Rookie C5 Question....Ooh that smell!!
08-01-2015, 04:35 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Rookie C5 Question....Ooh that smell!!
LOL. I bought a '99 Coupe back in March. It's a really nice car with 31K miles. Z51, 6-speed, active handling, 3.42 gear, blah, blah, blah
Beautiful car that was bought new by a friends Dad. Garage kept, rarely driven and then it sat with no tags from '08 until March with just monthly startups and rides around the block. The car looks new on the exterior and interior......but it has a "stale" smell about it that seems to come out of the AC vents when I turn it on. It's not bad, not unbearable and not from cig smoke or from wetness.....but it's there and it drives me phucking nuts.
I did find a bunch of dried leaves in the fender wells and up in the front of the radiator and cleaned them out. I've also put a few air fresheners in it and that seems to help, but it just masks it.
What I am wondering is if there is an air filter for the interior? There has got to be a way to get it to smell better. Thanks much in advance if anyone can help..
Craig
Beautiful car that was bought new by a friends Dad. Garage kept, rarely driven and then it sat with no tags from '08 until March with just monthly startups and rides around the block. The car looks new on the exterior and interior......but it has a "stale" smell about it that seems to come out of the AC vents when I turn it on. It's not bad, not unbearable and not from cig smoke or from wetness.....but it's there and it drives me phucking nuts.
I did find a bunch of dried leaves in the fender wells and up in the front of the radiator and cleaned them out. I've also put a few air fresheners in it and that seems to help, but it just masks it.What I am wondering is if there is an air filter for the interior? There has got to be a way to get it to smell better. Thanks much in advance if anyone can help..
Craig
08-01-2015, 04:51 PM
#2
Racer
Never tried this product myself, but just a thought.
Last edited by caroutisine; 08-01-2015 at 04:55 PM.
08-01-2015, 04:59 PM
#3
1/4 mile/AutoX
mice nests in the ac tubes and heater vents ??????????
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Heyspike (06-18-2019)
08-01-2015, 05:00 PM
#4
Pro
Common issue as bacteria builds up inside the ducting. There are a few threads on this all involving spraying either a disinfectant or Fabreeze type spray at various points in the HVAC system. SOme have sprayed directly into the vents themselves. I have the same issue from my A/C and have to deal with it soon.
08-01-2015, 06:11 PM
#5
Instructor
You're in Fl., there could be mold / mildew in the HVAC system. I have not checked to see if there's a cabin filter in our C5's, if there is that should be replaced. Next you need to find a chemical that will kill mold/mildew & misc odors. That needs to be sprayed into the ventilation system.
You need to locate the exterior air intake vent. It's under the hood usually below the windshield on the firewall. Turn on the AC with fan on high. Set it to exterior air intake. Spray the chemical into the intake vent, stick your head in, if you can smell the chemical you sprayed into the vent, then it's working it's way through. Keep the car completely closed. Let it run for a few minutes. There's also an interior intake vent. It's usually located on the passenger side of the console above where your left foot would be when sitting in the passenger seat. Keep the AC on but now switch to RECIRCULATE AIR, spray the deodorizer up into the intake vent. Shut the door & let it run another few minutes.
If you found the right chemical then it will work.
Lastly, you can wipe down all the interior surfaces with the same stuff. Seats, dash, headliner etc. The odor often bonds to interior surfaces & needs to be deodorized. Spray onto a cloth NEVER SPRAY DIRECTLY ONTO ANY SURFACE and wipe down all the surfaces.
This should take care of it for you
You need to locate the exterior air intake vent. It's under the hood usually below the windshield on the firewall. Turn on the AC with fan on high. Set it to exterior air intake. Spray the chemical into the intake vent, stick your head in, if you can smell the chemical you sprayed into the vent, then it's working it's way through. Keep the car completely closed. Let it run for a few minutes. There's also an interior intake vent. It's usually located on the passenger side of the console above where your left foot would be when sitting in the passenger seat. Keep the AC on but now switch to RECIRCULATE AIR, spray the deodorizer up into the intake vent. Shut the door & let it run another few minutes.
If you found the right chemical then it will work.
Lastly, you can wipe down all the interior surfaces with the same stuff. Seats, dash, headliner etc. The odor often bonds to interior surfaces & needs to be deodorized. Spray onto a cloth NEVER SPRAY DIRECTLY ONTO ANY SURFACE and wipe down all the surfaces.
This should take care of it for you
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Heyspike (06-18-2019)
08-01-2015, 07:03 PM
#8
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with the above and just as a note, there is no cabin air filter on the C5.
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Heyspike (06-18-2019)
08-02-2015, 07:38 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
You're in Fl., there could be mold / mildew in the HVAC system. I have not checked to see if there's a cabin filter in our C5's, if there is that should be replaced. Next you need to find a chemical that will kill mold/mildew & misc odors. That needs to be sprayed into the ventilation system.
You need to locate the exterior air intake vent. It's under the hood usually below the windshield on the firewall. Turn on the AC with fan on high. Set it to exterior air intake. Spray the chemical into the intake vent, stick your head in, if you can smell the chemical you sprayed into the vent, then it's working it's way through. Keep the car completely closed. Let it run for a few minutes. There's also an interior intake vent. It's usually located on the passenger side of the console above where your left foot would be when sitting in the passenger seat. Keep the AC on but now switch to RECIRCULATE AIR, spray the deodorizer up into the intake vent. Shut the door & let it run another few minutes.
If you found the right chemical then it will work.
Lastly, you can wipe down all the interior surfaces with the same stuff. Seats, dash, headliner etc. The odor often bonds to interior surfaces & needs to be deodorized. Spray onto a cloth NEVER SPRAY DIRECTLY ONTO ANY SURFACE and wipe down all the surfaces.
This should take care of it for you
You need to locate the exterior air intake vent. It's under the hood usually below the windshield on the firewall. Turn on the AC with fan on high. Set it to exterior air intake. Spray the chemical into the intake vent, stick your head in, if you can smell the chemical you sprayed into the vent, then it's working it's way through. Keep the car completely closed. Let it run for a few minutes. There's also an interior intake vent. It's usually located on the passenger side of the console above where your left foot would be when sitting in the passenger seat. Keep the AC on but now switch to RECIRCULATE AIR, spray the deodorizer up into the intake vent. Shut the door & let it run another few minutes.
If you found the right chemical then it will work.
Lastly, you can wipe down all the interior surfaces with the same stuff. Seats, dash, headliner etc. The odor often bonds to interior surfaces & needs to be deodorized. Spray onto a cloth NEVER SPRAY DIRECTLY ONTO ANY SURFACE and wipe down all the surfaces.
This should take care of it for you
08-02-2015, 07:46 PM
#11
Melting Slicks
Almost certain C5's didn't get one, but they started showing up in 05. I could be wrong though.
Seeing as how you have a 99 I thought this might be useful especially with were you live. Not sure if the part numbers have changed, but hopefully it's of some help.
99-01-39-004A
A/C - Odor Emission in Hot Weather
May, 2001
Subject: Air Conditioning Odor (Install Kit)
Models: 1993-2002 Passenger Cars, 1993-2002 Light & Medium Duty Trucks
This bulletin is being revised to update the model years, service procedure, parts information and to add the GEO and Medium Duty models. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 99-01-39-004 (Section 01 - HVAC).
Condition
Some customers may comment on odors emitted from the air conditioning system, primarily at start-up in hot humid climates.
Cause
This odor may be the result of microbial growth on the evaporator core. When the blower motor fan is turned on, the microbial growth may release an unpleasant, musty odor into the passenger compartment. There are several other possible sources of a musty odor in a vehicle. A common source is a water leak. Follow the Service Manual procedure for identifying and correcting water leaks if other odor sources are found. The procedure contained in this bulletin is only applicable if the source of the odor has already been determined to be the HVAC module.
Correction
To remove odors of this type, it is necessary to eliminate the microbial growth and prevent its re-occurrence. To accomplish this, the following steps must be completed:
# Apply evaporator core Cooling Coil Coating (Aerosol 6 oz), P/N 12377951 (AC Del co(R) 15-102) (in Canada, use P/N 10953503) or Cooling Coil Coating Kit with Extension Nozzle, P/N 12346391 (AC Del co(R) 10-120). Refills are available for the Cooling Coil Coating Kit with Extension Nozzle, P/N 12346391 (AC Del co(R) 10-120). Refer to the chart below.
# Install the Electronic Evaporator Dryer, P/N 12497910 (AC Del co(R) 15-5876).
Important: The Cooling Coil Coatings listed above are the only GM approved products for the disinfection and long-term control of evaporator microbial growth. The Cooling Coil Coating will disinfect the evaporator core and help inhibit the growth of future mold and mildew.
The Electronic Evaporator Dryer will activate when the ambient temperature near the module is above 16°C (60°F) when the vehicle is started up. Approximately 30 minutes after the vehicle has been turned off, the blower will activate for 10 seconds every 10 minutes for 2 hours unless the vehicle is restarted. If a restart occurs, the Electronic Evaporator Dryer module will reset automatically. This on/off blower activation will dry the evaporator core and case reducing the chance of reoccurring A/C odor. The Electronic Evaporator Dryer is self fused and has a battery rundown protection feature that inactivates the dryer if voltage drops below 12.5 volts.
Service Procedure
# Visually inspect the air conditioning evaporator drain hose for obstructions and/or working condition.
# The cooling coil coating fluid must be applied to a dry evaporator core. Apply coil coating fluid as described in the instructions supplied with the kit. In some instances, the blower motor resistor can be removed for this spraying operation. If used, the opening can be taped over and the nozzle inserted through a hole in the tape. The kit instructions identify a drilling procedure to apply the coating fluid. When using this type of procedure, care must be taken to avoid evaporator damage and any holes must be properly sealed. Some coating fluid may overflow from the drain hose.
Important: When installing the Electric Evaporator Module, you MUST use the included electrical splice connectors to ensure a splice.
# Complete detailed installation instructions and wire connectors are supplied with the Electronic Evaporator Dryer. The ground wire should be attached to a body ground source. If any other wire splicing procedures are needed, follow the wire repair procedures in the Electrical sub-section of Body & Accessories in the appropriate Service Manual. I f required, the evaporator dryer can be installed under hood away from extreme heat conditions (i.e. exhaust manifolds) and/or water splash areas. In all cases, the evaporator dryer module must be secured with a Velcro(R) strip (not included in the kit), or you may use the integral hooks to utilize tie straps. Using a Velcro(R) strip is preferred as the use of the integral hooks may cause rattles.
# When the installation procedure is complete and power is supplied, the module will self-test. Thirty seconds after power is supplied, the high blower speed will be activated 3 times (for 2 seconds per cycle). When the test has run, install the Electronic Evaporator Dryer label on the blower motor case in a visible area.
Parts Information
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Part Number Description
12377951
(AC Del co 15-102) Cooling Coil Coating
(Aerosol 6 oz)
12346391
(AC Del co 15-120) Cooling Coil Coating Kit w/Extension Nozzle
12346390
(AC Del co 15-121) Refill for Cooling Coil Coating Kit
12497910
(AC Del co 15-5876) Electronic Evaporator Dryer Module Kit
Warranty Information
Labor Operation Description Labor Time
D3316 Apply Cooling Coil Coating/Install Electronic Evaporator Dryer 0.8 hr
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table as shown.
Seeing as how you have a 99 I thought this might be useful especially with were you live. Not sure if the part numbers have changed, but hopefully it's of some help.
99-01-39-004A
A/C - Odor Emission in Hot Weather
May, 2001
Subject: Air Conditioning Odor (Install Kit)
Models: 1993-2002 Passenger Cars, 1993-2002 Light & Medium Duty Trucks
This bulletin is being revised to update the model years, service procedure, parts information and to add the GEO and Medium Duty models. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 99-01-39-004 (Section 01 - HVAC).
Condition
Some customers may comment on odors emitted from the air conditioning system, primarily at start-up in hot humid climates.
Cause
This odor may be the result of microbial growth on the evaporator core. When the blower motor fan is turned on, the microbial growth may release an unpleasant, musty odor into the passenger compartment. There are several other possible sources of a musty odor in a vehicle. A common source is a water leak. Follow the Service Manual procedure for identifying and correcting water leaks if other odor sources are found. The procedure contained in this bulletin is only applicable if the source of the odor has already been determined to be the HVAC module.
Correction
To remove odors of this type, it is necessary to eliminate the microbial growth and prevent its re-occurrence. To accomplish this, the following steps must be completed:
# Apply evaporator core Cooling Coil Coating (Aerosol 6 oz), P/N 12377951 (AC Del co(R) 15-102) (in Canada, use P/N 10953503) or Cooling Coil Coating Kit with Extension Nozzle, P/N 12346391 (AC Del co(R) 10-120). Refills are available for the Cooling Coil Coating Kit with Extension Nozzle, P/N 12346391 (AC Del co(R) 10-120). Refer to the chart below.
# Install the Electronic Evaporator Dryer, P/N 12497910 (AC Del co(R) 15-5876).
Important: The Cooling Coil Coatings listed above are the only GM approved products for the disinfection and long-term control of evaporator microbial growth. The Cooling Coil Coating will disinfect the evaporator core and help inhibit the growth of future mold and mildew.
The Electronic Evaporator Dryer will activate when the ambient temperature near the module is above 16°C (60°F) when the vehicle is started up. Approximately 30 minutes after the vehicle has been turned off, the blower will activate for 10 seconds every 10 minutes for 2 hours unless the vehicle is restarted. If a restart occurs, the Electronic Evaporator Dryer module will reset automatically. This on/off blower activation will dry the evaporator core and case reducing the chance of reoccurring A/C odor. The Electronic Evaporator Dryer is self fused and has a battery rundown protection feature that inactivates the dryer if voltage drops below 12.5 volts.
Service Procedure
# Visually inspect the air conditioning evaporator drain hose for obstructions and/or working condition.
# The cooling coil coating fluid must be applied to a dry evaporator core. Apply coil coating fluid as described in the instructions supplied with the kit. In some instances, the blower motor resistor can be removed for this spraying operation. If used, the opening can be taped over and the nozzle inserted through a hole in the tape. The kit instructions identify a drilling procedure to apply the coating fluid. When using this type of procedure, care must be taken to avoid evaporator damage and any holes must be properly sealed. Some coating fluid may overflow from the drain hose.
Important: When installing the Electric Evaporator Module, you MUST use the included electrical splice connectors to ensure a splice.
# Complete detailed installation instructions and wire connectors are supplied with the Electronic Evaporator Dryer. The ground wire should be attached to a body ground source. If any other wire splicing procedures are needed, follow the wire repair procedures in the Electrical sub-section of Body & Accessories in the appropriate Service Manual. I f required, the evaporator dryer can be installed under hood away from extreme heat conditions (i.e. exhaust manifolds) and/or water splash areas. In all cases, the evaporator dryer module must be secured with a Velcro(R) strip (not included in the kit), or you may use the integral hooks to utilize tie straps. Using a Velcro(R) strip is preferred as the use of the integral hooks may cause rattles.
# When the installation procedure is complete and power is supplied, the module will self-test. Thirty seconds after power is supplied, the high blower speed will be activated 3 times (for 2 seconds per cycle). When the test has run, install the Electronic Evaporator Dryer label on the blower motor case in a visible area.
Parts Information
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Part Number Description
12377951
(AC Del co 15-102) Cooling Coil Coating
(Aerosol 6 oz)
12346391
(AC Del co 15-120) Cooling Coil Coating Kit w/Extension Nozzle
12346390
(AC Del co 15-121) Refill for Cooling Coil Coating Kit
12497910
(AC Del co 15-5876) Electronic Evaporator Dryer Module Kit
Warranty Information
Labor Operation Description Labor Time
D3316 Apply Cooling Coil Coating/Install Electronic Evaporator Dryer 0.8 hr
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table as shown.