Foul Smell in Cabin From Vents / AC

[peterk9]

Unfortunately I spoke too soon. The smell is back, and at times overpowering. As an experiment, I turned the heater to full blast and the smell that came out of the vents was nauseating. We have been doing the turning the A/C off with the blower on trick and I suppose it has helped, as the smell isn't as frequent as before. Strangely, the intensity of the smell never seems to change, but we get a few times where it doesn't smell at all. Weird...

This redesigned vehicle has some very puzzling issues. Why do some get the smell while many others don't. Why do some get the exhaust smell while many others don't. Why do some of the newer models continue to leak water while others don't. I'm sure they all leave the factory built the same way. Very perplexing and it makes it sort of a gamble when thinking about buying an Explorer. Will I or will I not be one of the unfortunate ones and end up with some of these issues. I have 17 months left on my lease and although my Ex has been an excellent vehicle to date, will that hold true for the next one?

Peter

 

[VinceL]

I'm not sure what is going on with these cars Peter. It is strange to be sure. We would very much like to love this car again, but it and Ford are making that just about impossible. The level of disappointment and frustration is growing. Oh well, live and learn I suppose Back on topic though, I'll roust the dealer here in Plano and see if I can get some relief on the stinky A/C.

 

[FordService]

... We would very much like to love this car again, but it and Ford are making that just about impossible...

Hi VinceL,

Send me a PM with your current mileage and preferred servicing dealership; I'll make sure your regional customer service manager is aware of your concern.

Crystal

 

[VinceL]

Thanks Crystal, PM sent

 

[Mikie1]

Hello All,

Well, my wife's Sport has this problem now. We've been chasing it for about 2 months. Damn truck isn't eve a year old.

Does anyone know if this TSB 12-12-4 Fixes the problem?

-Mikie

 

[Mikie1]

Well we have our Sport at the Dealership-AC Collins in Pasadena Texas. Dropped it off yesterday at 7 AM

First the Servcie Writer says yes they'll do the TSB 12-12-4.

Well i just got a call and the Service Writer says hey i now have a tech looking at your car. I asked are you going to do the TSB. He says no, not yet, we're gonna look at it.

GREAT!!!!! Lets see where this goes.



I

 

[nick_c]

The TSB I mentioned did not fix the problem.

I have noticed the smell is much less severe, BUT it really is not as hot here as it was a few weeks/months back.

My dealer has another TSB they are trying this coming week.

 

[Mikie1]

The TSB I mentioned did not fix the problem.

I have noticed the smell is much less severe, BUT it really is not as hot here as it was a few weeks/months back.

My dealer has another TSB they are trying this coming week.

Please keep us posted on the results.
-Mikie

 

[xxboarderxx]

Just quickly skimmed the posts but... just my 2 cents here: I don't think it is an exclusive Ford issue.

The last two cars I've owned including the two I drive now have had this smell every now and then for the first 10 seconds or so. It really depends on the heat and humidity. It goes away quickly if the A/C is on. If the A/C is off, it takes a bit longer but eventually no smell.

Some people say to turn off the A/C about 2-3 mins before you pull into your driveway.

 

[Explore4882]

Bad small from AC!

Hi guys;

i wonder if any one else is having the bad small from the AC in case you pump-up the gas (quick pickup).
took my car to the dealer; all i got from him is that the same problem is reported in 2013 edge and flex. but no resolution so far!

 

[peterk9]

Hi guys;

i wonder if any one else is having the bad small from the AC in case you pump-up the gas (quick pickup).
took my car to the dealer; all i got from him is that the same problem is reported in 2013 edge and flex. but no resolution so far!

Welcome to the Forum Explore4882.:wavey:
As I mentioned in my PM to you, I have moved your post to this existing thread on a similar issue.

If this issue only occurs under 'hard acceleration' you may wish to look at the following thread;
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=323597

Good luck

Peter

 

[1995E]

Moldy smell

Dear other Explorer fans,

I am just curious, I know I read this somewhere about a mold and mildew smell. I haven't been using the A/C or heat for the longest time because it's been decent fall weather and I just use the seat warmer on moderately cold days so I won't use the car's A/C system so I can save fuel in the end. However, when I turned it on today, it smelled so terrible. I tried blasting the heat with the windows open and switched the vents that the air came out of to try to burn away the mold but the smell is still there. Does anyone have any advice on how to get rid of this?

Thank you.

 

[blwnsmoke]

I'd first pull your cabin air filter and see/smell how it is. That may be the culprit.

 

[lexrid]

Every time we ask our dealer to look into this type of smell it always comes back to the cabin air filter. The smell will clear up for a month or two and then it comes back. Good luck!

 

[Mikie1]

Here's an update.

We took our Expy Sport back to the dealership after the service mgr spoke with some Ford Engineers.

I'm sorry i don't have the service ticket with me, but i think they replaced the evaporator box, which requires removing the dash. THIS DID FIX THE PROBLEM. I guess we'll have to see if it comes back.

Just for note. I currenly own 5 Ford vehicles ranging from 1995-2013.
95 Cobra
05 F250
05 Escape Limited
06 Saleen SC281
13 Exp Sport
I have 47 Ford Trucks in my commerical fleet, including Explorers, F250s, F350s, F450s. Ranging in years from 2008-2013
NONE OF THESE others vehicles have had this "smell" or "problem" with the AC systems.

 

[IT.Dave]

Help!!

We have had the exhaust smell since the Fuel Pump recall in ours and the dealer could not find an exhaust leak, etc.

They are now trying to do the Smell recall on it which does not seem like the same type of smell (and oddly it started immediately after the recall work).

I have a 2013 Ford Explorer Limited,

Thanks,

Dave

Thanks a bunch for checking in, splurph16; I’m glad you’re “odor free”!



explorinitup & swetrid,

I appreciate you guys taking the time to help!

Cory

 

[peterk9]

We have had the exhaust smell since the Fuel Pump recall in ours and the dealer could not find an exhaust leak, etc.

They are now trying to do the Smell recall on it which does not seem like the same type of smell (and oddly it started immediately after the recall work).

I have a 2013 Ford Explorer Limited,

Thanks,

Dave

The recall I believe you are referring to is a TSB (Technical Services Bulletin), not really a recall.
If you fell you would like some assistance in getting this looked at, you can send a PM to Crystal (FordService), and see if she can doing anything to move this along. You can use this link; http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=157968

Include your name, daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and dealership info in your message.
Good luck.

Peter

 

[IT.Dave]

Thanks Peter.

Thanks Peter. I had meant TSB not recall.

This started after the Fuel Pump recall or TSB that was performed.

The dealer/service manager is taking action on what he can, I just want to be sure we are going down the right path.

Do you still recommend contacting Crystal?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[peterk9]

Thanks Peter. I had meant TSB not recall.

This started after the Fuel Pump recall or TSB that was performed.

The dealer/service manager is taking action on what he can, I just want to be sure we are going down the right path.

Do you still recommend contacting Crystal?

Thanks,

Dave

You can wait and see what they find out as far as any repair goes and if you are not happy, then you can contact Crystal or Ashley who works the evening shift (same link).

Peter

 

[AJ4VS]

Mikie1, since its been about a month now, has the issue returned at all or was this the fix that finally solved the problem?