How do I get rid of foul odor in vehicle air conditioning?

Question

I have a 2005 dodge and I recently noticed a foul (sour dish cloth smell) when I turn on the air conditioning. HELP!

Answer 1

Auto manufactuerers have been battling this issue for years and to my knowledge there still is not a 100% permanent repair.

This odor is caused by fungi growing inside the evaporator core and when your ac is on the blower will distibute this smell through the ac system. It's much worse in high humidity states, and may not even be noticable in other climates.

Dealerships do have a flush type chemical that can be used to at at least minimize the smell, this chemical will dry out the evap core and stop the smell, at least temporaily.

One important tip to minimize is to make sure you run your ac on fresh air mode as much as possible, this fresh air will help dry out the evap core and reduce the fungi from forming.

Jerry Christopher
http://www.usedcarwise.com

Answer 2

Simple.. get one of those air fresheners that clip to the vents... I have those and they work like a charm.

That smell is normal if you haven't used the A/C for a long time for some reason... like if the car's been sitting on a lot for months waiting to be sold... use the air fresheners and the smell will be gone before the fresheners lose their fragrance.

Answer 3

Get it checked out at a garage. If the smell can't be removed, by an air freshener for your car. There is a make of Air freshener that I use called "The Bug." It's small and handy.

See it on amazon $2.73. Copy and paste it:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000679RBU/104-7890847-6219155?v=glance&n=15684181

Answer 4

This is usually caused by the condensate drip line being clogged up. This causes water to back up, get stale and stink. Finding and cleaning out the line could prove to be a challenge, better take it to a reputable a/c mechanic.

One way to check is run the a/c on a humid day and see if water drips from underneath the car.

Answer 5

Many years ago I had a car that started smelling funny when I put the a/c on. I brought it to a friend who took apart my dashboard and a/c vents and when he turned the a/c back on without the dashboard on about 6 dead baby mice came out - it was nasty!! Hope you don't have anything dead in there.

Answer 6

One way temporarily is to take it to your dealership so they can flush out the airconditioner system, it may cost you but not over $30. A quick fix is to take out the little covers on top of the airconditioner vents on your dash and spray it with Febreeze or a fabric freshener. That always works for me.

Answer 7

the hose that extends out of the evaporator underneath the car is clogged...normally it would allow water to drip out. That water is getting "stale" which is what you smell. Clean out the hose or take it back to the dealer...likely still covered under warranty

Answer 8

only a idea, attempt Oder eliminating powder, they make some for ft and body also. toddler powser should be used in any case besides. You dont continuously ought to abide by the instructions ... yet oh nicely.

Answer 9

They sell a spray at autozone/ advance etc. that you spray on your condensor and cabin filter that will surely help...but like the first guy implied, you may have a leak somewhere.

Answer 10

if you've found the source and removed and the spell still there use a onizer to remove the odor