Odd A/C smell?

[stirfry]

Hi I need help.[:0] I get a odd mineral smell coming out of A/C when I turn it on it's worse when it's on recurlate inside air. I run the A/C a lot so it's a problem. I think what caused it is a cleaner or a leather condition go sprayed in the vent when I was over zealouly cleaning. Tried to get ride of it by spraying Freebreez in thier, it worked one day only. Any ideas how to neturalize it or just make it go away.

[Culprat]

Check the drain hose for blockage,it could be
that there is some rank water being held back in
the housing.

[Sci-Fi]

Sounds like mold, mildew, and/or fungi started growing in there. There are A/C disinfectants you can buy and use to spray in there or on the evaporator core. Some contain enzymes or chorine to kill the mold. If you are under warranty, take it to the dealer and have them take care of the problem. Here's pretty much how it's done (some are sprayed thru the center vents): http://www.georgenitta.com/../Evaporator.htm

It's too late now, but adding a cabin air filter (filters out dirt, mold, spores, and dust before they can collect on your evaporator core or enter the interior of your car), turning off the air conditioning a few minutes before you reach your destination and set the fan on high/defrost setting (dries out the evaporator core) will help prevent getting A/C smells. Some car manufacturers now have the fan or add a fan that cycles every 30 secs to dry out the evaporator core after the car is turned off. In extreme cases (dealers point of view), the evaporator core is removed and cleaned/replaced or even sprayed with a protective coating. But that is labor intensive.

[quicksilverdon]

I have heard that fabric softener sheets can mask the odor. [:I]

[DREAM2]

Moss motors (cruiserbits.com) have an in cabin air filter for sale. It might help in the future.

[Krys33]

I have air conditioner issues too. To me it smells like FEET! I know someone with a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the same problem; maybe it is a Chrysler thing. But I would sure like to know how to get rid of it, because sprays and all of that just mask the smell temporarily.

[Sci-Fi]

quote:Originally posted by Krys33

I have air conditioner issues too. To me it smells like FEET! I know someone with a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the same problem; maybe it is a Chrysler thing. But I would sure like to know how to get rid of it, because sprays and all of that just mask the smell temporarily.

If the A/C sprays (I'm not talking about Febreeze, Lysol, etc., but a specialized A/C spray disinfectant that contains enzymes or chorine)or an Ozone generator do not kill the mold, mildew, and spores, then the only option is to remove the evaporator core and clean it out, spray a special coating on it, or replace it. ALL cars are affected, not just Chrysler cars. That's why it is important to add the cabin air filter ASAP (if available for you car), before you even turn on or use the A/C. The filter will stop any dirt, spores, mold, etc from entering the outside air duct and collecting on the evaporator core. Turning OFF the A/C a few minutes before you stop at your destination or park and turn the fan to high will help dry out the evaporator core to help prevent the dark moist conditions mold likes to grow and multiply in.

[Krys33]

quote:Originally posted by Sci-Fi

If the A/C sprays (I'm not talking about Febreeze, Lysol, etc., but a specialized A/C spray disinfectant that contains enzymes or chorine)or an Ozone generator do not kill the mold, mildew, and spores, then the only option is to remove the evaporator core and clean it out, spray a special coating on it, or replace it. ALL cars are affected, not just Chrysler cars. That's why it is important to add the cabin air filter ASAP (if available for you car), before you even turn on or use the A/C. The filter will stop any dirt, spores, mold, etc from entering the outside air duct and collecting on the evaporator core. Turning OFF the A/C a few minutes before you stop at your destination or park and turn the fan to high will help dry out the evaporator core to help prevent the dark moist conditions mold likes to grow and multiply in.

Thanks Sci Fi- do you think that this process would be covered under the warranty??

[Cal Cruzer]

If they cover it the first thing they will do is try the spray. I had an issue with another car and used the stuff and it did work. Actually I tried the stuff from Ford first and either I didn't administer it right or it didn't work, then I bought some from the auto parts store and used it. That took care of the issues.

[Sci-Fi]

quote:Originally posted by Krys33

Thanks Sci Fi- do you think that this process would be covered under the warranty??

As Cal Cruzer said, the dealer will use a spray first and it should be covered under warranty. If that doesn't work then removing, cleaning, coating (maybe), or replacing the evaporator core would be the option. Insist on replacement of the evaporator core (also covered under warranty) if the smell keeps coming back within a short period of time. Also buy the cabin air filter, part #82206886, and have them install it. Any A/C smell after they spray the evaporator core and install the cabin air filter can be traced directly to the spray not killing all the mold. An alternative cabin air filter would be to buy a Briggs & Stratton engine air filter, part #5063 (same as #499486 and #273638) and it fits perfectly over/in the air duct under the cowl.