Air from vents smells so bad!!!

[Silveradoss573]

Ok add another Camaro owner to the list of others regarding the nasty ass smell coming from the a/c vents. Stinks with just the vents on or with the a/c on, it doesn't matter which. I've never had this happen before ever on any car/ truck I've owned. This is absolutely ridiculous and disgusting!

[rozarioorlan]

My guess would be to pop open the air filter area and see if anything is there or at least near it? It’s a pretty simple process removing three tabs. When’s the last time you replaced the filter? They are less than $12 I believe. Also maybe try wiping down the A/C vents with a lysol wipe or something as well as clean the air filter area. Very basic stuff but may help.

[Silveradoss573]

Originally Posted by rozarioorlan

My guess would be to pop open the air filter area and see if anything is there or at least near it? It’s a pretty simple process removing three tabs. When’s the last time you replaced the filter? They are less than $12 I believe. Also maybe try wiping down the A/C vents with a lysol wipe or something as well as clean the air filter area. Very basic stuff but may help.

I replaced the filter over the winter. The OEM with charcoal I thought was dirty I learned was perfectly fine but already in the trash truck. I replaced with a cheap one from the parts store. I pulled the cover and it's as clean as can be. The filter has zero smell to it. I did spray ozium air sanitizer into the inlet and let the car run for about 15 mins. Then I really hit it hard and immediately shut the car off to let this stuff really saturate the system. I'll start it up tomorrow evening sometime and see how that worked? I guess I'll also lift the car and make sure the drain tube isn't restricted. It was dripping some water but nothing like my Silverado does. I'm just frustrated as this was the first time in months I finally got to drive it. Thanks

[Sheriff Justice]

Each spring I use a can of each ‘Clean Air’ duct freshener and odor fogger with good results. Spray vents, inside recirculating air intake and exterior intake grill with A/C on. After use the fogger and leave doors / windows closed for a little while.

[152LTRockin]

Let me explain why you are experiencing this nasty smell. When the AC is on the evap is soaking wet AND if you turn the car off without letting the evap dry off the heat soak from the heater core near the evap causes mold to grow. It can get very nasty after time and time again not letting the evap time to dry off before shutting off the car.

Heres the trick always turn off the AC before your destination and run the fan high enough that the air coming out of the vents is no longer cool. This will insure the evap is dry.

The easiest way to kill off the mold you have in there now is remove the air filter, find the outside air intake OR inside air intake and with the fan on high HVAC set to vent spray a solution of 50% vinegar 50% water with a small amount of dish detergent added to it. It will clean and kill off the mold and smell good forever as long as you follow the proper shut down procedure for the AC. Change your socks too...... lmao

[Centauri]

I will second this. I do this, and it works.

Originally Posted by 152LTRockin

Let me explain why you are experiencing this nasty smell. When the AC is on the evap is soaking wet AND if you turn the car off without letting the evap dry off the heat soak from the heater core near the evap causes mold to grow. It can get very nasty after time and time again not letting the evap time to dry off before shutting off the car.

Heres the trick always turn off the AC before your destination and run the fan high enough that the air coming out of the vents is no longer cool. This will insure the evap is dry.

The easiest way to kill off the mold you have in there now is remove the air filter, find the outside air intake OR inside air intake and with the fan on high HVAC set to vent spray a solution of 50% vinegar 50% water with a small amount of dish detergent added to it. It will clean and kill off the mold and smell good forever as long as you follow the proper shut down procedure for the AC. Change your socks too...... lmao

[Silveradoss573]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I really appreciate the ideas.

[InFiD3ViL]

Originally Posted by 152LTRockin

50% vinegar 50% water

That vinegar won't make my interior smell more like douche than it already does?

[Silveradoss573]

Well I checked that grommet right above the transmission and it was installed correctly. Now I'm trying to figure out what and how to make sure the drain line clean and clear. Dropped the rear of trans a few inches but still next to no room.

[weSS1LEy]

Thanks ltrockin! I’ve always done this not knowing how important it was!

[Nb1081]

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

That vinegar won't make my interior smell more like douche than it already does?

That might be your upper lip your smelling

[Joecruiser]

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

That vinegar won't make my interior smell more like douche than it already does?

Pot Nug seems to be an AC expert...
But that 50-50 mix is what the H0s at the brothel use.
I'd steer clear of that...just saying.

[152LTRockin]

LOL naa it will smell great afterwards, Use white vinegar. Actually it depends on the strength vinegar you can find in your local grocery store. If you can only get 2% I'd use it straight because its already mostly water. If your AC is really smelling rank you won't believe how nasty the evap looks. You may need to do it a few times if it has a thick hairy build up on it.

But its a place to start, be sure to add some type of detergent to the mix so any dirt or grease gets broken down. I'd steer clear of any strong off the shelf products unless you are familiar with them. Some are very strong and nasty and are made for cleaning units you can take apart like window ac units. Vinegar is great cleaner for just about anything but it kills mold on contact quickly. Most all mold remediation is done with vinegar.

[152LTRockin]

Originally Posted by Silveradoss573

Well I checked that grommet right above the transmission and it was installed correctly. Now I'm trying to figure out what and how to make sure the drain line clean and clear. Dropped the rear of trans a few inches but still next to no room.

Run the car and turn on the ac, you should see a small puddle under the car after a few mins of its humid.