Anyone clean their hvac system to get rid of AC stink?

[AmosMoses]

The AC stinks when I first turn it on. It's pretty common and there are videos on YouTube of how to clean your venting etc. Anyone try this and if so what method did you use? There are videos of people using disinfectant spray on their cowl ventilation and then other methods using a foam spray to really clean the system. I would imagine using an actual cleaner to flush the gunk would be the best method.

Anyone try this?

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[Labswine]

Check that your condensate drain line isn't plugged or blocked in any way.

The condensate can sit there and grow mold which contributes to the unpleasant aroma(s).

I had this issue in my '08 Grand Cherokee Overland (Hemi) that I had purchased used. I had the dealership take care of it. First they put a new drain line on then very carefully drilled a hole in the top of the condenser coil box (don't nick any of the coils or you lose refrigerant) then they sprayed a disinfectant foam in there, let it sit for like half a day, then flushed and sealed that hole they drilled. Never had an odor issue again.

But, the biggest thing is to make sure your condensate drain line is free and clear of any blockage.

 

[Charles 236]

There are different evaporator cleaners available. I would get one and use it as directed. Also, make sure the evaporator drain is not clogged.

 

[jeepers29]

Bet it smells better than rotten whale meat.

 

[Main Line Willys]

Have you changed out your cabin filter?

 

[AmosMoses]

Have you changed out your cabin filter?

No not yet. Just hit 42k miles though so Iam sure it's due. I did change a filter on a 14 wrangler thinking it would help the ac smell but it did not. You have to clean out the source I beleive.

 

[Killroy Was Here]

Bet it smells better than rotten whale meat.

Counting down how long until @Gvsukids posts a link to the rotton whale meat stink thread.

 

[jav_eee]

Pull the air filter (which probably should’ve been changed long ago, mine gets dirty pretty quick) and run your jeep on a low speed in recirculate for 20 minutes or so with one of these. Should kill whatever is causing the smell.

https://a.co/d/j6jVnlx

 

[Charles 236]

Definitely need to change the cabin air filter, I have seen several that were not just dirty but also covered in mold.

 

[GeneralMaximus]

ditto on the Ozone generator. Kills all mildew and bacterial related smells

 

[Janster]

Not with Gladiator...but any other vehicle I've owned (that had a cabin air filter) - I check them every year. I've gone about 2 years before replacing or yearly. They can get really dirty.

I'd love to find a 'washable' Cabin air filter. Depending on the filter material, I've taken them out and blown out the dirt and put it back in. Most filters I've purchased in the last few years, are sooo thin and flimsy (can't blow them out) OR they have some sort of Carbon layer in it.

 

[AmosMoses]

Pull the air filter (which probably should’ve been changed long ago, mine gets dirty pretty quick) and run your jeep on a low speed in recirculate for 20 minutes or so with one of these. Should kill whatever is causing the smell.

https://a.co/d/j6jVnlx
[/believe.

Isn't it bad to let the pentastar idle that long?

 

[jav_eee]

if you’re worried about idling then use a tazer or similar device to raise the idle speed. Me personally I don’t worry about it. I idle my vehicles all the time, too damn hot down here to be turning them off all the time.

 

[SPED1]

https://www.amazon.com/BG-Frigi-Fre...5c5a9377bfeb35d8bad93496348eec06&gad_source=1


This is what we use for AC stank in the fleet shop I work at. Also have used at every dealership I worked at. Follow directions and you are all set!

 

[Gvsukids]

No, it's not bad to let the vehicle idle.

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