AC vent odor

[Keolaaina]

I have a kind of musky odor comming from my AC vents.

I think that maybe my AC drain might be clogged. SO how can I uncloggit. I haven't found it yet but I was told it is somewhere near the metal sheild by the exhaust manifold.

Also has anyone used the vent deodorizer?

[fishexpo101]

Vent deodorizer sprays work pretty well - but only offer a temporary solution. Need to find the source of the moisture build up. If the condensation drain drips a significant amount of water under the car - the drain might not be the issue. Sometimes it helps to run the vent (no A/C) for a mintue or so after turning off the A/C to help the system dry out faster.

[Keolaaina]

Well when I do turn off the ac and the recirc mode, that's the only time I smell it, but only for a bit after the ac has been running. And that's the thing I don't notice any water dripping, that's why I think it's a clogged drain.

[fishexpo101]

OK - yeah, no condensation drain is sure sign of a clogged drain tube. Should be visible on the firewall, close to the exhaust manifold, if I remember correctly. Could always trace it back from the cooling unit inside the dash, behind the glovebox/center of the dash. The tube runs right out of the cooling unit, where the evaporator sits. Possible that mold/mildew have built up and clogged the tube, or there are even cases of algae clogged the tubes. I'll try and find a pic and post it up here.