A/C bad smell

[ypelchat]

Hello guys.

I dunno what's going on, but when i turn off A/C, there's an awful smell that remains somewhat persistent for some time after the A/C is turned off. I remember seeing a thread about this, but i can't find it now. Anyone know what to do with this problem?

Yves.

[cdru]

Mold/mildew can grow in the system if condensation or other moisture sits too long. There is a drain tube that pops out of the firewall behind the engine that can become plugged and needs to be cleaned out. Others have found that the due to a design flaw, the water drains back into the vehicle...an elbow is available that prevents this from your dealership. Finally, have you checked your cabin filters (accessible from the back of the glove box) to see how they look. I've heard of furry critters getting in there and that could also lead to a foul stench.

[ypelchat]

I replaced the two cabin air filter, thinking this would cure the problem. I'll take a look at the drain tube you mentioned. Curiously, i've never seen water dripping from under the vehicle when the A/C is running. Like you said, maybe the water is dripping inside the vehicle, instead of dripping outside.

Thanks.

Yves.

[RNRea]

The amount of condensation is dependent on the humidity of the air in your area. Where I live (high desert) it is pretty dry, so we don't get a lot of water dripping out from the A/C. I still like to keep everything clean, which means making sure the drip tube is clean, the filters are changed and, where possible, the evaporator is clean. I have only had my Venture for a couple of weeks, so I have yet to see how difficult this will be.

[cdru]

Originally Posted by RNRea

I still like to keep everything clean, which means making sure the drip tube is clean, the filters are changed and, where possible, the evaporator is clean. I have only had my Venture for a couple of weeks, so I have yet to see how difficult this will be.

The filters are easy to get to. The evaporator is impossible to get to unless you rip apart the dash as the coils are directly behind the radio in the middle. The drip tube is also likewise hard to get to from the inside for the same reasons, and is barely visible from the engine compartment no matter which way you look at it.

[babo5299]

I have a 1999 Venture. When you first open the door there is an overpowering smell. It does NOT seem to get worse with the heat or AC on.

I have spent 25 minutes looking for the AC drain tube. I have the car on ramps, but am still not able to find it. Any clearer directions would be appreciated.

I pulled my cabin filters and they were damp and had some sort of white fungus growing on them. I replaced them 2 weeks ago but the smell is still there. Where does the water that comes in through the HVAC air intakes (under the windshield wiper arms) drain out of?