Air Conditioning (A/C) Odor Treatment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Lincoln Navigator and 2017 Ford Expedition. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
There are typically 4 types of objectionable odors found in a vehicle:
- Chemical odors
- Environmental odors
- Human and other interior-generated odors
- Microbiological odors
Before determining that Air Conditioning (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 are 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 are more intense when recirculated air is used. Microbiological odors are not 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 Motorcraft ® A/C Cooling Coil Coating (YN-29) 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 type of odor present in the vehicle. Do not proceed with A/C odor treatment if the odor source is found to be outside of the A/C system. Refer to the following chart for examples.Odor Source Odor Description Chemical Odors Coolant Sweet smell Fuel Gasoline or diesel fuel smell Oil Oil type or burning smell Power Steering Fluid Oil type or burning smell Transmission Fluid Oil type or burning smell Washer Fluid Alcohol type smell Gear Lube Garlic/sulfur smell Refrigerant Oil Ether type smell Carpet/trim Adhesives Fishy, urine or sweet smell Evaporator Core Coating Wet cement type smell Environmental Odors Exhaust Exhaust, fuel or burning type smell Industrial Pollutants Various smells Dust Musty, mildew or wet cement type smell Pollen Sweet smell Tobacco Burning, tar smell Human and Other Interior Generated Odors Body Secretions Body odor Perfuming Agents Sweet or fragrance smell Clothing Musty, mildew or body odors Food/Beverage Sweet, musty, mildew or fishy smell Microbiological Odors Microbiological Odors Occurring Inside of A/C System Musty, mildew smell lasting about 30 seconds after A/C is turned on Microbiological Odors Occurring Outside of A/C System Musty, mildew smell lasting indefinitely and possibly more pronounced when using recirculated air
- 2.
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 cabin air filter and cabin air filter 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.
- 5.
Set the following.- Select PANEL mode (A/C off).
- Adjust the temperature setting to full warm.
- Adjust the blower motor speed to HI.
- 9.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).
- 10.NOTE: To avoid damage to the vehicle interior, do not spill or spray this product on any interior surface.NOTE: Only Motorcraft ® A/C Cooling Coil Coating (YN-29) is approved for use on Ford vehicles. No other coating is approved. Use of other coatings may cause damage to the factory coating and more odor issues.
Add one full bottle of Motorcraft ® A/C Cooling Coil Coating (YN-29) to the A/C Odor Remover Flexible Applicator tool. Material: Motorcraft ® A/C Cooling Coil Coating (YN-29).
- 258-62644 A/C Odor Remover Flexible Applicator
- 11.
Insert the nozzle into the evaporator housing and direct the spray toward the evaporator core face. Spray the entire evaporator core face until empty.