Cannot get the 'SERVICE REQUIRED" light to turn off even after cleaning the plate with ammonia and water.

You need to clean the plates in the machine w/ a 50-50 solution of ammonia & water or the plates are burned out & you need to replace them. I can help you w/ both.

You need to either clean the plates w/ a 50-50 solution of ammonia & water or you need to replace the plates because they're burned out. I can help w/ both.

Hi JoAnn,

Alpine purifiers need periodic cleaning, as dust and dirt from air moving through the unit is electrostatically deposited on internal components; enough build-up can cause short-circuits and diminished peformance. The ozone-discharge plates need to be cleaned monthly, and the inside wiped down at that time. The lint trapscreen on the back also needs to be cleaned (I use hot water in my kitchen sink with the spray-nozzle). I recommend an old toothbrush dipped in household ammonia for scrubbing the plates, and an old sock dampened with ammonia for wiping the inside spaces. The ammonia fumes can be unpleasant, so if you can do this outside or in garage, do so. Also, rinse the plates thoroughly to remove any ammonia residue. Just make sure the discharge plates are COMPLETELY BONE-DRY before putting them back in, otherwise, you risk shorts, and potential damage to the plate. Use the toothbrush without the ammonia (preferably dry) to dust-off the sensor in back that triggers the "service required" light. Iif it's like the ones I've worked-on, it should be connected to another light inside, but I recommend checking your owners manual to help identify the location and description of the sensor.

About once a year, a thorough cleaning (using a brush to get the accumulated gunk out of the nooks and crannies) is recommended). This involves disconnecting the fan leads and (if so-equipped) the needle-point ionier after removing the four screws through the bottome holding the chassis in-place. If you're not comfortable working with wiring and spade-terminals, you may want to use a keyboard vaccuum brush (long-necked tube with a brush on the end available in office-supply stores and the like) to reach in instead.

If this helps, please rate me... thanks!

Jon

The transformer may be burned out. This supplies the power to the contact points which send current through the plates. You can try ordering new plates, just to see if yours are just plain worn out! You're doing the right thing, by using ammonia/water, but they aren't made to last forever! Call Vollara (new name for EcoQuest) at 800-989-2299. Use #16618 if you're no longer in touch with the registered distributor who sold you the machines. If you still detect no clean air amell, the machines need a part which the company no longer handles. And they no longer manufacture the 880 or Breeze, which was its upgrade. Customer service will explain your options.

What you refer to as a "filter" is actually the "plate," I assume. (4" square white object with mesh center panel?) The two small lights are simply power indicators, and may be burned out so could be inaccurate.
UNPLUG the machine.
1) If your model has a switch on the right that says "Manual" and "Auto," set it on "Manual."
2) Remove the back screen and remove the plate. Inspect it carefully for any kind of minute cracks, burned spots, discoloration, loose mucilage, broken screen strands, lint, dirt, etc. Even the smallest defect can cause the plate to short out, creating a burned, electric smell. If you detect something, or if it's spitting, sparking, or sizzling more loudly than normal, you need a new plate. Order through Vollara (new name of EcoQuest) at 800-989-2299.
3) Even though that plate appears clean, with no defects, it may be corrupted by whatever cleaning product was used. ONLY PLAIN AMMONIA and water, 1-to-1 ratio, should be used.
a) Soak the plate for 5 minutes or so.
b) Use a toothbrush or soft veggie brush and gently clean the plate You can also clean the metal contacts with a cotton-tipped swab and alcohol.
c) Blow-dry or air-dry the plate. DO NOT use any kind of cloth or paper wiper.
d) Avoid touching the screen part with fingers.
e) Reinsert plate, making sure it goes in on the tracks, both top and bottom, and isn't pushed too far. Both metal pressure contacts should press firmly on the screen on each side of the plate. (Tweak them to achieve firm contact, if necessary.) Sometimes, if the plate was cleaned with the wrong solution, it is damaged and cannot be cleaned enough by using ammonia. Order a new plate, using the above customer service number.

Take a 1 part ammonia and 1 part water solution and an old toothbrush and dip the brush in the ammonia solution and scrub the metal grid on the plate to remove the deposits. Do both sides and then rinse with water and allow it to completely dry before reinstalling. Hope this helps.

The problem:  EcoQuest is now Vollara, and has discontinued the sale and service on the Breeze machine.  Some of the machines may have basic problems which you can troubleshoot. 

1)  If absolutely nothing happens when the machine is plugged in, check the fuse.  Replace if needed with the EXACT same size (usually available at auto parts stores).  Also check the plug, making sure it's inserted firmly and is not frayed or broken.

2)  If the machine turns on, buzzes, but the fan doesn't turn, you can remove the front grid and fan blades and oil the shaft with a light household (sewing machine or hair clipper or 3-in-1) oil.

3)  If the fan turns, but no/little purifier odor is emitted, check the plate(s).  Inspect them carefully for any flaws, cracks, loose seals, broken screen filament, discoloration, burned spots.  Any imperfect plates must be replaced.  (Call Vollara Customer Service at 800-989-2299, using #16618 as the dealer referral number.)

4)  Clean plates which show no defects.  Use a solution of ammonia/water 50/50.  DO NOT USE any kind of sudsy or scented ammonia, nor any cleaning solution which is merely ammonia-based.  DO NOT use detergent or any other cleaning product!  Use a soft brush to scrub, then rinse well.  Blow-dry or air-dry.  DO NOT USE any kind of towel or cloth to dry!  Avoid touching the screen mesh with fingers.

5)  Clean antenna ionizer (the circular metal object) and the plate contact "fingers" with a cotton-tipped swab and alcohol.

6)  Double-check to see that all parts are inserted and aligned correctly, and that there are no visible loose or corroded wires.

If none of these options works, the problem is most likely in the computerized works, and cannot be easily repaired.  Perhaps some machines can be used for parts and a knowledgeable electronics person may be able to reconstruct a couple of working machines.

You can attempt to locate a dealer near Tempe by going to www.vollara.com and entering your zip code in the "Find a dealer" link.  Or you can call the above customer service number and ask them to find a dealer for you.

The Classic XL-15 should have 2 individual indicator lights. The 'red' light is the ionizer indicator, and the 'green' light is the ozone level indicator. Both lights should be illuminated, if the unit is operating properly. The red light should be pulsing, and the green light should be dimly lit, and brightened as the output knob is turned up - indicating a higher ozone production. If the green light is not lit, you likely won't smell the ozone. The first thing you should try, is cleaning the filter and glass ozone plate. Unplug the unit and remove the rear air filter. Clean the filter with clean water and allow to COMPLETELY air dry. Removed the glass plate by depressing the lever behind the glass plate, and gently pulling it out. Clean the glass with a half water, half ammonia (or distilled white vinegar, if ammonia not available) and an old toothbrush to clean between the mesh. Dry plate with a hair dryer and re-place plate into unit. Replace dried air filter, making sure the little tab on the bottom is secured into the interlock. Power the unit on and you should see the indicator lights and smell the fresh ozone!

clean with 50/50 ammonia/water, scrub with toothbtush, clean contacts with q-tip

Hi lawrsports,

I generally use household ammonia and an old toothbrush, rinsing thouroughly in clean water, and drying them thoroughly. And I do mean _thoroughly_, as-in bone-dry, use a hair dryer if in-doubt.

Putting anything wet, or even damp into a high-voltage environment is contra-indicated.

If I can be of further assistance, let me know. If this solves the issue, please rate it accordingly.

Thanks in-advance for using Fixya.com,

Jon