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AC has bad smell when the car is first started

B

Bobo

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My 2002 only has 2400 miles and I am getting this sour musty smell from the AC when I start up the car. Have seen the posts about the clogged drain, but don't really see how this could have happened with such low miles on the car? Is it possible that this is something else? Could it be possible that something did actually clog the drain? HELP !!

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
 
Hi Bobo - Someone else recently wrote in saying their drain wasn't installed quite right and plugged up because of it . Skanky water could be makeing that smell . Keep an eye out for dampness on the passenger foot area . Wouldn't hurt to remove the panel down there (it just clamps in ) and look for water in the electrical area underneath . Might save alot of trouble ! Cliff
 
There is a TSB out for this problem. It is TSB # 99-01-39-004A, SUBJECT: Air Conditioning Oder (Install Kit), DATED: 05/22-2001. Your dealer should take care of this problem for you under the provisions outlined in this technical service bulletin. Basically, the problem is caused by the growth of bacteria on the evaporator unit due to the system remaining damp inside the ducts after it has been shut down. The kit will kill the bacteria, stop future build up of bacteria in the system and eliminate the odor.
 
Thanks..You guys are great !!!

I will take it to the dealer next week and give it a shot. Time for an oil change anyway.

Thanks again
Bob
 
I had that problem too. It seemed to come and go. It smelled more like something p'd on the car. I know it sounds funny but I'm serious. I don't smell it now but what was the solution concerning the clogged drain?
 
Please let us know if there is a GM part number for the repair. Mine is having a slight odor.

Thanks,

Chuck
 
c4c5specialist said:
There is a GM TSB for this condition, and should be checked.
It is in the database, and can be addressed.

c4c5--

Which database are you referring to? I'm looking in the Knowledgebase here on the site, but I don't see this TSB. I'm having the odor as well in my '98 coupe. Hoped to take a look at the TSB to see if there's anything I might be able to do.

Thanks,
Fred
 
While you are looking for a technical fix try this:
Spray some Febreze Extra Strength (My favorite) or Febrese Auto in to the air vent located under the hood at the base of the windshiled. Do this while the HVAC fan is on and the outside air setting is selected. Spray some in the inside vents too (with the fan off). Be sure to clean any over spray off of the dash. Also a few sprays on the rugs will freshen them up too. Do this for a couple of weeks and then once a month.

Also run your HVAC fan on high with the temp set to the hottest setting and switch through the various vents. It'll help dry up the moister left by your AC.

If your garage is musty. Place some cheap box fans around to blow the air across your car. That'll cut down on the mustiness.

Hope this helps.
 
You seem to have a very low mileage car for a 2002 which makes me think this car could be in storage alot. If this is so you might also look for a mouse nest,etc. in the fresh air intake. Even if they are gone they leave a scent trail behind. The spray in the air intake under the hood will help.
Also if there seems to be a vibration coming from the fan at the higher settings you most likely have a nest in the fan housing.

All this I have learned from my own experience.

Good luck
 
I saw a show on winterizing your boat. They said that dryer sheets will keep mice out of the cabinets. This winter I will placing some of these in my Corvette just to be safe. My neighbor had mice in his HVAC system. It was nasty.
 

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