Questions and Answers

Car Stinky Q. Vincent, Recently purchased a 1984 Buick LeSabre with very low miles (owned by the proverbial little old lady). Have a problem with an odor in the car-- sort of a musty smell. Can't seem to locate it exactly but suspect it is coming from the heater/air conditioner.

Could there be something in the ducting or air conditioner area (like mold) causing it? If so, how would one verify and attack the problem?

Thanks,
Marv

A. Don't you just hate that smell?!?!? It makes me sick.

What happens is that mold and mildew can grow inside the A/C evaporator case. You can buy some deodorizer for it at an auto parts store and spray it into the vents and the air intake with the blower on high so it sucks it in. I usually use some Lysol spray. The Lysol will kill the mold and mildew and help prevent it from growing back again.

You can also spray it on the carpeting (test it on a section that's hidden just to be sure it doesn't stain) and that will take care of the mold in it. You might have to do it a couple of times to get it all.

The ideal way to deal with it is to take it to a car detailer and let them shampoo the carpeting. That will get it for sure. I think a carpet shampoo runs about $45.00 or $50.00.