On musty smelling air conditioning

[SiennaDriver]

The A/C on our 2000 was down for a few years, just a low charge that I ignored.

Had it recharged for the first time this spring, and there's a musty smell for the first few minutes whenever it's turned on. Don't recall that from the past, it's kinda bad at times.


Suggestions of how to resolve it?

[chuck's sienna]

It is from mold that can live in the bottom of the coil area under the dash. Water from condensation drips down to the lowest point and just sits there as it never really gets hot enough to evaporate out. To kill the mold go to any auto parts store and ask for "AC odor relief" or something along those lines. Follow the instructions on the can. You want to get the chemical to the lowest point in your system.

[SiennaDriver]

I've noticed that there is no "puddle" on the driveway after the A/C is used and the car is parked. Suspect the drain line might be clogged and don't see instructions anywhere on cleaning it.

Help appreciated.

[chuck's sienna]

Somewhere under the van, and beneath the dash area you should be able to find the drain tube for the AC system. Poke a long piece of wire like coat hanger wire up in there and a good bit of old water should run out. That should solve the problem.

[Yesman]

I am experiencing similar problems. How did you solve your problem, if at all. Unplug the drain, or the additive? Thanks to all for the suggestions.

[chuck's sienna]

Mine drains fine, always has. Every spring I do the treatment I mentioned above. No problems all summer.