Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Honda Cars / July 2007

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

A/C related smell

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
gigelus2k3 - 10 Jul 2007 04:15 GMT
Hi,

I just started noticing a rather minor inconvenience with my '98
Civic. Whenever I'm starting the car after previously turning it off
with the A/C working, for the first few minutes the ventilated air has
a tepid smell, regardless of whether the A/C works or not. The smell
is hard to describe, it hints an old, rotten, steaming rag. This did
not happen before or with my other, newer Civic.

If previously the car was turned off without having the A/C operating,
no smell comes out when I turned it back on.

What's up with this? Does the A/C need some sort of servicing? Is this
the way old A/C goes?

Thank you.
mjc13<REMOVETHIS> - 10 Jul 2007 04:51 GMT
> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Thank you.

   You can use the rather toxic A/C cleaners commonly available, find a
shop that will use ozone to clean out the system, or make your own
cleaner with vodka and cider vinegar, believe it or not. To reduce the
smell, always turn the A/C and recirculate controls off well before you
shut the engine off, to dry out the coils. Also make sure the condensate
drain isn't blocked.
Michael Pardee - 10 Jul 2007 04:58 GMT
> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Thank you.

The drain may need to be cleaned out. It is nothing more than a plastic tube
that runs from the drain pan to the underside of the car near the
passenger's feet. Cleaning is done by running a cleaning rod of some sort up
the tube or by blowing air through it. If the drain plugs up altogether it
is common for the drain pan to overflow with condensed water and soak the
carpet on the passenger side.

This is a very common problem and not often easy to correct. The smell comes
from mold trying to grow in the evaporator and drain pan. IIRC it was one of
the regulars here that came up with a vodka procedure (no kidding!) to knock
down the mold - maybe he will update me. This product has had good reviews,
too: http://www.carfood.com/bgfridsysdis.html

Mike
gigelus2k3 - 10 Jul 2007 05:03 GMT
On Jul 9, 9:00 pm, "Michael Pardee" <michaeltn...@cybertrails.com>
wrote:

> > Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
>
> Mike

Thanks for the heads-up. I'm glad that this is a common occurrence :-)
Where can I find some drawings or procedure description about this
thing? Is this tube accessible from the interior?

Thank you.
Michael Pardee - 10 Jul 2007 05:27 GMT
> On Jul 9, 9:00 pm, "Michael Pardee" <michaeltn...@cybertrails.com>
> wrote:
[quoted text clipped - 43 lines]
>
> Thank you.

The interior end is hidden under the dash, but the outside end isn't hard to
find on a muggy day. When the A/C runs and there is humidity in the air the
drain tube will drip water (unless it is completely plugged). If you let the
car idle a few minutes with the windows open and the A/C on you will see a
puddle forming on the ground near the passenger door - that is dripping from
the drain.

You may want to spend the modest amount to have an A/C pro check it out.
They can ensure the drain is clear and probably have a procedure that works
well.

Mike
Gordon McGrew - 10 Jul 2007 06:47 GMT
>On Jul 9, 9:00 pm, "Michael Pardee" <michaeltn...@cybertrails.com>
>wrote:
[quoted text clipped - 36 lines]
>
>Thank you.

It is a common occurrence and the suggestions offered so far are good,
but here is something easy that works for me.  Anticipate arrival at
your destination and turn the AC off a mile or so before you get
there.  Run the fan at full blast.  The cabin doesn't heat up much and
it completely eliminates the problem in both my Hondas.  (At least to
the extent of my ability to smell it.)
mjc13<REMOVETHIS> - 10 Jul 2007 05:38 GMT
>>Hi,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
>
> Mike

   Here it is. I had to do a web search myself to find it.  ;-)

                  Non-toxic A/C System Cleaner

Mold, mildew and fungus growth in automotive A/C systems is a
common problem, especially when the air intake control is
regularly set to "recirculate" or "Max A/C". There are commercial
cleaners available that can control the problem, but I have yet to
locate one that isn't both moderately toxic and strong-smelling.
Since I'm somewhat sensitive to noxious odors and to chemicals
like ammonia, I have developed an easy to mix, non-toxic
alternative that, for me at least, works as well as or better than the
commercial products. In the interest of a less-toxic environment
and as a public service, I am posting it.

Materials Needed:

Clean adjustable spray bottle, preferably 24oz or smaller.

Cheap vodka

Apple cider vinegar

It is probably possible to use white wine vinegar, but I haven't
tried it. Feel free to experiment, at your own risk. Mix the two
ingredients in the bottle: three or four parts vodka to one part cider
vinegar.

Application:

With the recirculate control set to "fresh", the ventilation fan on
medium, all windows open ,and the engine and A/C running, spray
generous amounts of the mixture into all of the outside air intakes.
These intakes are usually located at the base of the windshield. If the
system is already seriously moldy, wait a minute, set the air intake
control to "recirculate" or "Max A/C", and spray the mixture into the
air recirculate intake, usually located above the front passenger
footwell, or sometimes behind the glovebox. Let the A/C and fan
run for another minute or two, then switch off first the A/C, then
the engine. The car will smell strongly of vinegar for an hour or
two, but I find this to be both far preferable to the smell of the
commercial cleaners and shorter-lived. Leave the windows open a
little when finished, if possible.
Like commercial cleaners, one application may not be enough,
so I suggest weekly applications until the problem is gone, then
preventative treatment once a month during warm weather.

Precautions:

This formula is non-toxic, but not completely harmless. Use
common sense when applying it. That means not getting the spray
in eyes, nose or open wounds, and not applying it with people or
animals in the vehicle. Depending on the proportions (and again
like some commercial products) the mixture may be flammable, so
don't apply it while smoking or near any combustion source.

As with the commercial cleaners, remove any residue from painted
and/or plastic surfaces after application, as it may harm the finish.

Finally, don't drive the vehicle until the vapor has dissipated; not
only is there a slight potential for intoxication, there is also the
possibility that this cleaner can produce a false positive on a police
breath alcohol analyzer.
gigelus2k3 - 10 Jul 2007 05:55 GMT
On Jul 9, 9:38 pm, "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"

> >>Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 91 lines]
> possibility that this cleaner can produce a false positive on a police
> breath alcohol analyzer.

Thanks.

It sounds so fun that I'll try this method tomorrow. As I don't have
any wodka at home (and the tzuica I drink is far too precious for this
purpose), I think I'll substitute sanitary (ethylic) alcohol for it.

One thing I guess I have to check is if the tube is still draining
(i.e. if I get a condensate pool under the car). If not, the car will
see the mechanic.

B.t.w., the A/C was seldom used (I'm a MPG fanatic) and always on
Fresh intake. It's the age and the fact that the A/C system was never
serviced.

Kind regards
mjc13<REMOVETHIS> - 10 Jul 2007 06:23 GMT
> On Jul 9, 9:38 pm, "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"
>
[quoted text clipped - 109 lines]
>
> Kind regards

   I'm also a 'MPG fanatic', but I've found that the A/C uses little
fuel if you don't mind turning it off to accelerate and to climb hills.
Years ago I even built a unit that used a headlight relay to turn the
A/C on only when the brakes were being applied. It was perfect for city
driving.
Woody - 11 Jul 2007 01:04 GMT
Not familiar with that year but make sure it doesn't have a cabin filter. A
10 year old cabin filter will really smell....

>> On Jul 9, 9:38 pm, "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"
>>
[quoted text clipped - 122 lines]
> ago I even built a unit that used a headlight relay to turn the A/C on
> only when the brakes were being applied. It was perfect for city driving.
gigelus2k3 - 11 Jul 2007 02:27 GMT
> Not familiar with that year but make sure it doesn't have a cabin filter. A
> 10 year old cabin filter will really smell....

I don't think the Civics have such a thing; there's no mention of a
cabin filter in the Owner's Manual.
who - 23 Jul 2007 18:57 GMT
> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Thank you.
I have the problem with my Chrysler of the mid 90s.
I bought from the dealer a commercial A/C duct cleaner they use.
Whenever I get that stale smell, about 3 times per year in our moist
climate, I spray it into the outside air intake with fans running and
select the various A/C duct options for a few minutes each, just before
garaging my car for the evening.  The next morning it's fine.
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2008 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.