AC Odor
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
AC Odor
Need some advice......I have 2006 F250 with an AC odor.....not a good odor either.
It started with a fuel smell coming thorugh the vents. This was fixed by pressing the button that circulates air within the cab. Not a perminant fix but it does help avoid the smell.
Then the vents started to smell like a dead cat / dirty diaper combination.
AC still cools fine....My question is this....is there a filter for the AC system that can accessed and replaced. I have not been able to locate one as yet.
It started with a fuel smell coming thorugh the vents. This was fixed by pressing the button that circulates air within the cab. Not a perminant fix but it does help avoid the smell.
Then the vents started to smell like a dead cat / dirty diaper combination.
AC still cools fine....My question is this....is there a filter for the AC system that can accessed and replaced. I have not been able to locate one as yet.
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
From: SW Idaho
Need some advice......I have 2006 F250 with an AC odor.....not a good odor either.
It started with a fuel smell coming thorugh the vents. This was fixed by pressing the button that circulates air within the cab. Not a perminant fix but it does help avoid the smell.
Then the vents started to smell like a dead cat / dirty diaper combination.
AC still cools fine....My question is this....is there a filter for the AC system that can accessed and replaced. I have not been able to locate one as yet.
It started with a fuel smell coming thorugh the vents. This was fixed by pressing the button that circulates air within the cab. Not a perminant fix but it does help avoid the smell.
Then the vents started to smell like a dead cat / dirty diaper combination.
AC still cools fine....My question is this....is there a filter for the AC system that can accessed and replaced. I have not been able to locate one as yet.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 6
Once it is unplugged...
If you can, a spray of fungicide / bactericide can do it.
Know GM makes a special spray that does the cleaning...
Don't know about Ford.
In a pinch, I would clean with a solution of bleach.
If you can, a spray of fungicide / bactericide can do it.
Know GM makes a special spray that does the cleaning...
Don't know about Ford.
In a pinch, I would clean with a solution of bleach.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
makes sense...........Is that something that i can do on my own or should i take it in for service?
Trending Topics
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Fix the fuel issue first. Something is awry there. And dangerous.
If you still have a bad odor in the AC, as mentioned above, make sure the AC drain hole is clear.
Next, take a full can of Lysol disinfectant. Preferably the old original kind, not the newer "perfumy" smelling stuff.
Put the AC on, but NOT in MAX (or recirculate). Locate the air intake under the passenger side of the windshield (pretty sure it's there in the SD).
Spray Lysol liberally into the air intake. This WILL smell up the interior of the cab, but you have to completely soak the inside of the heater box. After you spray like half a can into it, shut it down, close up the windows/doors, and leave for as long as you can, up to 24 hours if possible.
Start it up again, spray Lysol into the air intake again, just like above. Use the rest of the can. Again, shut down and leave it as long as you can. A few hours maybe is good enough.
This procedure has worked for me multiple times in my own and others' vehicles. It's mold, bacteria, mildew, something, that Lysol will kill. It's the easiest to get your hands on, and probably a lot cheaper than the GM "air conditioner conditioner"
But check on the fuel smell FIRST.
If you still have a bad odor in the AC, as mentioned above, make sure the AC drain hole is clear.
Next, take a full can of Lysol disinfectant. Preferably the old original kind, not the newer "perfumy" smelling stuff.
Put the AC on, but NOT in MAX (or recirculate). Locate the air intake under the passenger side of the windshield (pretty sure it's there in the SD).
Spray Lysol liberally into the air intake. This WILL smell up the interior of the cab, but you have to completely soak the inside of the heater box. After you spray like half a can into it, shut it down, close up the windows/doors, and leave for as long as you can, up to 24 hours if possible.
Start it up again, spray Lysol into the air intake again, just like above. Use the rest of the can. Again, shut down and leave it as long as you can. A few hours maybe is good enough.
This procedure has worked for me multiple times in my own and others' vehicles. It's mold, bacteria, mildew, something, that Lysol will kill. It's the easiest to get your hands on, and probably a lot cheaper than the GM "air conditioner conditioner"
But check on the fuel smell FIRST.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Oh, I forgot something. After you make sure the AC drain is clear, spray some clean fresh water into the air intake, WITH THE AC/HEAT COMPLETELY OFF and make sure the water comes out the drain hole. If there's a buildup of crud in there, it may take a few stabs with a wire into the drain hole to clear it out.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 957
Likes: 3
From: Winchendon MA
I've used a similar product to this on an older car once.
https://www.ultrashield.com/products_AC.htm
got mine at local NAPA smelled like lemons
44
https://www.ultrashield.com/products_AC.htm
got mine at local NAPA smelled like lemons
44
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
As stated, clean out the root cause and then de-odorize.
The extended family got together and purchased a MiST machine:
UView: Product Detail
Not cheap, but this thing works great, and leaves NO smells behind.
The extended family got together and purchased a MiST machine:
UView: Product Detail
Not cheap, but this thing works great, and leaves NO smells behind.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Fordfreek!
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
32
May 29, 2024 05:32 PM
