moldi smell from AC

Prepare for a battle. Once mold gets started in the A/C it can be very tenacious. For more info, try

and the links from there.

A popular DIY approach involves flushing the evaporator with alcohol of some sort. Rubbing alcohol is satisfactory. The basic procedure is:

*Locate the drain tube under the car; it is usually near the firewall around the passenger's feet. It will be a plastic tube about 1/4 inch diameter that disappears into the passenger compartment. Whan the A/C has been operating the end of the tube should be wet and probably dripping cold water. *Use tape or similar to attach some squirter (large syringe, turkey baster, etc.) filled with alcohol to the bottom of the tube, then force a few (about 2 - 6) ounces of alcohol through the tube to flush debris out, then remove the injector device to let the alcohol drain out. *Locate the recirculate intake of the air conditioner. It is normally under the dash near the passenger's knees. *Put at least 8 oz of alcohol in a spray bottle. *Set the A/C to maximum fan and recirculate (usually called "max") . Set the temperature full cold. Spray the alcohol into the intake - the more the better.

If all goes well a lot of the mold will be flushed out and much of the rest will be killed by the alcohol. Be sure to let the car air out for a while afterward :-)

Be sure to keep up with the cabin air filter changes. A common misconception is that it is there primarily for the occupants, but it is primarily for the health of the evaporator.

Mike