HELP!!! I Smell.......

[Garry Moss]

something coming from my vents when I first turn on the AC or outside air. It smells like dirty socks, seems to go away after a few minutes but after the vehicle sits for the day and I get it I get that first blast of this gross smell. Nay ideas, I dont think its rodents but I have heard clogged something or other or replace this or that. Thought you brains could help



:throwup::throwup::throwup::throwup:

 

[Todd Z]

Could be clogged ac drain under the truck..... Or your passengers feet stink !!



Todd Z

 

[Ed Fenwick]

mold, from the humidity. I think that there is something to put in but 'cant remember what. See what the other guys think. Mabey try spray Lysol!

 

[Richard L]

I have used a spray called Ozium. It does not have much of a smell, but it kills mold, mildew, and other funk that grows in the vents.



The problem is caused by moisture from the AC (even if the drain is not clogged, and small leaves and twigs that fall off trees and get throught the outside vent screens at the base of the windshield wipers.



I had that problem with several cars (Honda, Pontiac, Sport Trac, even my Mercedes) when I parked under a tree at the end of my driveway. I used Ozium to get rid of the swamp smell and stopped parking under the tree. Viola! the smell is gone. I have since moved to another house and have not encounter the smell in either of my cars since I don't have a tree near the driveway and I park the MB in the garage.



Ozium is sold as a room deodorizor and comes in a blue and grey spray can.



....Rich

 

[TRACket Paul]

I have the same issue. I try to remember to put the controls in the vent/panel position just before I park. This helps dry off the evaporator core which reduces the smell.

 

[Michael Roberts]

MoSsMaN,

Is this a ST you're talking about?



Oops! should've looked at your member profile.

 

[Garry Moss]

Hey Todd Where is the AC Drain located, I am thinking it may be that that but I cant find where that drain is lol

 

[Garry Moss]

And I hear the lysol thing, but where would I spray it, into the outside vents ?

 

[Michael Roberts]

MoSsMaN, If you remove the blower fan motor from the evaporator housing (three bolts).

You can see the evaporator itself just to the right on the inside. Take a solution of clorox and water (1part clorox-2parts water) in a sprayer bottle and you can spray the evaporator with your solution and then blast/rinse thoroughly with your garden hose.

Most of the crud will come out of your fan motor opening.

 

[Garry Moss]

OK so I have never messed with the AC systems, but where is the blower motor housing?

 

[Michael Roberts]

As you look at your engine...the blower motor housing is on your left. You'll see the large bulky plastic housing with a silver foil insulator wrapping around it. The blower motor is mounted right in front of this housing. There are three screws holding it's circular mounting flange to the plastic housing.

When you remove these screws and back the motor/fan assy away. You'll see the evaporator core to the right. Please don't insert or poke anything into the evaporator as it's rather fragile in this regard.



You can also remove your wiperwash and coolant resevoir out of the way. This'll make it easier to access the blower motor. It's easily moved to one side.

 

[Yardsale]

As TRACket Paul indicated, I always set the controls ot a non A/C position and run the fan on high for a minute or so. My 2001 has no smell, but I live in so. CA. and use the A/C only two or three weeks a year.