Was thinking about a possible way to reduce the odor smell when using the A/C

[bronsin]

Are you running your AC for long periods of time on recirc?

[captainm27]

Originally Posted by CTScott

Did you see the threads about the TSB on the HVAC smell? Yours probably falls into the list of affected serial numbers.

The smell is supposedly due to a material issue with the evaporator.

If it isn't the TSB issue, the other common cause is the airbox being backed up with condensate. If you don't have a cabin air filter installed then "stuff" can get sucked in from outside when you are running the AC with outside air. If that "stuff" gets into the airbox it will plug up the condensate drain.

Hmm.....will do some searches on the TSB here. Thanks for the tip!

Originally Posted by bronsin

Are you running your AC for long periods of time on recirc?

Actually, to be honest, it happens rather quickly. I can turn the A/C on, and within 5 minutes, start smelling something. However, the biggest and worst smell comes from when the A/C is running for about 15 or more minutes, and then you shut it off, and just let the fan keep blowing, the nasty smell comes in. Does mold grow that quickly?

[CTScott]

Attached is a copy of the TSB...

T-SB-0103-09 07-08 HVAC Odor.pdf

[captainm27]

Originally Posted by CTScott

Attached is a copy of the TSB...

Attachment 33606

Hey, wow, thanks for the link! But I looked at the repair time. I'm guessing the 4.0 means 4 hours? Do they have to take the entire dash apart to fix this problem? If so, do you think I'm better off just dealing with the smell than risking anything possible being left undone after being taken apart and put back together?

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by captainm27

Hey, wow, thanks for the link! But I looked at the repair time. I'm guessing the 4.0 means 4 hours? Do they have to take the entire dash apart to fix this problem? If so, do you think I'm better off just dealing with the smell than risking anything possible being left undone after being taken apart and put back together?

It is 4 hours and yes, they have to remove the entire dash to get the evaporator out of the airbox.

If yours falls into the TSB group, I would have it done (but, make sure that the dealer that you bring it to has a good reputation service wise). With how much disassembly has to happen, there is the opportunity for issues, but if it stinks now, it's not going to get any better over time.