GEN 2 Bad smell in AC system

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Edbert

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I've started noticing an odor of must or mildew coming from my AC whenever it first starts up. Over the last few weeks it was getting stronger but seems to have leveled out (no longer getting worse i mean) when starting but it fades away within a few minutes, certainly 10, either that or I just get used to the smell.

I'm assuming the vents/ducts get cold with it running, which is all time in Texas in August, and then when I shut it off the lack of airflow is allow the condensation to collect and actually mold/mildew. If I am wrong on that assumption set me straight please.

I'm sorry but it is just gross, and if anyone but me is riding then it is gross and embarrassing, even more so for an expensive vehicle. Just this morning I shut off the compressor about a mile from the office to let the HOT (over 80 degrees at 6:00AM) air blow through and hopefully dry it out as my shirt does the opposite.

This method sucks, even more so when driving home with the temps above 100 as they've been for many days now. Is there any trick out there, or product, or technique I can try to make this less annoying?
 
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Edbert

Edbert

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I have not. Truck is less than a year old, under 9k miles, and not exposed to high dust content except a few occasions and I kept the windows up then. Plus I am pretty sure the odor is from inside the truck not outside.

But at <$20/ea. I just ordered a few. Will report back about the results regardless of impact.
 

Tampaukfan

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My mother had a CLS Mercedes that had a mold issue, water would sit in the drip tray under the evaporator and mold/mildew.. smell was awful, gave me a headache... funny, the dealership told my mom to shut off the air 10 minutes before she got home... she lives in Florida.:eek:
 
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Edbert

Edbert

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That drip tray was for the evaporator? I thought that usually drained straight out through the floor-pan near the FR wheel. I can see that parking in the driveway (incline) could cause it to not drain properly, I'll check to see that it is dripping when I get home. I was thinking (guessing more like it) that mine was getting mold/mildew in the plenum or ducts.

My son has a mechanic buddy who works at a Ford dealership, think I'll ask him if this is common among other owners in the area, cannot see it being Raptor specific and the roads are full of F-150s.
 

royCfus

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I have the same issue and I live in Vegas. There are a couple other threads on the same. Your not alone with the issue.
 

mattio

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mine too... 7k miles, haven't replaced cabin filter yet... I assume its probably the filter. Be sure to check your cowl for debris like pine needles, leaves etc.
 

royCfus

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I have replaced my cabin air filter, no help. I notice it in both normal and recirculate
 

pete888

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My mother had a CLS Mercedes that had a mold issue, water would sit in the drip tray under the evaporator and mold/mildew.. smell was awful, gave me a headache... funny, the dealership told my mom to shut off the air 10 minutes before she got home... she lives in Florida.:eek:

I've been doing this for the last twenty years. It seems to help especially if you live in a hot and humid area.
 
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