Here lately I've noticed when I first turn the A/C on, the there's a funky odor. I don't smoke, but the truck sits a month at a time when I'm gone to work. It smells like it's in the ducts. An old smell sorta. Is there some way to clean a filter or something to freshen it up? Or maybe access the condenser coil and clean it with some cleaner or something. Any help would be appreciated.

 

There is a D.C. part number for a cleaner/deoderiozer.Also has instuctions.When you do use AC run it on fresh as much as possable.Its also covered under the 3/36 basic warranty.

 

Switch the dial to vent (not recirculate) before shutting down. I think that it keeps the system open so it can dry out.

 

Thanks guys.

 

Surfram is absolutely correct. When you run the A/C in recirculate or "max" mode, water condenses in the plenum. When you shut down, especially when it is warm outside, mildew starts to grow in your plenum as a result of this water or dampness. The classic symptom is a baby puke smell when you first fire up the A/C or vent.

This is easy to prevent, really easy if you live in a dry climate. A mile or two before you reach your destination switch the A/C to "normal" mode and the dry outside air will dry out the plenum. If you live in a humid climate it will take more than a mile or two.

 

You might try to shoot a little Lysol in the air intake for the heater, it will kill the mold that's causing the odor. Of course then you have to smell the Lysol

 

Lysol does not last very long or kill the mold spores.There is a FACTORY deorderizer that WORKS.Can be bought or ordered through your D.C. dealer.

 

I get a sweet, pungent odor. I cannot imagine it caused by mold as it has been there since new. It starts after running in recirculate for a few minutes and doesn't start right away. It is very annoying so any answers are appreciated.

 

Well leave it on recir.and it will get moldy and the sweet odor will go away.

 

The Dodge Service Rep told me to spray Lysol into the intake grill by the wiper blades. She didn't mention anything about a factory deodorizer. I should have asked.

 

The factory stuff is a mildew destroyer.Its designed to go into the evaporter assy.its NOT JUSt a spray.Has instructions to cycle from cold to hot etc.Lots of TSB's on Caravans etc.that call for this.It works and really does something were the Lysol is just a temp smell good.

 

How about bleach and water?

 

There are some chemicals you do not want to get on the evoportor assy or the plastic case.I don't think I'd use bleach.

 

Lysol is supposed to kill 99.9% of bacteria and mildrew, so if I can it into the condenser coil assy, that would be good. I don't know how easy it is to access though.

 

Just remember that when YOU break it YOU have to PAY to get it fixed
If you use the DC stuff then it will still be covered under warranty and they can fix it for free