when i turn on my a/c, it smells like sweat, or mildew real bad. and it is getting worse. it doesnt matter what selection it is on, it still smells like that. what is it, what can i do . i cant even use the a/c it smells so rank, and im in hot *** houston texas


please let me know



airplaneman00@yahoo.com

 

I think maybe a cat sprayed you engine compartment, does it smell like that?

 

To remove the moldy odor from the A/C, get a can of Lysol. With the truck running, turn on the HVAC control to high and spray the Lysol into the vent that brings in the outside air. It is located in the cowl area, base of the windshield, you will know if you are getting it in the vent if you smell Lysol in the cab.

Prevention is the real key, turn the A/C off and run the fan on vent for a couple minutes to dry things out before parking for a extended period of time (like overnight or all day at work). I do this on the last mile before reaching home, no more stink. At first I thought there was a dead mouse in the truck, it smelled that bad.

 

Since I don't have any details about your truck, the following may or may not apply. Whether it does or not, it has some good info. TSB 24-11-97.

Rusty

 

You should also check the AC drain. Trapped water is going to stink after awhile.

 

You can also go to the parts store and get a kit to remove mildew from the evaporator case

 

Airplaneman, I feel your pain... A/C's are a necessity down here in muggy Corpus Christi too.
Like others have recommended, you can try Lysol or the like to try to kill what's inside, but first try to minimize the standing funky water. Crawl under the truck and gently rod-out, or blow-out the condensate drain pipe to make sure it is not retaining funky water.

Also, JUST to make sure it IS the A/C, do yourself a favor and pull up the carpet and pad on the passenger and check to see if you have any smelly funk growing in the carpet pad.
It can get absolutely unbearable if it starts fermenting under the carpet.
Wet Carpet Pad is a common 2nd Gen problem that comes from a condensate leak where the A/C drain pipe protrudes thru the firewall. An drain extension made from a ~6" piece of vinyl hose connected to the drain pipe keeps the water from blowing back thru the firewall seal.
When I first got my used truck, it smelled like cigars and fermented gym socks.
Drain tube was restricted and impounding water. Carpet pad was BLACK with mildew from the leak.
Pulled and cleaned the carpet, replaced funky pad and FOGGED the A/C liberally with Lysol spray to get a handle on the A/C "aroma".. It worked!

Keith