Funky smell with AC off

So I’ve been trying to chase down this smell I’ve had for over a year. It’s a funky smell and only happens when the AC is off, when it’s on the smell isn’t there. I’ve tried the AC system foam spray twice (once at the dealer), using Lysol like crazy in all the vents including the intake vents outside the windshield, behind the cabin filter, switched the cabin filter twice and nothing. Any help would be awesome thanks.

 

Friday huh.

Sorry man but that’s super vague. Maybe a mouse died inside somewhere.

 

The AC foam is going to do nothing if you're experiencing this issue when the AC is off.

 

Tried looking around and saw nothing. Seems like a mold/mildew smell and nothing has worked

 

I’d put my money on a mouse somewhere. I learned from my grandfather to always run the system for the last few minutes of your drive with the AC off and fan only on to help prevent condensation inside the system after you park it. Never have I ever had funky smells.

 

Hey OP - do this. Let the truck sit idling for 5-10 minutes with the heat on full blast with the windows open. See if that "flushes" out your smell. Then don't leave A/C on all the time like mentioned above.

 

Shower?

 

Did you check if your truck is listed on the 3rd brake light campaign? You could have a lead with some mold growing and the AC masks the smell by circulating air. When you have the AC on do you have it set to recirculate or open?

 

Usually on recirculate.

 

Also, turn off recirculate when you're running the heater to try and clear it out.

 

I had a similar issue, couldnt figure it out for like 3 months. Finally I figured out it was a backpack behind the rear seat that had gotten wet and started to smell. I removed the backpack and it all went away.

 

I would be curious if any of the aroma may come from the passenger side carpet, or under it. There have been numerous reports of wet carpets, many from the condensation I am sure. Others probably from the fresh air intake and channels damming with debris under the wiper cowling. I discovered the insulation under the carpet in mine was soaked, while the carpet was dry with no indication. No telling how long it has been like that.

Aroma was always worse around season changes,... that is when switching between AC and Heater.