Bad smell when air is on - The Ford Focus Forum

**anthonygpace** · 08-29-2009, 01:09 PM

not the a/c or heat it smells bad when you just turn on the fan or whatever you want to call it. is there somewhere i can clean out.

**Redlight** · 08-29-2009, 11:11 PM

Sounds like your vents or fan has mold or bacteria present.

dave.

**PampasFoci** · 09-18-2009, 02:13 PM

Check the cabin filter

**blackbird** · 09-18-2009, 02:37 PM

Also make sure that the drain for the evaporator box isn't clogged up. If it is, the evaporator portion of the air conditioning unit (which is a radiator-type looking device that's inside a box under your dash and is what the cold refrigerant passes through) won't be able to drain as the system cycles on and off and the ice that forms on its surface (from moisture in the air) melts. This can cause mold/mildew to grow and cause a foul odor when you run the system.

I can't recall for sure on the Focus, but there should be some type of small rubber hose/tube looking thing coming out of the firewall on the back side of the engine compartment on the passenger side for this drain.

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 09-19-2009, 01:57 PM

You can get aerosol cans of "Disodorizer" that disinfects the A/C systems at most automotive parts stores.

I have a can at home that I have to use every couple years but I can't remember the name of it right now.

You just spray it though the drivers side cowl panel while the A/C is on and it suck the stuff through the system.

It will have a pretty strong smell but it's better then the barnyard smell of the dirty system.

08-29-2009, 01:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
anthonygpace TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dearborn, Grosse ile, Trenton Michigan Posts: 154	Bad smell when air is on not the a/c or heat it smells bad when you just turn on the fan or whatever you want to call it. is there somewhere i can clean out. __________________ Stock Focus

08-29-2009, 11:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
Redlight Your friendly neighborhood douche pickle Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: s a n a n t o n i o Posts: 8,660	Re: Bad smell when air is on Sounds like your vents or fan has mold or bacteria present. dave. __________________ Was going to put something witty here, but the only thing I could think of was "boobs".

09-18-2009, 02:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
PampasFoci TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Posts: 340	Re: Bad smell when air is on Check the cabin filter

09-18-2009, 02:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
blackbird Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: SoCal (High Desert) Posts: 1,620	Re: Bad smell when air is on Also make sure that the drain for the evaporator box isn't clogged up. If it is, the evaporator portion of the air conditioning unit (which is a radiator-type looking device that's inside a box under your dash and is what the cold refrigerant passes through) won't be able to drain as the system cycles on and off and the ice that forms on its surface (from moisture in the air) melts. This can cause mold/mildew to grow and cause a foul odor when you run the system. I can't recall for sure on the Focus, but there should be some type of small rubber hose/tube looking thing coming out of the firewall on the back side of the engine compartment on the passenger side for this drain. __________________ Eric H. '04 SVTF (Screaming Yellow/EAP ZX3) - '02 SVTF (CD Silver - Vortech-equipped) '92 Dodge Daytona IROC R/T - '81 & '85 Chevy Citation X-11 - '93 Olds Achieva SCX W41 (x2) plus a Cobalt, a Neon, and a bunch of other stuff...

09-19-2009, 01:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
FORDSVTPARTS Premier Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 9,101	Re: Bad smell when air is on You can get aerosol cans of "Disodorizer" that disinfects the A/C systems at most automotive parts stores. I have a can at home that I have to use every couple years but I can't remember the name of it right now. You just spray it though the drivers side cowl panel while the A/C is on and it suck the stuff through the system. It will have a pretty strong smell but it's better then the barnyard smell of the dirty system. __________________ To order from me just call 1-800-328-9552 and ask for Steve or use one of the methods below. Now accepting online orders here http://www.tousleyfordparts.com You can also find us here http://forums.focaljet.com/tousley-ford/ 2002 Silver SVT #2952 , custom CAI , Stage 2 throttle body, VF rear mount, FRPP 9mm wires, EAP/MACH HID's, Borla exhaust, K-W springs, Screamin Demon coil, Tuned by Mike at Unique Tuning in S.C.

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