Air Quality Sensor

**Al115** · Monday 10th June 2013, 17:57

It's really not, is it!

**LeeT5** · Friday 14th June 2013, 01:16

Originally Posted by Harvey

Have you tried cleaning it first ?.

You cannot clean an AQS. It has special crystals that act as a filter. If any polluted air (containing air born contaminants) pass through the crystals or on them, they alter the resistance that is constant. Therefore, closing the exterior recirculation flap.
Once resistance falls back to normal tolerance then the flap opens. They react very quickly. Once the crystals are heavily contaminated then the sensor stops working.
the crystals work similarly to a charcoal filter. Once they are blocked, they stay blocked.

Choosing not to replace a faulty AQS will just mean your air quality will not be good in the car and also your pollen filter won't be as affective for as long as it will be constantly bombarded by the crap in the atmosphere and on the roads.

AQS work really effectively when using AUTO climate and will make a difference if you do a lot of motorway driving.
They generally last about 60 - 80k so they are well worth replacing when faulty.

I replaced mine last year with no reported problems and the air is always fresh as a daisy in my car!!

**Al115** · Friday 14th June 2013, 16:16

Thanks - I feel better now for spending the £££!

Will have it fitted before heading off on our Le Mans roadtrip next Friday.

**volvokid** · Friday 14th June 2013, 16:37

Well I just got my car back from being serviced with no mention of said sensor. I askd them why they never told me about having a faulty sensor. Apparently there was no fault code.

**LeeT5** · Friday 14th June 2013, 21:22

Originally Posted by volvokid

Well I just got my car back from being serviced with no mention of said sensor. I askd them why they never told me about having a faulty sensor. Apparently there was no fault code.

Firstly, check that your car actually has an AQS. Its not standard but an option.
Secondly, If they say there is no fault code then it must be working ok.

**volvokid** · Friday 14th June 2013, 23:07

Originally Posted by LeeT5

Firstly, check that your car actually has an AQS. Its not standard but an option.
Secondly, If they say there is no fault code then it must be working ok.

It does have it as mrg said it was faulty

**stribo** · Friday 14th June 2013, 23:22

I think they were standard on the P2 Rs.

**volvokid** · Saturday 15th June 2013, 05:19

I thought so too both mine and my dads have it.

**LeeT5** · Saturday 15th June 2013, 10:01

Originally Posted by volvokid

It does have it as mrg said it was faulty

That's fine, but now your saying its ok?

**volvokid** · Saturday 15th June 2013, 10:22

I never said it was ok. Strathmore said it was. Im going to read my codes when I get a chance.

**jdavis** · Saturday 15th June 2013, 23:59

Am I right in thinking if you have this fitted then the recirculation button will have man and auto on it?

**Al115** · Sunday 16th June 2013, 20:40

Where it has to go, and what it looks like:

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Done. First time I've had NO fault codes on my car for a long time, I suspect!

**stribo** · Sunday 16th June 2013, 20:44

Originally Posted by jdavis

Am I right in thinking if you have this fitted then the recirculation button will have man and auto on it?

That would make sense as I'm not sure how it could work automatically with the AQS.

**Al115** · Sunday 4th August 2013, 18:22

If anyone wants the old one to d*ck with and see if they can work out how to fix a faulty one - let me know and I will pop it in the post. Otherwise it's going in the skip.

**LeeT5** · Wednesday 7th August 2013, 15:35

Originally Posted by Al115

If anyone wants the old one to d*ck with and see if they can work out how to fix a faulty one - let me know and I will pop it in the post. Otherwise it's going in the skip.

You cant fix them mate. Once the sensitive filter is blocked up with impurities and contaminants from the atmosphere - it's useless! It's not something that can be cleaned.

Bin it.

**Al115** · Wednesday 7th August 2013, 19:05

Yeah, I was wondering if anyone wanted to disassemble it and try to swap the filter (alone) out - but it's on its way to the bin

**jardon** · Thursday 8th August 2013, 21:22

Has this worked Al?

**Nick0** · Tuesday 13th August 2013, 11:15

Originally Posted by Al115

Where it has to go, and what it looks like:

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Done. First time I've had NO fault codes on my car for a long time, I suspect!

Al how difficult is this to do, and what's the part number? This came up on my last service but like most I chose to ignore it!

**LeeT5** · Wednesday 14th August 2013, 06:52

Its a very easy job. Once you get the scuttle panel off it will take you 5 minutes.

Just remember to buy a set of scuttle panel clips from Volvo before you start as they are use once only. I broke 3 of them trying to get them out. You'll need to punch the center of the clip out to remove the clips.