Stinky A/C

[rcryniak]

Anyone have any good tips on how to destinkify the A/C? It smells fine after it's run for 10-20 min, but smells must when it's first fired up. I'd love to clean out the air system entirely... but not sure how... what's safe to do, what's recommended for a real non-hacky solution.

 

[markathome]

Changed the cabin air filter?

Sent from my XT1094 using Tapatalk

 

[postwick]

What doors it smell like? Might want to read the "free ptu" post in this forum.

 

[SHOdded]

x2 on the cabin filter. Is the water dripping freely underneath the car when the A/C is running? If not, you will need to clear up that clogged hose, as it could lead to icing or even mildew on the evaporator over time. Another "trick" is to Lysol the intake through the windshield cowling with the engine running and heat on MAX for 30 min (windows open of course). Aftermarket products from BG and Lubegard are available for AC "refreshment", follow instructions on label.

 

[rcryniak]

Changed the cabin air filter?

Sent from my XT1094 using Tapatalk

Yep! Absolutely first thing to do...

What doors it smell like? Might want to read the "free ptu" post in this forum.

It doors smell like Mildew. But only with the A/C on. (Gotta love phone auto interference on typing haha.)

x2 on the cabin filter. Is the water dripping freely underneath the car when the A/C is running? If not, you will need to clear up that clogged hose, as it could lead to icing or even mildew on the evaporator over time. Another "trick" is to Listerine the intake through the windshield cowling with the engine running and heat on MAX for 30 min (windows open of course). Aftermarket products from BG and Lubegard are available for AC "refreshment", follow instructions on label.

See... now that's interesting... Since I've owned the car, the A/C would freeze up after about 3 or 4 hours driving... so only on road trips. Never had it dealt with, got screwed out of warranty coverage (long story, but can be found on this forum somewhere.) How do I clear the clogged hose and clean the mildew? Do I have to pull the evaporator? Is there an easy way to do that? I have a wire brush for cleaning coils/fins like that, for a regular A/C, but to use it, I'd need access to the evap coil.

 

[krewat]

I've gone through this a few times in the past, not with the Taurus, but older cars, and the one thing that helped, besides all the other advice you've already gotten is:

Lysol. The big old spray can, of what is now probably the "institutional" or actually "Professional" version (a quick Google found this: http://www.staples.com/Professional-LYSOL-Disinfectant-Spray-Original-Scent-19-oz/product_445350 )

Start the car, open the hood, turn the heat on (not on MAX/recycle), turn the fan on as high as it goes, and leave the car doors open. Spray the Lysol liberally into the air intake (NOT THE ENGINE INTAKE, of course). If there's a cabin filter (which there is in the Taurus apparently), I'd remove it completely before doing this otherwise the Lysol will just wet the filter. On the other hand, it might **** whatever's living in the filter. I've gone so far as to empty half a can into the air intake.

I've done this in a few of my personal vehicles, and it immediately stopped whatever was growing in there. If I recall correctly, one of them needed two treatments, it was a 1982 Ford LTD.

Before doing this, however, wait for others to respond in this thread and make sure there's not some sensor or some other "gotcha" to this treatment method.

YMMV

 

[SHOdded]

Can't find a pic of the evaporator core drain tube, there should be one though. On the Edge, if you pull back the carpet along the center console, you will see a tube (it's actually a 2-piece tube). You can separate the 2 pieces, blow compressed air etc. through the lower piece to clear out clogs. Use the BG or Lubegard AC product to send the foam through the upper piece to the evaporator core (don't skimp). The foam will clean, then dry out on its' own. Hopefully same setup for the Taurus ...

 

[rcryniak]

Thanks guys... I'll see what I can find in the service manual when I get home. That drain tube should be shown in there.

 

[SilverSH0]

It's fairly common for cars to build up milder in the evap core. When the A/C is on it's pulling water out of the air and forming condensation. It's a location that once the car is turned off is going to become wet, dark, dry, and perfect for milder growth. I know there are some chemicals that can be sprayed into the air system to **** this mildew as suggested earlier.

If find the best way to prevent mildew growth is to turn your A/C off about 5 minutes before arriving at your destination. Leave the vents on and running but have the A/C off. This allows the hot outside air to evaporate any slight condensation on the evap core that hasn't formed into big enough drops to fall out the drain. Then when you turn the car off there's no moisture in the evap core to promote growth.

 

[rcryniak]

If find the best way to prevent mildew growth is to turn your A/C off about 5 minutes before arriving at your destination. Leave the vents on and running but have the A/C off.

Good tip. I have no doubt that would work quite well... but to be honest, that's too much work to remember on every drive. I'd rather just clean it periodically...

....soooo... what's the VERY BEST stuff that won't leave my car smelling like flowers or a chemical factory (or worse, dank basement lol.)

 

[Aeterna]

I second the lysol, i to have this problem. Last treatment was half a year ago its just now coming back.