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A/C smell

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Old Jun 23, 2005 | 05:12 PM
  #1  
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A/C smell

When I run my a/c, it has a funny smell. Any ideas?
 
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Old Jun 23, 2005 | 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by rockgt302
When I run my a/c, it has a funny smell. Any ideas?
have you changed your cabin filter ?
 
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Old Jun 24, 2005 | 10:39 AM
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I've got an '04 XLT Sport. It has a musty smell when I run AC. Do the '04s have cabin filters?
 
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Old Jun 24, 2005 | 11:24 AM
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I don't think so. I looked for any info for my 04 XLT, not in the manual, maintenance guide or shop manual. I'm not sure when they stopped using them.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2005 | 11:34 AM
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If not a cabin filter, any other ideas for the smell. I'm not trying to steal the thread, but I think rock and I are having the same problem.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2005 | 12:19 PM
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One thing the manual does say though is that you're supposed to leave the vents open when you park the truck. Anything but "0" or Max A/C (recirculate) so the system can breathe. I suppose Ford says that for a reason. Maybe if you don't let it breathe, it will eventually develop mildew inside. Could that be the issue here?
 
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Old Jun 24, 2005 | 02:18 PM
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Ford sells an aerosol can of stuff to spray at the base of windsheild by the wipers while running the AC. I believe it freshens and kills mold that can be in the system, air is drawn in from that area so spraying it there gets it inside where mold may be.
 
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Old Jun 24, 2005 | 03:58 PM
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When I worked at a Nissan dealer we had some stuff called FRIGIFRESH that did just wans Scholzee said. You stray it in the fresh air intake and it deodorizes and kills mold/nasty stuff. It itself wasn't good smelling, but it worked. Haven't seen any in a non-dealer parts place though.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2005 | 03:16 AM
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Not to hijack the thread or anything but, does the 98 Eddie Bauer model have a cabin filter? The smell that is comin' out of my vents is killing me! Thanks.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2005 | 03:25 AM
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that smell is mold on the evap it happens when you always use the max a/c feature and never let the system breathe fresh dry air . you need to run it on different settings from time to time to prevent this.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2005 | 07:31 AM
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A cheaper solution is to buy Lysol (any scent will do) and spray into the fresh air intake. I do that with both our cars every month or so and have no issues with smell.


Dave
 
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Old Jun 25, 2005 | 11:32 AM
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well i would not use the lysol. it eats plastic and is very flammable. i would not spray it in there, not with a open motor running that creates sparks .
 
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 12:33 AM
  #13  
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I have a 1997 EB Expedition and a '03 Supercrew...I rarely use the max AC setting and after the air has been running for a little bit, I get the same smell from both vehicles....does anyone know the name of the Ford stuff so I can ask for it by name at the dealership?
 
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Old Jul 1, 2005 | 12:49 AM
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I have had the same problem (2000 Exp EB) and the lysol in the air intake solved the problem. I you turn the A/C on Max, the air intake is on the passenger floor by the console. Just shoot the Lusol in there with the A/C on max and it took care of the smell.

For the future, turn the A/C to Vent and let some fresh air in right before you turn the car off. Then any moisture in the system can evaporate.
 
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Old Jul 1, 2005 | 01:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Sprung
When I worked at a Nissan dealer we had some stuff called FRIGIFRESH that did just wans Scholzee said. You stray it in the fresh air intake and it deodorizes and kills mold/nasty stuff. It itself wasn't good smelling, but it worked. Haven't seen any in a non-dealer parts place though.
Yeah I used that on a Safari van I was driving for a Nissan dealer. The truck WREAKED because the previous driver never bathed or cleaned the truck! But the vents smelled too so the Shipper gave me a can of it and it worked wonders.

Maybe just go to a Nissan dealer and get some? I work at a Ford dealer now so I can ask on Monday. But can't til then.
 

Last edited by DenDanger; Jul 1, 2005 at 02:00 PM.
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