Nasty smell

[rockymt21]

I've got a nasty musty smell coming from the heat/ac vents. I used the heat the other night and the car reeked like an old sweaty gym bag. I've done some searching on how to fix this and what I have found is people having to buy a deodorizing kit at the dealership. I was wondering if there was any way I could try to tackle this myself without spending a lot of money before I go and get it fixed professionally.

 

[Modded]

ooks like you never saw my thread in the 07 Tech section?

 

[rockymt21]

ooks like you never saw my thread in the 07 Tech section?

Just saw it, sounds like getting rid of this smell is going to have to be handled by the professionals.

 

[blueflamed03]

To remove the moldy odor from the A/C, get a can of Lysol. With the truck running, turn on the HVAC control to high, outside air. Open the hood and spray the Lysol into the vent that brings in the outside air. It is located in the cowl area; you will know if you are getting it in the vent if you smell Lysol in the cab. (The smell of lysol will go away after a half hour or so.) The mold odor will be gone along with the lysol smell.

 

[afpj]

Also consider removing (or if dirty, changing) the cabin filters, and spray Lysol into that intake area. I've had alot of leaves and crap accumulate there.

 

[tahoe7689]

Oreillys sells a special deodorizing spray that is supposed to do the same thing as the lysol mentioned above. I have used it and it took care of the smell

 

[Modded]

I can give you more feedback on Friday when my Klima Cleaner gets here!

 

[MikeTheApeman]

I used this stuff in my Jeep once, worked really well:
http://classic-motoring.stores.yahoo.net/wuqufrnewcar.html
Just make sure if you use this stuff that 1) you put something around the base of the can so it doesn't tip over and 2) your vents are set to recirculate, not pull outside air.

 

[rockymt21]

Maybe I'll give one of those sprays a try. My only question is was it a permanent fix? Did the smell come back, or was there still a trace of the smell when using the a/c or heat?

 

[blueflamed03]

it's from condensation in the HVAC system, or the water not draining properly if it comes back.

 

[MikeTheApeman]

The one I linked I had a smell, but it was the lingering product in the vents for a few days. It got rid of the musty smell that was there before it.

 

[vatahoelt]

reminds me of that seinfeld episode.

good luck bump

 

[thdrill]

Please pardon the mini-stroke: but where in the cowl area is the intake? Anyone have pictures?