Right from the service manual! So check it out and here is what the dealer will / should do! As your complaint is one of the areas addressed in the manual of a Microbiological odors

I don't know why it changed all the numbers to 1 for the steps but I think you will get the idea!


Before determining that A/C odor treatment is required, the source and the circumstances under which the odor occurs must be determined.



NOTE: Chemical odors are usually constant regardless of the climate control system setting although they may be enhanced by A/C operation. Most chemical odors are caused by fluid leaks or incorrectly cured adhesives. Chemical odors can be eliminated by repairing the leaking component and removing any residue.

NOTE: Environmental odors usually occur for a short time and diminish after the vehicle passes through the affected area. These odors are typically only detected when the vehicle windows are open, or when the climate control system is operating in a mode that allows for fresh air. Environmental odors cannot be eliminated because they are external in source, but they may be minimized by switching to a climate control setting that uses recirculated air.

NOTE: Human and other interior-generated odors occur while the source is present and may linger for a short time after. These odors may be more noticeable during A/C operation. Human odors may be eliminated by removing the source and cleaning the affected area.


NOTE: Microbiological odors, if in the A/C system, usually last for about 30 seconds after the system is turned on. They will be detected while the A/C is turned on and using either outside or recirculated air. Microbiological odors that occur in areas other than the A/C system (for example, water in doors or wet carpeting) may last indefinitely and will be more intense when recirculated air is used. Microbiological odors will not be present at temperatures at or below 10°C (50°F). Microbiological odors can be eliminated by removing the source and treating the affected area. Standing water must be allowed to drain and dry out. A/C systems may be treated by using A/C cooling coil coating as described in the service procedure below.

Microbiological odors result from microbial growth supported by warm temperatures and moisture. Microbiological odors are described as musty/mildew type smells and may occur on/in:

• foam seals
• rubber seals
• adhesives
• standing water
• water soaked carpet/trim

1. Identify the source of the odor.
   • Check the evaporator core drain tube for restriction.
   • Check the passenger and driver side carpet for moisture. If moisture is found, A/C odor treatment is not necessary. Diagnose for a water leak as needed.
   • Check the blower motor and blower motor cover (if equipped) for moisture resulting from water bypassing the cowl baffling system. If moisture is found, A/C odor treatment is not necessary. Diagnose for a water leak as needed.
   • Check the cowl top panel and air inlet screen for standing water or foreign material. If possible, remove any standing water and clean the air inlet screen using a wet/dry vacuum.

1. Open all vehicle windows and doors.

1. Make sure that the A/C is off.

1. Set the following.
   • Select PANEL mode (A/C off).
   • Adjust the temperature setting to full warm.
   • Adjust the blower motor speed to HI.

1. Run the engine for 25 minutes to dry out the A/C system.

1. Turn the ignition OFF.

1. Remove the blower motor.

1. NOTE: Blower motor speed controls that are mounted outside of the evaporator core housing and not exposed to the blower motor airflow do not need to be removed.
   Remove the blower motor resistor (if equipped) or blower motor speed control (if equipped and exposed to the inside of the evaporator core housing).

1. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the vehicle interior, do not spill or spray this product on any interior surface.
   Add one full bottle of A/C cooling coil coating to the Flexible Applicator Tool.

1. Insert the nozzle into the evaporator housing and direct the spray toward the evaporator core face. Spray the entire evaporator core face until empty.

1. Install the blower motor and blower motor resistor (if equipped) or blower motor speed control (if equipped).

1. Repeat Steps 4 through 6 to cure the evaporator core coating.

I TOLD my wife it wasn't me!

Hopefully we may NOW have a solution!!!!!!!:thumbsup:
Check out this thread on here: https://www.f150forum.com/f38/strange-smell-252436/
I just commented to JFro50..... It seems that his dealer found "refrigerant from the evaporator leaking thru the plenum weep hole".
He says that when he picked the vehicle up it appears to be good now!
I too, just got this Cow manure... OR Farm ...OR Band aid, type of smell & there are now a LOT of complaints about it!
It seems that +Crystal from Ford" is keeping an eye out on our forums too & also is doing her best to see what she can do.
She seems awesome!!! Thanks Crystal!!!
But contact your dealer & see if the info that JFro50 from our forum just may... & hopefully finally found the solution!
I'm contacting my dealer tomorrow to see what they know & say.
I'll let all know what I get in my findings from my dealer & service advisor....Keep ya posted.....:thumbup1:

I got this can called ac Kool is what I think it's called. Anyway it had a long clear tube that you can shove in your drain hose and spray it in there. It's turns into a foamy substance then it breaks back down. On my 09 the drain hose is right behind the exhaust mainfold. It's kinda hard to get to but it's there. If you use this product make sure the truck is cold and hadn't been running. Then just turn your blower on low with cool temperature setting.

Hey everyone

I had this smell you are talking about in my 2012 F150.

I took it to the dealership and they checked out my vents with a camera and found a leak from the AC canister. The dealership replaced all of the venting for me, changed the AC canister and all of the piping.

After that I never had an issue. So like the guys said above me it's a leak.

Good luck

I've definitely noticed this as well, my 2011 did it too. I always thought it was something to do with the oil from my CAI and just rolled the windows down until it went away. Now I may have it looked at by my dealer!

I have this in my 2013 no issues during the winter but now when I turn on my blower it smells like a barn for about 30 seconds. I guess a visit to the dealer is required.

I have the cow maunure smell problem...but we do own a dairy so I think this isnt my problem. Lol :D

Aww, thanks for the kind words, lethalweapon_09! I'm always happy to do what I can to help. :D

Crystal

I guess what I'm confused about.., is why it's only starting now. It seems that once the temperature rises, the smell becomes apparent.

If it's a leak in the system.., wouldn't the smell be apparent all the time? Cold, or warm?

However, some people are also saying it's a MOLD issue, which completely makes sense in this case. Not sure whether to mention the MOLD issue, or the LEAK issue to my dealer.