156 heater airflow issue (?)

[Norlig]

On my recently bought 2000 Alfa Romeo 156, I noticed that I the cooling vents in the back is spewing out alot of air from the cabin cooling/heating unit.



Is air supposed to flow out of this vent, at any setting on the dashboard??

Also, I cannot close one of them since one is missing one of the flaps, what is this called and is it possible to buy one online? or if I find a scrapped car of the same model, how do I remove the old grille and put in the salvaged one?

Thanks

[Norlig]

Any one got a clue about this?

[Vsix]

I think there is coming air on all directions but Im not 100% sure. But it helps a bit if you close all other vents that are not needed when cooling. I have closed now the window vent for the summer time. You can also turn those back vents straight up so they are cooling a bit. Try to find used spare part eg. from ebay.

[Erik]

Its a year ago I sold my 156; but as I remember this air was emitted of the two vents no matter what way you selected for the front and at the same temperature you selected.
Erik

[Norlig]

Could there be a valve that is not closing properly for the pointed out vent holes?

[Vsix]

It doesnt help much if you close rear vents, just turn them upwards so they cool your back a bit, and in settings use the middle position not for window or floor, also turn the side vent flaps to right direction thats should be enough for cooling

[Erik]

The air vent has a part no. 156016216 and isn't very expensive at approx US $ 34. Any Alfa dealer should be able to supply it.
You don't write where you are; but in Europe there are plenty 156s in breakers yards.
Erik

[Norlig]

Ive bought a used one on Ebay, but even with the Vent fixed, should air still be coming out the back ones? At any setting?

Made this topic, because I got alot of dew on my front windshield and the heater/cooler did not do a sufficient job of removing it, even after driving for 30 mins it was still noticably there, and thought it might have been because the air was escaping out the back and did not blow enough air on the windshield to remove the Dew.

[Vsix]

I dont think its due to the rear vents, something is maybe wrong. Do you have cabin air filter? if so check that and replace it, if not made yet. Check also that the air blow direction changes when settings adjusted, the vent below windsheld can also be jamming so that the direction cant be adjusted.

[Erik]

Check that you don't have water standing under the floor coverings, you 156 is after all 12 years old.
Also check that the heating and ventilation unit isn't in air recirculation mode, this lead to mist on the windows. On my 156 it is a small bottom on the right hand wheel.
Erik

[Craig_m67]

.... You can force a reset and calibration of the climate control unit by disconnecting the battery. I will check mine later in the week for you to determine if air goes to the rears regardless of front setting.

I'd think not as this would impact defrosting, but who knows, i've never been in the back... and it's an Alfa

[Norlig]

I checked the car underneath and under the carpets before I bought it, no holes in it.

It was a rainy day when I bought it, so I was a bit wet, so that is where the mist/dew came from. The problem was just that it would not go away satisfully, it was still covering about 30% of the front windshield after a good amount of driving.

I will test the disconnect the battery at my earliest convinience.

[Erik]

If the test doesn't reveal a course then the a/c system may need a service, its advised every 4 years.
The pollen filter needs to be changed every year or so, but is often neglected.
The a/c dehumidification works best with fresh air (not recirculation) and closed windows.
Erik

[Norlig]

How do I get the vent out? I tried to pull it and got one side up about 5mm, but was not able to get the whole thing out.

[Erik]

This seems (from 156 Repair CD) an involved job. You have to remove much of the covers along seats, tunnels past the gear lever and then you can access the vents from behind and loosen the holders/screws.
Good luck
Erik