4 replies to this topic

[zoonet0116]

I have a 2001 V70 (non-turbo) and whenever I run the AC, I get a strong musty mildew odor coming out of the vents.

I have read in previous posts that people have sprayed a cleaner into the air intakes, which I tried but did not help. I also replaced the cabin air filter.

I have also heard of a foam that is injected into the evaporator as well as a "Roach bomb" that is used while the AC running that cleans out the vents and evaporator.

Has anyone used the foam? How difficult is it to use?

Has anyone tried any of these? The smell is getting worse and I do not want to let my family ride in it.

Thank you.

[Crito]

There are drain tubes on both sides of the air intake in front of windshield that get clogged up. They've got metal screens on them but debris seems to collect and rot in there anyways. Forcing water through those screens with a hose then using Lysol liberally seemed to do the trick for me. I changed the cabin filter and ran the A/C on full with recirculation off to make sure the Lysol got the heater core and rest of ducting while I was at it. No more cat piss stink.

[TaskMule]

zoonet0116, on 08 September 2009 - 09:58 PM, said:

I have a 2001 V70 (non-turbo) and whenever I run the AC, I get a strong musty mildew odor coming out of the vents.

I have read in previous posts that people have sprayed a cleaner into the air intakes, which I tried but did not help. I also replaced the cabin air filter.

I have also heard of a foam that is injected into the evaporator as well as a "Roach bomb" that is used while the AC running that cleans out the vents and evaporator.

Has anyone used the foam? How difficult is it to use?

Has anyone tried any of these? The smell is getting worse and I do not want to let my family ride in it.

Thank you.

I had this problem, but here's what I did; Have the car running, windows closed, AC on, fan on full blast. Open the hood, and spray half a can of Lysol disinfectant into ALL the air intakes next to the windshield. I used the basic disinfectant, not lavender or pine or whatever "scent".

Once the half can is in there, turn the car off, and let it sit 10 or 15 mins. Letting the Lysol sit in the system undisturbed for a while gives it a chance to soak in and kill off all that nasty mold and mildew stuff. After letting the car sit 15 mins, fire it up again, with AC on, and full blower. You will likely be seeing a bunch of black crap blowing out your vents. That is not old broken down foam, it's mold. Vacuum it out, and get rid of it. If you like, you can do a second round.

This absolutely cured my smelly car once and for all. This was 2 years ago, and it's still just find year round. Good luck.