I've had my 2001 Convertible Vette now for about 6 years and absolutely love it. However, the air conditioner upon start up smells really musty. Does anyone have any suggestions for a fix such changing out the "AC filter" if there is one? If so, can it be done by me?

Thank you!

 

Usually when this happens on cars without a filter, it means bacteria/mold are growing in the evaporator coils. The only way to fix it is to open up the "box" under the dash and spray something to kill it.

 

thank you for the info. Is that something that is fairly easy to do?

I live in Houston so A/C is a must!

 

There is no filter, however this is a common car problem, especially in a climate like yours. From a google search, here are some more ideas - http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techni...ria-fungi.html

 

Oh yes boys, there is an evaporator filter inside the a/c heater box under your dash. Not easy to get to to change and normally won't cause you clogging problems unless you drive in a very very dirty dusty area........like farm work!

I read once that we should turn on the recir. button with the blower on high for a few minutes and with the a/c button OFF before you shut down the car, in order for the unconditioned air to help dry out the plenum under the dash, and the outlet hoses. I normally do this a block from home before I park in my garage, and I've never had a smelly issue with my a/c. But.....hell, maybe I'm just lucky too!! Happy Fathers guys!!

http://www.c5racer.com/catalog/image...atorblower.jpg

Use your Search feature here on the forum:
http://http://forums.corvetteforum.c...ir-filter.html

http://http://forums.corvetteforum.c...zing-over.html

 

You can spray A/C cleaner/disinfectant into the air intake to cure this. I have done this on one of my previous cars (Acura Integra) with success.

There is a GM kit which runs the fan after you turn off the car, to "dry out" the coil and prevent this from occurring. I would only do this if you have a recurring problem.

 

Fixvet, you say "Oh yes boys, there is an evaporator filter inside the a/c heater box under your dash." Show us where it's at!

 

Txvette01, some intresting reading from the '02 Service Manual:

Odor Correction
Eliminating Air Conditioning Odor
Odors may be emitted from the air conditioning system primarily at start up in hot, humid climates. The following conditions may cause the odor:

Debris is present in the HVAC module.
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. To remove odors of this type, the mirocbial growth must be eliminated. Perform the following procedure:

Deodorize the evaporator core using Deodorizing Aerosol Kit.

Perform the following steps in order to deodorize the A/C system:

Ensure that the plenum that draws outside air into the HVAC module is clear of debris.
Disable the A/C compressor clutch operation by disconnecting the clutch coil electrical connector.
Dry the evaporator core by performing the following steps:
Start the engine.
Select the maximum temperature setting.
Select the recirculation mode.
Run the blower motor on high for 10 minutes.
Locate an area in the air conditioning duct between the blower motor and the evaporator core downstream of the blower motor.
Drill a 3.175 mm (0.125 in) hole where the hole will not interfere with or damage the following components:
The blower motor
The evaporator core
Any other operating part the of system
Wear safety goggles and latex gloves in order to perform the following actions:
Select the maximum blower speed.
Insert the deodorizer extension tube into the hole to the mark on the extension tube.
Use short spray bursts and vary the direction of spray for a 2-3 minute period of time.
Shut the engine OFF. Allow the vehicle to sit for 3-5 minutes.
Seal the 3.175 mm (0.125 in) hole with body sealer or RTV gasket compound.
Start the engine.
Operate the blower motor on high for 15-20 minutes to dry.
Reconnect the A/C compressor clutch coil electrical connector.
Verify proper clutch operation.