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 heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(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.
A service kit that can correct the condition is available through General
Motors Service Parts Operation (GMSPO) to address this condition.
To remove odors of this type, it is necessary to eliminate the mirocbial
growth and prevent its recurrence. To accomplish this, these two procedures
must be completed.
• | Deodorize the evaporator core using Deodorizing Aerosol Kit. |
• | Install the new air conditioning (A/C) Delayed Blower Control
Package. |
The blower control package will enable the blower to run at high speed
for 5 minutes. It will do so approximately 50 minutes after the ignition has
been turned off if the A/C compressor had been engaged for 4 or more minutes
prior to shutting off the engine. By doing so, the evaporator case and
core are dried out, reducing the chances of a recurring A/C odor.
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 all debris.
- Disable the A/C compressor clutch operation by disconnecting the
clutch coil electrical connector.
- Dry the evaporator core by performing the following steps:
3.2. | Set the temperature control on maximum heat. |
3.3. | Set the control to the MAX setting. |
3.4. | 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 it will not
interfere with or damage the following components:
• | Any other operating part the of system |
- Wear safety goggles and latex gloves in order to perform the following
actions:
6.1. | Continue to operate the blower motor on high. |
6.2. | Insert the extension tube of the deodorizer into the hole, past
the mark on the extension tube. |
6.3. | Use short spray bursts and vary the direction of spray for a 2-3
minute period of time, in order to dispense the contents of the can into the
duct. |
- 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.