Mildew/musty AC smell

[Bobby Chong]

Hello everyone,



I have a 2003 ST that we bought used about 3 months ago. One day, while my wife was driving the truck and she turned the AC on, she said that the musty smell was pretty bad at the start, then about couple of minutes later, the smell is gone. I know that there is some kind of AC spray that the store sell but do they actually work for the long term? Or any other suggestions to get rid of the smell from all the expert here.



Thanks.

 

[Tim Turner]

Whenever you shut off the truck, turn the knob to AC or MAX AC (not just vent). This helps circulate the air while it's not in use and helps prevent the musty smell.

 

[Conrad AlbertoJr]

The dealer told me you have to turn the knob to just the fan, w/o the air conditioner because the moisture that comes from the a/c, if the knob is left in the a/c position, doesnt have time to dry and starts creating that nasty smell.



THis is what i do after i use the a/c:



1) turn the the knob to fan on the highest setting (NOT in a/c, max a/c)

2) let the car idle for about 30 seconds

3)shut off the engine with the fan still active so that the vent stays open and the car can "breathe"





Ever since i followed their instructions i never got that smell again, and believe me it was disgusting.

 

[Tim Turner]

Here's a link to an older post with alot of other links to older posts about this topic. Lysol or Ozium sprayed into the vents may help as well from what it says.

 

[Scott Atwater]

I have a product called frigi-fresh made by BG company. I got it as a sample and it works great. Kills mildew and other noxious odors. I use it all the time n my used cars which had been owned by heavy smokers.

 

[Bobby Chong]

Thanks again for all your tips.



I've tried Conrad's advise and so far, the smell is gone. Will have to keep checking to make sure it isn't just a few days thing. If it comes back, I'll try Lysol first and then Ozium. Never heard of Ozium before. Hopefully I can find it at my local auto store.



Thanks again everyone.