Mildew Smell From Rear Vents

[2000co]

How can I get rid of the mildew smell coming from the rear vents?
The front vents air don't smell. I only get the bad smell when I turn the rear fan. Thanks

 

[ponkotsu]

How can I get rid of the mildew smell coming from the rear vents?
The front vents air don't smell. I only get the bad smell when I turn the rear fan. Thanks

Had this issue in the front of my last Mountaineer. I tried everything. Finally dissipated mostly on it's own after about 4-6 months. The rear is pretty easy to get at, so you might just as well pull the core and wash it with bleach.

 

[2000co]

Had this issue in the front of my last Mountaineer. I tried everything. Finally dissipated mostly on it's own after about 4-6 months. The rear is pretty easy to get at, so you might just as well pull the core and wash it with bleach.

How do I get to the back core? Is it only the heater core or does it have the ac evaporator also in the back?

 

[ponkotsu]

How do I get to the back core? Is it only the heater core or does it have the ac evaporator also in the back?

Pretty sure my Aviator has both a heater and evaporator core in the rear. I think it's on the left side by the rear seat. Have to remove the interior trim panel, but it's a lot easier than removing the dash to get at the front ones.

 

[radman]

Check drain

How can I get rid of the mildew smell coming from the rear vents?
The front vents air don't smell. I only get the bad smell when I turn the rear fan. Thanks

These a/c evaporators capture water vapor from the air as part of there function. As this occurs that moisture will freeze onto them and during the next cycle that water will thaw and drip of in the heater/ac box. There is a drain in this box that allows the water to exit out onto the ground. I am sure you all have noticed water dripping from under your car on a hot day. The drain tube is also a place that provides a condo for little critters, we call them mud daubers in my area and they love to build bungalows in these drains. Once the drain is plugged the water stands in the heater box and becomes rank, that is what causes the unpleasant odors.
Clean the drains or no matter how much you spray deodorizes in there it will come back.

Mike

 

[nardbuster]

I saw a video on Youtube.com . A guy sprayed Lysol in to the intake with the windows open. Then vented the car very well.