A/C smell

[AJRK]

My 2000 Limited has developed a slight odor after the A/C is turned off. I don't run the AC full time, only when necessary, and keep the system in "vent" mode most of the time. The smell goes away instantly when I turn on the AC and goes away slowly when I leave it on Vent. I know some cars in the desert here develop the same smell, and there is some sort of cleaning procedure that can be done to some part that on most cars is located in the passenger's footwell. Does anyone know how to do this? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Most car parts stores sell vent duct cleaner in a spray can. You spray it through your intake on the cowl and down each vent. I did it to mine and it works great. I had to ask if they had any because there wasnt any on the shelf, but they had it in the back.

 

[slpdave]

I have read that strange smells in the ductwork is caused by a mold that likes the conditions in the ductwork of cars. like mountaineergree said ask at the auto parts store, they should have something to treat it with.

 

[xciton]

You can also use Lysol and spray it in the cabin air intake. Don't use too much at one time, or you'll have a cab stink of Lysol for days! Perhaps use a small amount a few times over a couple of days.

Also, to help prevent this from occurring in the future, turn off the air conditioner and run just air a minute or so before you plan on parking the vehicle. This will help dry up the air path in the heat exchanger and reduce the chance of mold starting.

 

[slpdave]

You can also use Lysol and spray it in the cabin air intake. Don't use too much at one time, or you'll have a cab stink of Lysol for days! Perhaps use a small amount a few times over a couple of days.

Also, to help prevent this from occurring in the future, turn off the air conditioner and run just air a minute or so before you plan on parking the vehicle. This will help dry up the air path in the heat exchanger and reduce the chance of mold starting.

good idea!

 

[Clutchless1995]

I second the Lysol fix. Learned it several years ago when I asked my Honda dealer parts guy why they had cases of it stacked in the parts department. They said certain early 1990s models had notorious A/C mold smell problems and they sprayed Lysol thru the air vents outside the windshield so it would get pulled thru the system and kill the mold. Spray until it comes out the vents inside then shut it off and let it work. You may need a couple applications. Now there are commercial products that do the same thing such as BG frigi fresh.