Notices
2004 - 2008 F150 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Ford F150's with 5.4 V8, 4.6 V8 engine
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Funky Oder from vents

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 22, 2009 | 06:39 PM
  #1  
06F150Guy's Avatar
06F150Guy
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Keller, TX
Funky Oder from vents

I get a funky odor from my ventilation system when switching from vent to ac and vise versa or if I start my truck with the ac on! Any thoughts on how to take care of this? With out just an air freshner which I tried already just smells funky plus the smell of the freshner!
 
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2009 | 06:52 PM
  #2  
bridge's Avatar
bridge
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
Club FTE Gold Member
Outside dismantling the dash and going after all the vent tubing and the evaporator core, air freshener is probably your only option.

You can tell it's getting oppressively hot out, this the second or third smelly vent thread in the last week!
 
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2009 | 07:11 PM
  #3  
Tylus's Avatar
Tylus
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Veteran: Navy
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
Club FTE Silver Member

at the local parts store about 2 yrs ago I bought a Deodorizing spray specifically made for A/C vents

you spray it in there and let it sit for a few minutes


then turn on the a/c and run it full blast with the windows down for 10 minutes or so...worked pretty good on my 1994 F-150 in the Seattle area
 
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2009 | 07:28 PM
  #4  
jclem65's Avatar
jclem65
New User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: abington
i have used a product that is a foam cleaner. there is a nozzle and tube that attaches to
your ac drip line.... push the tapered nozzle that and spray the foam for about 15-20 seconds long enough to get the foam to the evap core pull the nozzle from the drain hose
let it drip out and repeat... i usually do it three or four times. this has a anti bacterial cleaner as well a a light scent.
if anyone is interested pm me i can get them for $15.00 plus shipping.
 
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2009 | 07:30 PM
  #5  
jclem65's Avatar
jclem65
New User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: abington
oh yeah, there is also a small can that you can spray in the intake vents by the cowl.
 
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2009 | 07:54 PM
  #6  
Tylus's Avatar
Tylus
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Veteran: Navy
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
Club FTE Silver Member

sounds like the stuff I used

it looked like bathroom cleaner when it was sprayed out...foamy, and then turned to a liquid version one it had been sitting there a few minutes
 
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2009 | 08:12 PM
  #7  
jclem65's Avatar
jclem65
New User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: abington
yup. thats the stuff
 
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2009 | 08:03 AM
  #8  
442w30's Avatar
442w30
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
If you use the recirc often you may start smelling a moldy ordor due to the ac system not drying out. Several products are avalible to spray into the cowl intake while ac is on, they kill the bacteria. After installing the spray in the future it is best to shut off ac before you park and run fresh air thru vents to dry out system. Infiniti's are nortious for this because they start up on recirc mode and most owners never switch to fresh air. I know I have one.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jun 23, 2009 | 08:28 AM
  #9  
Deluxe05's Avatar
Deluxe05
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 4
From: Denver, Co
Club FTE Silver Member

Turn off the AC & recirculate for the last couple minutes that you are in your truck. It will pull most of the moisture out of the core & ducts and drastically reduce the mildewy smell when you turn the system back on.
 
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2009 | 01:44 PM
  #10  
06F150Guy's Avatar
06F150Guy
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Keller, TX
Thanks guys I'll have to give a try! My wifes 2008 Impala does the same thing and it only 1 year old!
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2009 | 12:46 AM
  #11  
justinfown1's Avatar
justinfown1
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Whittier, CA
most likely you need to change your cabin air filter located behind the dash. doesn't cost much....
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2009 | 02:27 AM
  #12  
Tylus's Avatar
Tylus
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Veteran: Navy
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by justinfown1
most likely you need to change your cabin air filter located behind the dash. doesn't cost much....
what cabin filter?

such a thing doesn't exist in the 04-08 F-150
 
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 12:44 PM
  #13  
1saxman's Avatar
1saxman
Fleet Mechanic
Liked
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 18
Originally Posted by Deluxe05
Turn off the AC & recirculate for the last couple minutes that you are in your truck. It will pull most of the moisture out of the core & ducts and drastically reduce the mildewy smell when you turn the system back on.
This, plus think about how the truck is parked after AC use. If it's not perfectly level, you may be holding condensate in the drip pan. Try reversing the angle by backing in instead of pulling in, for example, and see if more water drains out. Then you'll know to park it like that at least during AC weather.
You can buy a huge spray can of 'OZIUM' at beauty supply stores and maybe other places. With the engine running, start the AC and turn it to MAX (recycle, recirc). Go to the passenger's side, open the door and find the fan intake grille under the dash. Spray the OZIUM directly into the fan for about 10 seconds. Turn everything off and shut up the vehicle for as long as you can. The musty odor will be gone for awhile, and if you do these other little precautions, you might get rid of it.
 
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 12:45 PM
  #14  
1saxman's Avatar
1saxman
Fleet Mechanic
Liked
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 18
Originally Posted by jclem65
i have used a product that is a foam cleaner. there is a nozzle and tube that attaches to
your ac drip line.... push the tapered nozzle that and spray the foam for about 15-20 seconds long enough to get the foam to the evap core pull the nozzle from the drain hose
let it drip out and repeat... i usually do it three or four times. this has a anti bacterial cleaner as well a a light scent.
if anyone is interested pm me i can get them for $15.00 plus shipping.
This sounds like a good treatment too.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:21 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE