Hello!
I have a 02 V6 4x4. Lately, when starting the vehicle, a strange smell comes out of the air vents. I have the AC on, and the smell started after using the AC. I have tried leaving the vents in different positions (not in AC mode) but no help. It's a musky smell, kinda like wet carpet. However,it's gone after about a minute or so. If I turn the car off and back on, I smell it again. Any clues on what it is and how I can fix it?
Greetings

 

It's from using the A/C. It is moisture that sits in the vents after the vehicle is shut off. One way (I have heard) to get rid of it is to turn the A/C off and have just outside air coming through the vents a couple minutes before you turn the vehicle off. I have the same smell in my Focus as well sometimes.

-Matt

 

Isn't it awful? Something must grow in there over the winter. Dropping the glovebox by pushing in the sides will give access to the recirculated air intake. Turn on Max A/C and liberally spray some Atmosklear or Fabreeze in there. It will help for awhile.

 

I hate it when the mice are mating in the vents. What an awful smell.

 

I thought Ford had a TSB on this issue. Something about an anti-bacterial spray. I've only noticed it once when the a/c was run on recirculate for an extended period. I ran the a/c on normal (open vent) for several miles and haven't smelled it again.

 

T.S.B. # 03-05-06

* It involves a procedure to apply Motorcraft A/C Cooling Coil Coating To The A/C System Then Install Air Inlet Vacuum Motor Bleed Valve.

* Please note that the Dealership has to determine that the odor is actually generated by the A/C system before the T.S.B. can be performed.