Hi, I'm new to the list and I need some help before I go to the dealer or mechanic. I don't know much about cars, but I'm sure somebody could help me understand whats wrong w/ my Max.

I have a terrible smell coming from the air vents inside the car. It smells like urine and is absolutely horrible.
It seems to disapate if I turn on the AC. It smells most of the rest of the time. I don't mind paying to fix the problem, I just don't know what would cause it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

tekgirl.................

 

mister d.b.m. is the man to ask....

 

Thanks, but I don't know what you mean. Could you explain?

Thanks............

 

There is a collection tray for the EVAP cooler. It collects the excess run off water. Sometimes it 'sits't there to long and starts to stink. I simply had to take mine out...scrape the crap off and then replace it....problem solved. You can do this if you have a shop manula, or take it to an independent shop...

Good luck
SHUMAX

 

SHUMAX,

Thank You. That makes sense because I have seen alot of condensation dripping from the car. I'm an idiot with cars and the only thing I did was check the puddle to make sure it wasn't some kind of other fluid. By the way, what is an EVAP cooler?

Thanks for you patience and kind response,

Tekgirl

 

It's a good idea to read the Chilton or Haynes repair manuals even if you have no intention of servicing your own car. It will teach you the names of things and how to distinguish between big expensive jobs and inexpensive minor jobs. This knowledge will help you be a knowledgeable consumer. In blunt language, it helps you avoid being an easy target for a ripoff artist.

The unpleasant odor from the air vents is usually caused by mold and mildew. This problem can be attacked by chemicals made for the purpose. I've heard that DWD2 works well.
http://www.texasdistribution.com/
Click on Do It Yourself to see how DWD2 accesses the evaporator fins.

AIR REPAIR A/C Evaporator Treatment is a similar product.
http://www.keep-it-kool.com/treat/treatment.html

I've never had the odor problem, and have never used these products. Therefore this is offered as a point of information, not a personal recommendation.


Fresh air enters the car's climate control system through intake openings at the base of the windshield. If the odor in your car really is urine (rather than mildew) there is a possibility that some miscreant did this deliberately by peeing on your windshield.

 

this was mister d.b.m. i was refering to....listen to his advice....he knows his shiit...

 

hey dbm, does spraying lysol in the vents below the winshield help eliminate the foul smells also. i remember reading that somewhere but havent had the chance to try it yet. do you have any input on this? by the way, you really kick ***.

 

If the problem is mold and mildew on the evaporator core you will get best results by applying a chemical treatment directly at the site of the problem. The Haynes repair manual suggests removing the blower motor resistor assembly and spraying an aerosol product through that opening. See Haynes, page 3-14.

 

Because you are a newbie you didn't know this. It is helpful to choose a meaningful Subject line. In this case Terrible smell coming from air vents would have been a better choice than Please help me.