Voyager bad odor from vents

[86Sebring]

I just bought a 2000 grand Voyager, we are very happy with the minivan, it gets pretty good mileage, runs quit and smooth. The problem is a bad odor coming from the vents, if I turn on the AC or heating.
I guess it is dirty evaporator or blocked drain.
Is there an easy way to access the evap, or maybe a trick to correct the problem w/o removing the evap?
thanks

[webbch]

You obviously have an idea of what your up against - taking out the evaporator requires dropping the dash. As far as "tricks", I've not tried it on these vans, but IF you can gain some small access to the evap through one of the mode doors, by removing the blower, or ???, then a "trick" is to use some plumbing fittings to make an adapter for your garden hose down to 1/8" or 1/4" pipe to form a miniature "pressure blaster". Try shooting some bleach water in through whatever access port you can reach. You'll want to cover the carpet obviously.

Like I said, I haven't tried it myself, I've just heard of this trick being used on another vehicle and it sounded kind of slick for evaps that are a bear to get out. That said, if you DO end up removing the evap, I'd sure just replace the darn thing to make sure I didn't have to drop the dash again in the near future.

Chad

[Ed_Strong]

I remember a few years back seeing a product on a car show on TV that was something like a spray can detergent with a small straw (like a can of WD-40) that you'll insert the straw thru the drain hose fort he evaporator and deplete the can in there.
The detergent will foam up inside and clean, deodorize and freshen up the evap, then the foam dissipates and flows as a liquid out thru the drain tube. In theory sounds good, I've never tried it but it's worth a try.

[Rama]

I just had the same thing with my 97 voyager. I found out that the drain was blocked. Took it off and unplugged it, then blew some compressed air in the opening. Then I read somewhere in these forums someone said turn your blower on high and spray lysol disinfectant into the intake vent below the wipers. My smell is now gone.