Questions and Answers

Stinky Ford Explorer

Q. Hello, I'm hoping you can offer some advice about a ventilation problem in our 1999 Ford Explorer XLT. It has an automatic transmission, 6 cylinder engine, ABS brakes, 4wd, fuel injection, a/c, cruise control, with about 35,000 km. There is a musty odor coming from the heat, air conditioning and especially defrost. We've had the heater core replaced and they've tried deodorizer treatments several times, nothing works, the smell eventually returns. There is nothing leaking into the car, floor area is dry. The dealer is willing to keep looking, but doesn't seem to have any idea what could be causing this.

Any suggestions?

A. This is a common problem with a lot of cars and can be worse depending on which part of the country you live in. What happens is mold and mildew start growing inside the evaporator case and after a while, it starts to stink. A deodorizer will cover the smell for a while, but unless you get rid of the mold and mildew, it will come right back.

What I use is Lysol. I put the heater controls in the recirculation position, turn the fan speed on medium and spray the Lysol into the intake under the passenger side dash. You may have to drop the lower dash cover to see the intake. I don't skimp on it. Give it a good long spray to be sure it gets inside the case. This will kill the mold and mildew and get rid of the smell. I also spray some into each of the outlet vents to get anything that might be growing inside the tubes..

Doing this once a year or so will keep that stuff from growing back. More often if you live in a high humidity area.

Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA