Weird smell when running AC
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 255
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From: Hendersonville, TN (near
Weird smell when running AC
Over the last few months I have noticed a weird, almost sour smell from the AC vents. Especially noticeable when I first start the AC. I may dissipate a little after a while. I am not sure. I may just get used to it.
The truck has 32,000 miles on it. Does anyone know what it might be? Maybe the cabin filter needs changing?
The truck has 32,000 miles on it. Does anyone know what it might be? Maybe the cabin filter needs changing?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Connecticut
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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All of the cabin air should be coming through the grill on the hood right in front of the windshield. Pop the hood and make sure there’s not rotting junk (leaves, etc) covering it
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Moderator
Joined: May 2005
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From: San Antonio, TX
Change the filter. Easy to do and makes a difference. Also, try to remember not to shut the truck down with the AC on max or recirc. This keeps the system closed closed off from outside air, so condensation gets a chance to grow mildew. If you turn off the recirculate function, then the duct system can dry out between uses.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2007
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Change the filter. Easy to do and makes a difference. Also, try to remember not to shut the truck down with the AC on max or recirc. This keeps the system closed closed off from outside air, so condensation gets a chance to grow mildew. If you turn off the recirculate function, then the duct system can dry out between uses.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
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From: San Antonio, TX
Also, when you change out the filter spray some Lysol or something similar up into the ductwork to kill any mildew or mold up there. I will also spray it into the outside air intake with the AC running so it will be drawn through the entire system.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
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In my 2017 F250 (same cab) I could not figure out a smell right when my AC was turned on. Took it to the dealer and they could not figure anything out, go figure. So I posted on the SD forum and they said to pull cab air filter. Pulled it out, took maybe 2 minutes, and discovered there was a huge mouse nest on top of my filter and my whole filter was literally soaked with urine. Changed it out and no more stink.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 255
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From: Hendersonville, TN (near
Thanks for the ideas, guys. I will focus on the air intake and replace the cabin filter. I will also evict any mouse alive or not.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Hendersonville, TN (near
In my 2017 F250 (same cab) I could not figure out a smell right when my AC was turned on. Took it to the dealer and they could not figure anything out, go figure. So I posted on the SD forum and they said to pull cab air filter. Pulled it out, took maybe 2 minutes, and discovered there was a huge mouse nest on top of my filter and my whole filter was literally soaked with urine. Changed it out and no more stink.
While changing out the cabin air filter I want to make sure the incoming ducts are clean.
