when I first turn on the ac it smells like old sneakers. I've tried putting lysol in the cowl intake and it helps a little but doesn't complete cure it.

I'm sure there is mold or something nasty going on. what's the best way to tackle this? I've heard it's a common c5 problem, and the "stealer" had a treatment system. how much should that cost?

thanks for any advice.

 

I had this issue when I first bought my car and took it to the stealer. I forget exactly what they did, but I do remember it costed about $200. Apparenty we dont have AC filters in our cars so they have to clean out somthing else instead. Sorry I cant be more help.

My udders were totally clogged last month and cause water to leak into my car...AC is back to smelling like a locker room for the first minute or so every time I run it. Hope someone can tell us how to fix this on our own.

 

even with my udders clean, there is that a/c startup smell. ive tried turning the a/c off and letting the fan run for a min before shutting the car off and that doesnt work

 

My wive's tahoe and my vette both suffer from the same smelly AC. I have not tried it yet but have read on other sites thanks to Mr. Google about BG Frigi-Fresh. According to the sites it is what the dealers use to get ride of the smell. I have found it online for $8.95 so I am curious to see what the dealer has it for?

 

In Houston, ... $26.65 for a kit to first clean, then refresh.

 

More details please...

 

 

I looked at those products and they look like a good way to go.

anyone have information about how to do this. not sure about cleaning out the "udders" or how to get access to the eval core and use these products. like to not spend 2 bills if I can avoid it.

thanks!

 

Search the word utters and you'll find out about them. It's easy to see and reach the drivers side but not quite as easy for the passenger side.

 

Cleaning the udders is not in relation to the stinky A/C issue. Use a kit is really the only way unless you choose to replace the part where the bacteria etc accumulates and have the system recharged. This would be expensive and destined to happen again after some time. All newer vehicles with A/C will eventually suffer from this condition which is why the kit is recommended. Mine stinks too, just haven't gotten around to dealing with it.

 

I got one too. I'm not hearing the answer, other than take it to the stealer. Tell us more about these kits, where do you get it, and how do you use it. The Frigi-Fresh looks like it is in a spray can. More info. please.

 

I know the utters are not what makes the smell, but he did ask about cleaning the utters.
I looked at those products and they look like a good way to go. anyone have information about how to do this. not sure about cleaning out the "udders" or how to get access to the eval core and use these products. like to not spend 2 bills if I can avoid it.

thanks!

 

ttt like to hear more about cleaning out the evap core and getting rid of the ac stink it goes away fairly quick, but I'd like to do this my self it I can. thanks for any advice

 

I haven't had the problem (yet) but I'd have to guess that any aerosol, like Lysol, that can kill mould should do the job if you put enough to it.

I'd try putting the heater fan on high and then empty a can of Lysol through the fresh air intake. Use one of those extender tubes that comes with WD-40 to keep the can upright. As soon as the can was empty, shut the fan off and let the stuff sit. It has to kill the mold that's causing the stink!!

My two cents .... RonJ ....

 

Google 'BG Figi Fresh' to find retailers of the products in your area.
http://www.bgprod.com/products/climatecontrol.html

As an air conditioning system functions, moisture is removed from the air by the evaporator. This moisture, along with dirt, dust, pollens and other debris are combined to produce colonies of mold and fungi in the evaporator core and housing. The end result is that mold spores are blown into the occupants of the vehicle. Allergic reactions to these spores result in complaints of headaches dizziness, burning sensations of the eyes, labored breathing and musty odors. To help in solving these problems, automotive technicians have had no choice but to remove the evaporator assembly and clean the mold and fungi growth from the core. This is a lengthy and costly ordeal that guarantees no success as these organisms rapidly grow again. BG Frigi-Fresh and Frigi Clean have been formulated to quickly kill mold, mildew fungi and other odor-producing organisms that grow in the evaporator core and housing with a short procedure conducted by our technicians. Powerful deodorizers keep the interior of your automobile smelling fresh and clean. BG Frigi-Fresh (part no. 708) is an EPA and USDA accepted disinfectant, deodorant and sanitizer.


BG Frigi-Fresh®
BG Frigi-Fresh® is formulated to quickly and effectively eliminate foul, musty odors from automobile air conditioning systems. It kills mold, mildew and other odor-producing organisms that grow in the evaporator core and housing. Powerful deodorizers in BG Frigi-Fresh® keep the automobile interior smelling fresh and clean. EPA Reg. No. 44446-20-67145.
Part No. 7083 Net Wt. 1 oz. (28.3 g)/Volume 1.12 fl. oz. (33.1 mL)
Part No. 708 Net Wt. 5.5 oz. (156 g)/Volume 6.17 fl. oz. (182.6 mL)

BG Frigi-Clean®
Odors, bacteria, mold, spores, fungi, road grime, nicotine oils and debris accumulate in your car’s air conditioning evaporator. BG Frigi-Clean® restores heating/cooling efficiency and freshens interior air. It is a unique cleaning solution designed to quickly and effectively remove foul odors, bacteria, mold, spores, fungi, road grime, nicotine oils and debris that accumulate in your car’s air conditioning evaporator. BG Frigi-Clean® is injected directly into the evaporator case. It foams up to completely fill the evaporator core where it also blasts away bug parts, pet hair, nicotine residue and other garbage. BG Frigi-Clean® is biodegradable, non-toxic, non-corrosive.
Part No. 709 Net Wt. 7 oz. (198.4 g)/Volume 6.65 fl. oz. (197 mL)

Online retailers sell the 5.5 oz for around $28, but on the auction site I've seen it for around $8.
It is absolutely worth giving it a try for this price, wouldn't you agree? Although I have not many, many people have had very positive successful experiences with the BG products apparently.

 

The "poor boys" thing to do is every once in a while, with the A/C on, turn the temp as hot as it will go, and let it run for a few minutes. The heat will help clear out the residual moisture.

 

I had this issue when I first got my car. It turned out that spiders had built a nest in the overflow tube that drains the system and clogged it up. Ultimately, it overflowed' shorting out the BCM and cost a lot to fix. This is an issue with cars that are in storage for extended periods of time.

To see if you have the same problem, when the air is on look for water under the car. If there isn't, don't run the air and get the tube unclogged asap.

Dave

 

I believe and double check this...to use Frigi-Clean you have to drill a small hole in the evaporator case and apply. When you are done you have to seal the hole with silicon or something.

Thanks

 

http://www.1z-usa.com/AC_Cleaner.html

should be able to get this from AutoGeek, I have heard pretty good things about it.

 

What I do to avoid it from happening, is about 4 to 5 minutes before I end my drive I shut down the AC. It drys out the system and doesn't let the mold start. You will know it when you get it.

Oneshot has the correct fix in my opinion, I had it in my Monte several years ago, and it drove me nuts. The product he suggests works and be sure to follow the instructions. The problem will be gone in one or two applications.

After you clean it up, remember what I suggest to avoid the problem. I have never had it since I let the system dry out after use.

Good luck, Vinnie