[SDEAL5]

Thank you master tech for the insight on this smelly situation.

 

[SDEAL5]

Thanks for the how to @TheDude I too am going to do this. I'm so guilty of running my ac on recirculate all the time. Smh never again. Thanks.

 

[SDEAL5]

No problem. I originally used a video on youtube on how to change the cabin filter to figure out how to do it. Same way to get to the drain.
Amazon has the Kool It for a good price. There's a seller that sells 2 cans for a better price then amazon as of me writing this.
It's been awhile since my post and the smell is somewhat back. It's not nearly as bad, but I am going to do it again. I'm sure my coils were so nasty prior to me doing it so hopefully the 2nd treatment will take care of it for much longer.
I've owned a lot of cars and never had this issue.
I know the previous owner never changed the cabin filter which just added to the problem. That thing was so nasty and clogged with all kinds of junk. I wish I could actually remove the coil easily and just clean it with some heavy duty coil cleaner and rinsing.

Yes it would be nice, but for now this is the only option we have. I have already located the hose for the drain (I have changed my cabin air filter a few times) but it's nice to know that there is now something I can do about that odor that does not require drilling holes into my car.

 

[SDEAL5]

The evaporator is just in front of the of the cabin filter, with the filter removed you can almost touch it .

The previous owner must have run the AC on recirculate the majority of the time. That is a no-no .

Running it on recirculate does not let any fresh outside air over the evaporator , the system just keeps using the damp interior air over and over . This can and will cause mold to form and odors too.


So here is what you do.

1. remove the micro filter and install the door.
2. get a can of Lysol mold and mildew spray.
3. start the car, fan speed on high , with the system set to fresh air not recirculate.
4. at the base of the windshield on the passenger side you see the lower windshield cowling, it has holes in it.
5. spray about 1/3 of the can through those holes, the spray will get sucked into the HVAC system and across the evaporator.
the lysol will begin to kill the mold spores.

repeat the process again in a few days until the can is gone.

Run the system on fresh air as much as possible, if you are in traaffic and the exhaust odor is too much put it on recirc but return it to fresh when you can.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the very helpful info, I havent done any of the recommended treatment as of yet but since i seen what you said about running the hvac on recirculate. I ve been running my hvac system on fresh air and no more odor. Im still gonna do the kool-it l treatment this up coming weekend tho.