air conditioner smell

[Diane L. Gillespie]

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix and have had problems with my air conditioner since day one. The odor is like mildew. It has been checked 4 times by my Pontiac service dealer. First they said there was a dead animal in it. Then they put something in it to automatically start the air conditioner when the car is off to dry out the water that gets left behind. Most cars the water just drains out. My other cars always leaves a water spot when parked. The third time they cleaned out a plastic tube because it was backed up. The last time they told me they didn't smell anything. Well I drive the car everyday and I smell it. I don't know what to do to get rid of the oder for good. HELP!

[BNaylor]

First it's important to make sure the evaporator vent hose is not clogged again. Next, check to make sure your cabin air filter, if equipped with your Grand Prix, is clean or replaced (annually). A lot of '97 and up Grand Prixs did not have a cabin air filter installed. A cabin air filter from a Buick Regal will fit.

Try minimize running the AC in the Max or Recirculation positions because all it does is recirculate air from within the cabin. You need outside air.

I'd recommend using an antibacterial - air sanitizer aerosol such as "Ozium" or similar product available at most national auto parts stores. You can spray the stuff directly into the intake cowl located on the passenger side below the windshield while in the normal AC or vent modes. Repeat doing this every year.

Typically, mold or mildew is caused by bacteria. The musty smell is dead bacteria.

As a last resort you may need the HVAC ducting and evaporator core professionally cleaned by an automotive HVAC expert.







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[richtazz]

When I worked for Advance Auto Parts a few years ago, they carry a chemical that will clean the mildew from your evap core. I know of people that used it and they said that it works when used as directed. I personally haven't used it, but customer feedback was good, so maybe you can try it and let us know how it worked for you.