Eliminating A/C odor

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JKmotorsports

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Here is some info for those who may have an odor problem with their A/C.

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 microbial 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:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Set the temperature control on maximum heat.
3. Set the control to the MAX setting.
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:
1.The blower motor
2.The evaporator core
3.Any other operating part the of system

Wear safety goggles and latex gloves in order to perform the following actions:
1. Continue to operate the blower motor on high.
2. Insert the extension tube of the deodorizer into the hole, past the mark on the extension tube.
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.
 

Getwired

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Sure sounds like a pain! If you do it, let us know how it goes and how difficult / annoying the cleaning process is. I guess I wasn't imagining things when I thought I heard about a fan that runs after the A/C was on.
 

JKmotorsports

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Sure sounds like a pain! If you do it, let us know how it goes and how difficult / annoying the cleaning process is. I guess I wasn't imagining things when I thought I heard about a fan that runs after the A/C was on.

Other than the actual running time of the blower motor to dry the cleaning process, the actual physical labor part of the procedure only takes about 10 mins. Of course, if the odor isn't too bad, simply using your avg everyday air freshener would work just fine. This procedure is for extreme a/c odor problems, and is the procedure used by service techs at GM dealerships.
 

Whipple1

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Here is some info for those who may have an odor problem with their A/C.

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 microbial 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:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Set the temperature control on maximum heat.
3. Set the control to the MAX setting.
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:
1.The blower motor
2.The evaporator core
3.Any other operating part the of system

Wear safety goggles and latex gloves in order to perform the following actions:
1. Continue to operate the blower motor on high.
2. Insert the extension tube of the deodorizer into the hole, past the mark on the extension tube.
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.

Hey Jk nice write up on the a/c odor fix,I was just looking for a fix on mine.That def sounds like the real deal way to fix it:yesnod: .Since my truck is in the shop I will see what they can do_Oh,I thought there was an in cabin air filter that can be replaced to also fix that ,When I mentioned it to my friend he said there was split years of the cabin filter he has to see;)
 

Whipple1

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On my truck there is a cabin filter that is replaceable,it is under the glove box,that thing was real dirty even started to get mold,just changed it and is good as new:cheers:
 

heavyduty

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On my truck there is a cabin filter that is replaceable,it is under the glove box,that thing was real dirty even started to get mold,just changed it and is good as new:cheers:

Just curious, but what year is your truck?

I have a 2004 Tahoe and I was told that there was no cabin air filter that I could replace.
 

JKmotorsports

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I have a 2004 Tahoe and I was told that there was no cabin air filter that I could replace.

Starting in 2003 model year, the passenger compartment air filter is no longer available as a factory option. With the redesigned HVAC case, there is no longer a cavity for the filter. The GM parts catalog indicates there is a replacement filter available; however, there is no provision for it.
 

Whipple1

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Just curious, but what year is your truck?

I have a 2004 Tahoe and I was told that there was no cabin air filter that I could replace.

My truck is an 02' and my friend at GM told me that some had them and some didnt.
 

heavyduty

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I just talked to a service rep. at my local dealer and they told me that they have a special method of eliminating foul odor. Basically, they hook up a machine through the core and run a foam type cleaner through the system for a couple of hours (I was quoted about $100 for the service).

Anyone here had this service done? Is there an advantage to doing it this way vs. what JKmotorsports posted? Thanks.
 

JKmotorsports

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I just talked to a service rep. at my local dealer and they told me that they have a special method of eliminating foul odor. Basically, they hook up a machine through the core and run a foam type cleaner through the system for a couple of hours (I was quoted about $100 for the service).

Anyone here had this service done? Is there an advantage to doing it this way vs. what JKmotorsports posted? Thanks.


This is also a good way to clean out the core. It does pretty much the same thing. You just have to take it to the dealer for them to use the machine. The method I posted is so people who like to work on their own vehicles can save a little dough. But both ways work great, and for $100, your tip does save a little hassle.
 

haydash

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I installed the module to run the blower motor and it helped A LOT. IT dries out the system and it really made a big difference! about 80% less stink!

Now I need to get the deodorizer kit and use it. I had it done once at the dealer and it didn't help for very long. Hopefully now that I have the dryer module hooked up, the deodorizer will work and keep working for a long time.

Does anyone know the part number or where I can buy this kit?

wdrumheller AT gmail.com is my email if you can send me the part number it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dash.
 

JKmotorsports

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I installed the module to run the blower motor and it helped A LOT. IT dries out the system and it really made a big difference! about 80% less stink!

Now I need to get the deodorizer kit and use it. I had it done once at the dealer and it didn't help for very long. Hopefully now that I have the dryer module hooked up, the deodorizer will work and keep working for a long time.

Does anyone know the part number or where I can buy this kit?

wdrumheller AT gmail.com is my email if you can send me the part number it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dash.

Yea, the blower control makes a big difference. I listed below the part numbers for the related procedure for you and anyone else who might need it.

d6ca30c4.gif
 

haydash

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Thanks!

Now I'm looking them up on the internet trying to find them. Wow, one place has some of those cans of spray for $139 each!
 

AzSierra

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Would someone who's done the blower delay install comment on how it's done? Does the kit come with installation instructions?
 

haydash

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AC Odor Eliminator Delay Module Installation

Late this summer after suffering with the AC odor from my GMC Yukon, I installed a delay switch module that turns on the AC a few times an hour for a few hours and it wasn't that hard to do.

The kit came with pretty clear instructions and required some wiring work but nothing too hard. I had to find a constant-on lead that was pretty strong, and a good grounding source. Then you splice into the wires that go to the blower motor. Then you tie up the wiring and it's done.

After you hook it up for the first time it comes on after a "10 second delay" but that took about 25 seconds and I was worried. Then when it finally comes on you're like WOO!!!

I'd say that the install took me about 2 or 3 hours worth of screwing around and then POOF the odor was GONE from my Yukon!

It reduced the AC odor by about 95% and now that the weather has changed and I'm not using the AC that much the ordor is 100% gone.
 

AzSierra

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Thanks much. Based on JK's part number that module isn't inexpensive, is it? :eek: But I suppose it would be worth it. Arizona is a dry heat but for about 6 weeks during our "monsoon" season in July and August the humidity is a problem.

I complained about this twice while my Sierra was under the factory warranty and the dealer cured it both times, although temorarily, by spraying "some stuff" on the coil. My frustration now is that they tell me they could have installed that module under the warranty and of course my question is then why didn't you? Sigh........:mad: I forgot to ask him if my GM Major Guard extended warranty would cover it but I will.

I'm thinking that this coming summer I'm going to ask to have it done on my Yukon while it's still under the factory warranty.
 

haydash

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AC Fix

Yes, you should get them to install the module. It doesn't work perfectly but it's a WHOLE lot better than the "spray-in stuff".

The spray in repair is a ploy to get you to spend $money with them.

If you can get the module installed under warranty DO IT as soon as possible. There's no reason not to do it now!

I've been satisfied with mine and even though it's not cheap it fixed my problem. I wish I could get in there and take out the cores and clean them up forever, and then it would be like a new car. My question to them is, why did you not just install a DRAIN in the right place????

Why didn't they make it NOT STINK!?!?!

Oh well, I guess I'll be happy with the 10,000 other things I LOVE about my Yukon.

Took it to Cape Hatteras NC last week and drove on the beach. The 4x4 was fantastic and did a great job. I turned off the traction control and just had a great time.

The fishing was great and I wish I could do it again.
 
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