A/C terrible mold or mildew smell

[Shaun O'Hara]

My 2001 Alero has a terrible mold or mildew smell coming from the AC. I can't find any sign of a leak, stain, or dampness. I only have it in warm weather which makes me think it is the AC.

Has anyone had a similar problem?
Could it be the AC condenser not draining?
Any suggestions on how to rinse the inside of the AC condenser?

Thanks.

[jr6078]

Autozone sells a product that you can spray into the air intake vents for the heating and air conditioning system that will remove the odors. I've used it and it works well. I don't remember the name of it, but they'll know what you're talking about if you tell them what you're looking for.

[mgs2006]

mine did that for like a day, it went away on its own though, it was weird.

[biv343]

Check the evaporator housing drain - if you look under the car, on the passenget side near the area where the firewall and passenger side floorboards meet you should see a rubber drain hose/nipple. It may be blocked and not let your evaporator drain properly. My Alero does that every now and again. Once its draining properly the smell should go away on it's own. The spray that was mentioned previously works well also.

[Shaun O'Hara]

Thanks. I knew someone else had to have had the problem. I look more closely and follow your advise.

Originally Posted by biv343

Check the evaporator housing drain - if you look under the car, on the passenget side near the area where the firewall and passenger side floorboards meet you should see a rubber drain hose/nipple. It may be blocked and not let your evaporator drain properly. My Alero does that every now and again. Once its draining properly the smell should go away on it's own. The spray that was mentioned previously works well also.

[Shaun O'Hara]

I'll be at Autozone tomorrow and get whatever it is. Thanks for the suggestion.

Originally Posted by jr6078

Autozone sells a product that you can spray into the air intake vents for the heating and air conditioning system that will remove the odors. I've used it and it works well. I don't remember the name of it, but they'll know what you're talking about if you tell them what you're looking for.