Mildew smell from A/C

[DreamBrother1]

I've had recurring mildew smell from the A/C the past couple years. I've tried some things. Lysol in the air intake. Frigi-Fresh in the air intake. Ozium in the intake. Kool-It kit foam sprayed into the drain to the evaporator a few times. New cabin air filters. I run the fan without A/C or recirculation for 5 minites at 75 degrees anytime I use the A/C to help dry out the system. These interventions help, but nothing lasts. Anyone with similar issues that tried anything else?

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[RickLightning]

Have you tried an activated carbon air filter?

 

[RocketGhost]

I get a mildew smell in my truck after it rains, I believe it is rainwater collecting in the sunroof drains, in particular the fabric wind deflector. In my case it's not the A/C. If I park in the rain I will smell mildew when I get in the truck before I even turn it on.

 

[tubby]

Do you see water dripping from the drain on a humid day with the A/C is running? If not, you may have a plugged drain tube...? Maybe you tested that out with the Kool-it kit foam.

 

[DreamBrother1]

Do you see water dripping from the drain on a humid day with the A/C is running? If not, you may have a plugged drain tube...? Maybe you tested that out with the Kool-it kit foam.

Thanks that's a good idea, I need to check on this again. I should also note for others, I have a Pro trim (no sunroof)

 

[ktom]

I get a mildew smell in my truck after it rains, I believe it is rainwater collecting in the sunroof drains, in particular the fabric wind deflector. In my case it's not the A/C. If I park in the rain I will smell mildew when I get in the truck before I even turn it on.

This is the same for me. The ford people have replaced all the A/C components and cleaned the drains in the past to my complaints. The smell still occurs, after it rains.

 

[Tom M]

I live in a humid climate and had a similar problem. The condensation from the air conditioning drips across a foam seal that is on the passenger side firewall. Try this: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10168762-0001.pdf

 

[BluesClues]

When replacing your filter, take Lysol spray and turn your AC on and blast it in for 30s.

I use the Bosch HEPA. Fixed this problem.

 

[CrimsonGhost603]

I see you’ve mentioned spraying Kool-It. Have you created a service port behind your glovebox? This helped me significantly with controlling the smell.

Steps I used

Spray cleaner

• Spray short bursts.
• Try a few angles to coat more of the coil.
• Let it sit
• Wait 10–15 minutes.
• Cabin filter still out.

First dry/run cycle

• Start truck.
• AC ON
• Fan HIGH
• Fresh air / recirc OFF
• Run 10–15 minutes.

Final dry cycle

• AC OFF
• Fan HIGH
• Fresh air still preferred.
• Run 5–10 minutes.

Check drainage

• Look under passenger/front area for water dripping.
• Dripping is good; it means the drain is working.

Reinstall cabin filter


SERVICE PORT:

 

[CrimsonGhost603]

As a side note: Simple Green AC coil cleaner is a much better product in my opinion, but the can needs an adapter. I finagled an aftermarket cap and drilled the end so it could use the wide spray nozzle from the Kool-It can. This only worked one time then it broke. The Lubergard Kool It can has a larger stem than the Simple Green coil cleaner can. If anyone can find a solution to this it would be great, as smaller nozzles do not work since the foaming action is required.

 

[hoovertac]

I've had recurring mildew smell from the A/C the past couple years. I've tried some things. Lysol in the air intake. Frigi-Fresh in the air intake. Ozium in the intake. Kool-It kit foam sprayed into the drain to the evaporator a few times. New cabin air filters. I run the fan without A/C or recirculation for 5 minites at 75 degrees anytime I use the A/C to help dry out the system. These interventions help, but nothing lasts. Anyone with similar issues that tried anything else?

Thanks for this post. I’ve recently started to notice a funky smell & keep the truck clean. Never made the connection that it could be the A/C. You seem to be doing more than I would recommend. If the smell has penetrated the carpet and upholstery an ionizer-machine session may be in order.

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