents.

End of diagnosis1. Electrical connections loose or damaged.

1. Renew the electrical connections

See E6020 AIR CONDITIONING

2. There is no air flow intake into the passenger compartment through the vents.2. Move on to Step 14.
14CHECK FOR IMPEDIMENTS TO THE ROTATION OF THE MIXTURE ACTUATORSALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION
Remove the actuator and check using the control unit control that the actuator turns checking for mechanical impediments that prevent its rotation.End of diagnosis1.The mixture actuator does not turn.

1.Replace the air mixture actuator

op. 5040D56

2.Kinematic components of flaps broken/stuck.2.Replace the component that is faulty.

Manual Air Conditioning

The fan works properly and sends air to the passenger compartment according to the pre-set flows but the air remains at the outside temperature and is not cooled.

0PRELIMINARY CHECKALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Connect the climate control systme to the special repressurizing equipment and check the pressure of the system

See Test 5040OB Air conditioning system operational check (pressure)

Check the correct operation of the engine cooling fan

Move on to Step 41.Pressure not correct1.Move on to Step 1.
2.Incorrect operation of engine cooling fan

2.Carry out the

See Test 5040AB REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT CHECK

1CHECK FOR GAS LEAKS FROM CONDENSERALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION
With the engine started, the climate control system on (compressor ON button), using the leak detector check that the leak is by the system pipes housing or the housing for the drier filter of the pipe joins at the condenser pack.Move on to Step 21.Gas leak from condenser.

1.Replace the condenser and refill correctly.

Op. 5040A40 AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER - R+R

2.O-ring puckered.

2.Replace the o-rings and refill correctly.

Op. 0010T84 COOLANT FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - DEHYDRATE AND REPRESSURIZE

Mark the point where the gas is escaping on the condenser.

2CHECK FOR GAS LEAKS FROM EVAPORATORALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION
With the engine started and the climate control system started (compressor button ON), using the leak detector, check that the leak is near the expansion valve or the bend in the pipes.Move on to Step 31.Gas leak from evaporator.

1.Replace the evaprator and refill correctly.

Op. 5040C64 A/C EVAPORATOR - R+R

2.O-ring puckered.

2.Replace the o-rings and refill correctly.

Op. 0010T84 COOLANT FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - DEHYDRATE AND REPRESSURIZE

Signal the point where the gas is escaping at the evaporator.

3CHECK FOR GAS LEAKS FROM COMPRESSORALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

With the engine started and the climate control system at the maximum speed (compressor button ON), place the temperature adjustment knob/button in the maximum cold position, move the probe of the leak detector near the connector to be analyzed and check for any leaks.

If there is a leak, repeat the test to make sure that there really is a leak.

With the engine switched off, move the leak detector probe to the area of the compressor shaft and the compressor rear seal.

If there is a leak, repeat the test to make sure that there really is a leak.

Move on to Step 41.O-ring puckered.

1.Replace the o-rings and refill correctly.

Op. 0010T84 COOLANT FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - DEHYDRATE AND REPRESSURIZE

2.Leak from compressor shaft.

2.Replace the compressor

Op. 5040A20 AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR - R+R - INCLUDES FLUID LEVEL CHECK AND TOP UP IF NECESSARY

3.Leak from compressor rear gasket.

3.Replace the compressor

Op. 5040A20 AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR - R+R - INCLUDES FLUID LEVEL CHECK AND TOP UP IF NECESSARY

4CHECK USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Connect the Examiner diagnostic equipment and check the following at the Engine Management Control Unit:

  • that there are no errors at the linear sensor.

Also check the following at the Climate Control System Control Unit:

  • that there are no errors at the air mixing actuator
Move on to Step 51.Error at the linear sensor.1.Move on to Step 8
2. Short circuit to earth error.2.Move on to Step 7
3. Short circuit to +12V error.3.Move on to Step 7
4. Mechanical lock / interference error.4.Move on to Step 12
5CHECKS USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION
Keeping the Examiner diagnostic equipment connected, check the correct operation of the air mixture actuator through active diagnosisMove on to Step 6Air mixture actuator not workingMove on to Step 7
6CHECK USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Keeping the Examiner diagnostic equipment connected, check:

  • that there are no errors at the engine management node;
  • through active diagnosis, that the compressor engagement relay is working correctly, making sure that, at the same time, the compressor electromagnet coupling is activated.
Move on to Step 101. Error at Engine Management Node.1. Continue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment.
2. The relay comes on and the coupling is not activated.2. Move on to Step 8
3. The relay comes on and the coupling is not activated.3. Move on to Step 9
7ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CHECKALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Check the continuity/insulation and visually inspect for any looseness or damage at the electrical connection contacts:

  • of the air mixture actuator;
  • of the climate control system control unit connector.

See E6020 AIR CONDITIONING

Move on to Step 81. Electrical connections loose or damaged.1. Renew the electrical connections.
2. Electrical connection broken or not insulated.2. Restore the continuity/insulation of the electrical connection.
8ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CHECKALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Check the continuity/insulation of the electrical circuit for the compressor engagement relay

See E6021 COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT - DESCRIPTION

Move on to Step 91. Electrical connections broken or not insulated.

1. Restore the continuity/insulation of the electrical connections

See E6021 COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT - DESCRIPTION

2. Compressor engagement relay faulty2. Replace the compressor engagement relay
9ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CHECKALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Check the continuity/insulation of the electrical power circuit for the compressor

See E6021 COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT - DESCRIPTION

Move on to Step 101. Electrical connections broken or not insulated.

1. Restore the continuity/insulation of the electrical connections

See E6021 COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT - DESCRIPTION

2. Electromagnet coupling faulty.

2. Replace the compressor

Op. 5040A20 AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR - R+R - INCLUDES FLUID LEVEL CHECK AND TOP UP IF NECESSARY

10COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT CHECKALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Check that the compressor comes on correctly by carrying out the

See Test 5040BC Climate control compressor linear sensor on/off check

Move on to Step 111.Electrical connections broken.

1.Check and, if necessary, restore the continuity/insulation for the electrical connection

See E6021 COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT - DESCRIPTION

2.Linear sensor does not give the go ahead.

2.Replace the linear sensor

Op. 5040B20

11CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION OF MIXTURE ACTUATORALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION

Check whether the electrical wiring connections are loose.

Disconnect and visually inspect for damage at the connector contacts and reconnect the connection to the motor mounting.

If it persists, before replacing the actuator, check its operation by manually activating the function that the actuator should carry out.

With the engine running, switch on the fan at maximum speed.

Place the flaps in the various distribution positions via the control/control unit.

Check the air flow in the passenger compartment with your hand at the vents.

End of diagnosis1. Electrical connections loose or damaged.

1. Renew the electrical connections

See E6020 AIR CONDITIONING

2. There is no air flow intake into the passenger compartment through the vents.2. Move on to Step 12.
12CHECK FOR IMPEDIMENTS TO THE ROTATION OF THE MIXTURE ACTUATORSALL OKPROBLEMS ENCOUNTEREDACTION
Remove the actuator and check using the control unit control that the actuator turns checking for mechanical impediments that prevent its rotation.End of diagnosis1.The mixture actuator does not turn.

1.Replace the air mixture actuator

op. 5040D56

2.Kinematic components of flaps broken/stuck.3.Replace the component that is faulty.

Parts & tools for this job Staging For 2005 Alfa Romeo 159

Links open Amazon search results in a new tab. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.