Moldy/dead creature smelling AC

I have an issue with my AC. When i turn on my AC on any speed, using fresh or recirculated air, the smell coming out of the vents smell like something died or really moldy. I removed the cowl and checked that area and it is clean. I dont see signs of any rodents or creatures in my truck interior. I pulled the cabin filter, also clean (I also changed it to be sure it wasnt that), same thing. I sprayed about 1/2 a can of Lysol disinfectant spray under the dash which made my truck smell like Lysol for a few days, but the smell is still there. Anyone had a similar issue and what did you do to fix it? Its so bad i need to drive with the windows open. Also, the smell seems stronger on the drivers side vents. I am planning on pulling off the vents and checking inside for something dead (gecko, etc.). Its driving me mad!

 

I think if you take it to the dealer they can spray something to disinfect it

 

That's never good advice when dealing with Servco.

 

When I visited Hawaii one time I was coming out of dinner and thought I saw some movement on the dash of my rental car. I thought it was just the shadows at night and didn’t think much about it. 10 minutes into the drive I feel like something is crawling all over my legs. I turn on the lights and there’s little roaches all over the inside of the car. When I called the rental company they said it was pretty normal and they fumigate the cars every few months. Maybe it could be something similar?

 

Check your carpets.

 

This guy knows

 

Replace the cabin filter and don't keep it on recirculate so often. Mine smelled like death before doing that, as well.

 

The last 5-10 mins of your drive turn the cabin air recirculate button off to clean out the moisture. You can still keep the ac pumping but hit the button. Also change out your cabin air filter. Had this happen on other vehicles I had, I did all of the above and it went away. Try leaving your windows down to let it air out after.

 

Lol. No roaches... i hate roaches! And yes, rental cars here have roaches in them. I rent tons of cars on the neighbor islands for work and I get irritated when i see them. The big Rental companies have a contract with a pest control company and every few months, they treat every car that is returned. I saw a team going to every car upon return and squirting a gel in the trunk and canin areas of every car. Just gotta deal with that here.

 

I just changed out the cabin filter a month ago, even though i hardly drive it and changed it 12 months ago. I also use the carbon lined ones, same thing. I smelled the filter and it doesn’t smell like the moldy smell.

 

Just be thankful it wasn’t a B52 roach crawling on your leg. Roaches are just part of the tropical experience lol

 

Then it might be wet foam in your hvac system

 

B52= HUGE flying roach!

 

I ran the heater on high for 30min this afternoon so i will see tomorrow how it smells. I took the vents off the front so if its still there, i will be spraying more Lysol directly in the vent.

 

Thanks for explaining that one

 

I also read somewhere they sell a condenser foaming cleaner?? I wouldnt know how to use it. I was hoping someone may have used it before.

 

Us locals know what that is.

 

Could it be moisture build up on the condenser? You can Youtube it simple to fix.

 

Check the AC drain tube to make sure it isn’t blocked. Then like others said change the cabin air filter and run the heat for a while. If still smelling like mold you’ll need to have it sprayed with disinfectant. But you need to find the source of the problem first. I’m gonna go with the drain being plugged

 

How do i check the drain?

Can i shove something up the drain?