Mildew odor A/C

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Sep 18, 2004 | 09:15 PM

n4ziq

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Mildew odor A/C

I have a relatively new 04 expdy EB. It is 4 months old and has 4,800 miles on it. Within the past two week the mildew odor has been intense. I took it into the shop and asked them to investigate. All they said is that it was "contaminated" and they cleaned it. Odor is gone. Although, I wondered what in the world can cause that in such a short time. Of course, I live in Central Florida and the humidity is usually in excess of 60%. Is there anything I should do to avoid that from happening again, or should I just bring it back if the odor returns?

Thanks,

Joe

Sep 19, 2004 | 09:44 AM

NoMo

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From: OK

WELCOME to the site!!!

You should NEVER turn the vehicle off without running the climate control system in "vent" mode for a few minutes. Running in vent mode will dry the air delivery system and prevent mold from growing (which is what you had happen). Even when the vehicle is off, you should leave it in vent mode so the truck can 'breathe'.

This issue is addressed in the owner's manual... don't remember what section though.

Sep 19, 2004 | 03:20 PM

n4ziq

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Yep, there it was on page 81 of the manual. Do not leave MAX AC selector enabled when vehicle is parked.

Thanks for the help. Now I know how to avoid the mildew odor.

Joe

Sep 20, 2004 | 10:13 AM

ckramcke

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How did they clean out the mold? i have no problem with my 99 Navi but I have a 97 s-10 that smell a little of mold.

Sep 21, 2004 | 09:18 PM

n4ziq

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I have no idea what they used. I could not detect any chemical odor afterwards.

Sep 22, 2004 | 10:50 AM

NoMo

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The bottle (they call it a can) I have is kind of old so I don't know if it has the same part number or if they even make it anymore...

Motorcraft "Air Conditioning System Disodorizer" (yes, it says DISodorizer). YN-18, F6AZ-19G210-AA

Special Note:
"Motorcraft A/C Disodorizer is an encapsulating agent which removes odors from air conditioning systems. This product should be used only by a qualified technician in conjunction with a Rotunda sprayer (part no. 164-R4700). Each vehicle to be treated requires a separate can of Disodorizer for effective odor control. Dispose of any waste material in accordance with all local, state and Federal regulations."

Instructions:
"Leave vehicle windows and doors OPEN during procedure. Follow the instructions in the appropriate Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) regarding A/C odors for the correct repair procedure and equipment. Failure to follow this procedure exactly could result in ineffective repairs and unsatisfactory results. Also, be sure to allow the A/C system to dry for at least 30 minutes before returning the vehicle to the customer."

Sep 22, 2004 | 03:35 PM

daveplot

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From: Salisbury, MD

When my truck was at the Ford body shop for a month after my accident the AC got musty. I had the insurance company pay to have the system sprayed. The dealer used some spray from a local shop since they said Ford doesn't make it anymore.