AC Smells?
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Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Great Statd of Texas
AC Smells?
Vehicle: 2016 F150 Screw
After running my AC full all summer in Texas, I am starting to get a moldy smell when I turn on the engine. What is the best way to deal with it?
i found this online:
After running my AC full all summer in Texas, I am starting to get a moldy smell when I turn on the engine. What is the best way to deal with it?
i found this online:
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,256
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From: Memphis, TN, Earth, Milky Way
Turn the A/C off a few minutes before you turn the truck off, so the moisture can dry off the evaporator core. There are also sprays available to kill mold, and reduce odors. But none of that will work if the truck is just dirty inside (like from pet hair & dander, cigarette smoke, or air pollution). At worst, the dash may have to be removed to wash the evaporator. Does the truck have a cabin filter? Is it (over)due to be changed?
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Joined: Dec 2017
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Also, if you use the air conditioner on "Max" or recirculation constantly, it will not allow moisture to escape. Be sure to run it in fresh air mode, that allows air from the outside to mix with the conditioned air. This will likely solve the issue. The owners manual will specify this as well.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 278
Likes: 47
From: Great Statd of Texas
Turn the A/C off a few minutes before you turn the truck off, so the moisture can dry off the evaporator core. There are also sprays available to kill mold, and reduce odors. But none of that will work if the truck is just dirty inside (like from pet hair & dander, cigarette smoke, or air pollution). At worst, the dash may have to be removed to wash the evaporator. Does the truck have a cabin filter? Is it (over)due to be changed?
My wife makes fun of me because I keep the interior of the truck cleaner than our house. No food, no drinks, and no garbage laying around. You are definitely right about the cabin air filter. Because of allergies and dust in our area, I change mine every 6 months despite the monumental PITA Ford designed into the process.
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From: Texas
Thanks. I’ll try to do that with the A/C.
My wife makes fun of me because I keep the interior of the truck cleaner than our house. No food, no drinks, and no garbage laying around. You are definitely right about the cabin air filter. Because of allergies and dust in our area, I change mine every 6 months despite the monumental PITA Ford designed into the process.
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,256
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From: Memphis, TN, Earth, Milky Way
That's 100% wrong. Bringing fresh air in brings fresh moisture in. Recirculating keeps the dried air (the moisture drips out onto the ground from the evaporator drain) inside, and keeps the vehicle dry.