Location of the pollen filters on the 156 JTS

[bobalfa]

Hi Experts.  I have searched most of the known forums for info on the location of the pollen filters on the 03 and later 156 JTS aircon system.  The nearest I have from a uk forum is that it is is on the left of the main aircon console and access is from under the glove box. There was a throwaway line about being easy to replace the 2 filters as compared with the previous one, which was at the base of the windscreen inside the engine bay.  Having removed the trim under the glove box I am unable to see anything resembling the L shaped bracket the is alleged to hold the filters in place!  Any feedback would be appreciated as the nearest Alfa support is 1.75 hrs away at Gosford and they have only just started up.

Regards

Bob McCulloch

[Davidm1600]

First I knew that the '03 onwards JTS 156 aircon system had these.  I thought, and perhaps incorrectly, that this was introduced on the 159.  Perhaps someone with more knowledge can advise.  Alternatively, I probably should check my handbook to see what it says about this.

[ProvaRacing]

I would be surprised it moved from it's original design location, have you looked there? I believe it is still in the same place as the 147 as shown here.

Ciao

[bobalfa]

Thank you both for your replies.  In particular thank you Prova for the diagram of the 147 set up.  In that it shows the two filters and the L shaped bracket that holds them in.  As mentioned before I have removed the trim from below the glovebox and taken some "blind" photos  of the aircon unit and on some of them, tucked away next to the bulkhead are shots of what I think is the L shaped bracket.  How one is meant to undo the relevant nuts etc is a mystery to me as they are really out of my sight and only done by feel? 

What do you think?

Regards Bob

[ProvaRacing]

Hi bobalfa, I need to check but it is possible that the panel infront of the windscreen (outside of car) may need to be removed to access the cabin filter "L" bracket bolts.

I have edited my comments as I have now found the info - can be done from inside the car;

[ProvaRacing]

Also FYI the previous post applies to 147 too and therefore also GT.

Ciao

[bobalfa]

Thanks Prova for your advice and photos.   In the absence of a difinitive answer and given the almost imposible task of reaching the L bracket via the below glovebox approach Will try the top approach by removing the nearside black windscreen surround which also houses the windscreen washer jets. 

will keep you advised.

bobalfa

[bobalfa]

Hi all,  I have had a call from a friend who advised me that he is pretty certain that the JTS car filters are accessed via the panel under the glove box.  As I am going to Canberra on 28/10, to collect my million $ extra key for the car, I will visit the Alfa dealer and another Alfa specialist and hopefully get the correct answer. Will be back on 4/11 "see you then".

Bob

[ProvaRacing]

Ok bobalfa but those images are from one of, if not the largest supplier of OEM auto filters (air/cabin/fuel/oil) in Europe so if they show it accessible from there...then there it is

Now if you are saying you can't reach well that's something else maybe technique, try the "Italian driving position", except upside down in the passenger footwell...should work with the long arms to get to the fasteners and short legs not to reach the roof lining 

Good luck with it anyway. If you were in Melb I wouldn't mind having a go with you as one day in the future I will need to do mine.

PS Automotive HVAC systems are mostly LHD or RHD so images shown will be as per a LH drive car, just reverse for RHD.

[Craig C]

The pollen filter on my 2003 JTS Spider is not accessed from the top near the windscreen as shown in the photo.  So hopefully that will save you having to go down that path.

But otherwise I have also looked hard and found nothing so will be interested in your outcome.

[bobalfa]

Hi everybody.  Back from Canberra.  The filter is where I thought, it is accessed by removing the trim under the glovebox.  the attached photo shows it in all its glory.  I have not had time to try and replace the filters as yet, still attermpting to work up the energy, as mentioned before, it is very difficult to get at. One tip is to place a mirror on the floor tilted up to show the bracket and three nuts?screws? Helps to have a bright light shining on the mirror (thats how I took the pic).  Some thoughts, why was it so difficult to get the answer from the techos in the Alfa workshops re the actual location, one got the impression that not many had done the job!!!!!! 

My next mission is to find out about the Alfadiag software program that enables one to do many jobs particularly adjusting the clutch rod on the selespeed. regards Bobalfa

[bobalfa]

SORRY   Itwas the wrong picture, had to wait until the system came back on line.  Here it is I hope!


Bobalfa

[bobalfa]

 Knowing how much you have all waited for this saga to end, relief is here.  Once we removed the L shaped cover surprise surprise what came out was a single filter, see picture below.  What one should see, given that at some point after manufacture, is the twin filter set up shown below the single filter.  See my earlier comment about how often these filters are actually changed given the difficulty to access them.  MY SERVICE RECORDS INDICATE THEY WERE CHANGED IN 07 AT 70000KM, I THINK NOT! 

I have added another two top pictures from the UK site "forum.alfa156.net". The actual post is from one Ed D Ball in Greenland!!!!!  The wide circle of Alfa enthusiasts. 

To all my readers have a great Christmas and good filter replacing in the new year.

[bobalfa]

Sorry somehow my filter pic did no appear, here it is.  Finger probs after damaging them trying to get the large filter out!