Ac odor when first turns on...Phil help....

[Ranger3]

My thoughts are why is it that bad that fast ? Is moisture getting in there somehow ? The one in my Subaru , which I didn't even know existed, just got changed about 3 months ago and it's a 2015 , I can see it being dirty , but not moldy to the point of smelling bad ...

I checked it it was just dirty no mold really on it....leaves and dirt ....but I will check it in a couple months

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[AzScorpion]

My thoughts are why is it that bad that fast ? Is moisture getting in there somehow ? The one in my Subaru , which I didn't even know existed, just got changed about 3 months ago and it's a 2015 , I can see it being dirty , but not moldy to the point of smelling bad ...

I still have the original cabin air filter in mine from 3 years ago. I checked it before going on vacation and surprisingly with all the dust we have here it was still clean. There's no funky smells or anything so I blew it out with an air hose and reinstalled it.

If the old filter doesn't smell I'd be a little concerned there's maybe mold somewhere else in the HVAC system? The new filter could be filtering out the smell for now so I'd keep and eye (and nose) on it.

 

[Ranger3]

I will keep an eye on it. Curious I'm still going to call dealer and talk to my advisor and see what he says....

 

[Ranger3]

So you think it's ok? Or shd follow.up with dealer since they worked on HVAC system?

 

[AzScorpion]

But the spores could have attached themself to the ducting and have nothing to do with the filter. Especially if the trucks sits for extended periods of time, they're not just airborne particles. Mold will grow on just about anything and it's not something to take lightly as it's very dangerous. I lived in MA for over 50 years and worked with a company that did mold remediation and have seen it grow in some crazy places.

 

[AzScorpion]

So you think it's ok? Or shd follow.up with dealer since they worked on HVAC system?

It's more than likely good but for peace of mind I would have it looked at.

 

[NotBudule]

Is there someway to "fog" the intake of the ductwork with some lysol or mold spray I wonder ? With the cabin filter out it might go through the ductwork better ...

 

[Motorpsychology]

If you just noticed it right after having the work done it's most likely the RTV curing as Duke said. I've worked with silicones & caulks for 40 years and when they're contained in a small area (cab of your truck) there's a lot of off gassing going on and no where for it to go. You won't notice this as much inside your home as it will dissipate through the house and through the HVAC when on.

Robert @NotBudule has a good suggestion about opening the windows and blasting the heat to set it up. If you're parked in the garage keep the windows open to let the gasses out.

[/QUOTE]
I had the blend door fix done on mine, too. The procedure requires than the whole under dash heater be removed. The condensation drain tube may have gotten pinched during re installation, causing the condensate to accumulate in the plenum. you may also notice little moisture droplets at the base of your windshield when the A/C is on, especially on Max A/C.
The RTV should have cured by now.Maybe there is a blob right at a duct.

 

[Ranger3]

So what is the fix if that happenend? Did this happen to u? Did they have to take apart again?

 

[AzScorpion]

It didn't happen to mine but the only way to fix it (it there's mold inside) is to either replace the heater box or try to run something through it to kill the spores. If you don't kill the spores it'll just continue to grow back. Not trying to freak you out and it "might" have been in the filter and you're good now. Just something to keep in mind in case you smell it again.

 

[Ranger3]

It didn't happen to mine but the only way to fix it (it there's mold inside) is to either replace the heater box or try to run something through it to kill the spores. If you don't kill the spores it'll just continue to grow back. Not trying to freak you out and it "might" have been in the filter and you're good now. Just something to keep in mind in case you smell it again.

Ok stupid question but how would it get into the filter if it isn't in the ducts?

 

[tgRanger]

I will say. Such a pleasure to meet so many Phil’s on one forum ?

 

[AzScorpion]

Ok stupid question but how would it get into the filter if it isn't in the ducts?

Spores don't always have to be attached to something they can be airborne. It could've sucked a mold spore through the duct while it was running and the filter trapped it. Then it grew while sitting in the filter and that's what you're smelling. Like Chris @Motorpsychology said a condensate line could've been pinched and is now leaking which will cause the spores to grow on the inside of the duct. So when you turn on the HVAC small parts of it will break off and get trapped in the filter while the rest is still stuck to the duct. You could just wait a few weeks and see if the smell appears again then you'll know for sure. Chances are it was just trapped in the filter and not in the duct.

This happens a lot in a house HVAC system, especially ones that are never cleaned and the filters aren't change often. That's why they have duct cleaning companies for houses. Same principal just a much smaller system in the vehicle.

 

[Motorpsychology]

So what is the fix if that happenend? Did this happen to u? Did they have to take apart again?

You could try the "Red Green Approach" :

• Get an aerosol can of Lysol Disinfectant
• Remove the cabin air filter, replace it if it's stinky or dinjy Part # FP 88
• Turn on the HVAC system, not on Max A/C or Max Defrost, fan on highest setting open all windows shoot a ~10 second spray of the Lysol into the intake duct.
• Repeat for all the other settings to insure all cabin ducts & vents have been covered.

It worked for my '84 Tempo when the drain hose got plugged.
You may be able to check to see if the drain hose is blocked or kinked:

The hose is left of center just above the transmission.
https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/ac-condensate.14149/

 

[BladeRanger]

I had my dashboard taken apart about 2 or 3 months ago because I had a cracked blender door so they replaced that and then put it all back together I noticed now when I start my car and I turn the air on I smell like a vinegar smell I saw your post about some sort of RTV sealant my question is should I take it back to the dealer or will this dissipate over time? It does go away after like a minute when a first comes on thank you for your help...

I have the same, it smells on the first time the AC comes on and goes away after a 30sec. It happens when I replaced the filter at 20K. There is a thread here saying that some filter comes with smell and it's on the paper being used. I'm using OEM filter. Someone mentioned that the filter had baking soda!!!

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