Anyone know how to clean climate control?

[misterp]

I think this has been touched on before, but does anyone have a surefire way to clean the climate control? I turned on the A/C for the first time in a couple weeks and the smell about made me gag, a dirty/stale/moldy smell. Is cleaning the evaporator coil a hopelessly impossible job or What about cleaning A/C ducts, is that worth the effort or is the evaporator the entire problem?

 

Mr. P.

[kaotik1]

There is this stuff called FrigieFreeze, I think they use it when detailing cars, at my cousins dealer. GIves a fresh, clean smell and kills mold/fungus..

[PladdPezzPunk]

at-211 Clean and Coat

 

Click the link and look at the product called at-211 clean and coat. This product is the best i have ever used. I got the same thing in my truck and it does an awesome job. It dosn't only clean out the mold, mildue and dirt, it also puts a waterproofing agent on the evap core, heater core, and heater box to stop the moisture from staying on these parts.

[montanass]

there's a filter under the dash too.... you may look into changing it if the above solutions dont work... the filter is a PITA to change...

 

-Cody

[PladdPezzPunk]

there's a filter under the dash too.... you may look into changing it if the above solutions dont work... the filter is a PITA to change...

 

-Cody

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

where is this? silverados don't have cabin air filters unless you installed one yourself. from the factory, there was none.

[Bonj87]

r u sure?

 

http://catalog.drivewire.com/drivewire/bas...99234&year=2003

[BmanSS]

gm p#12378554 Gm Vehical care oder Elimanitor / no cabin air filter

[ccgoodwrench]

i was told by the dealer that some 2003 models have a filter and some don't they told me to look under the cowl[ plastic lover at the base of the winsheild] mine dosent have one, but did find some pine needles and small leaves in their. fresh air enters the cab from their. don't know why GM didn't put filters on all models sound like another penny pinching desinger idea. i could be wrong for the filter location haven;t taken the heater AC box apart yet to look in their hope this helps

[misterp]

at-211 Clean and Coat

 

Click the link and look at the product called at-211 clean and coat.  This product is the best i have ever used.  I got the same thing in my truck and it does an awesome job.  It dosn't only clean out the mold, mildue and dirt, it also puts a waterproofing agent on the evap core, heater core, and heater box to stop the moisture from staying on these parts.

Dude - you sure know your chemicals!

 

Mr. P.

[Rays B4U]

Here's what the factory service manual says to do:

 

Odor Correction

Eliminating Air Conditioning Odor

 

Odors may be emitted from the air conditioning system primarily at start up in hot, humid climates. The following conditions may cause the odor:

 

* Debris is present in the HVAC module.

* Microbial growth on the evaporator core

 

When the blower motor fan is turned on, the microbial growth may release an unpleasant musty odor into the passenger compartment. To remove odors of this type, the microbial growth must be eliminated. Perform the following procedure:

 

Deodorize the evaporator core using Deodorizing Aerosol Kit.

 

Perform the following steps in order to deodorize the A/C system:

 

1. Ensure that the plenum which draws outside air into the HVAC module is clear of debris.

2. Disable the A/C compressor clutch operation by disconnecting the clutch coil electrical connector.

3. Dry the evaporator core by performing the following steps:

1. Start the engine.

2. Select the warmest temperature setting.

3. Select the recirculation mode.

4. Run the blower motor on high for 10 minutes.

4. Locate an area in the air conditioning duct between the blower motor and the evaporator core downstream of the blower motor.

5. Drill a 3.175 mm (0.125 in) hole where the hole will not interfere with or damage the following components:

* The blower motor

* The evaporator core

* Any other operating part the of system

6. Wear safety goggles and latex gloves in order to perform the following actions:

1. Select the maximum blower speed.

2. Insert the deodorizer extension tube into the hole to the mark on the extension tube.

3. Use short spray bursts and vary the direction of spray for a 2-3 minute period of time.

7. Shut the engine OFF. Allow the vehicle to sit for 3-5 minutes.

8. Seal the 3.175 mm (0.125 in) hole with body sealer or RTV gasket compound.

9. Start the engine.

10. Operate the blower motor on high for 15-20 minutes to dry.

11. Reconnect the A/C compressor clutch coil electrical connector.

12. Verify proper clutch operation.

[montanass]

there's a filter under the dash too.... you may look into changing it if the above solutions dont work... the filter is a PITA to change...

 

-Cody

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

where is this? silverados don't have cabin air filters unless you installed one yourself. from the factory, there was none.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I was pretty sure that there's one under the dash, wher the center console is... Most people dont have problems with them until they plug up and restrict the in cab air flow... it could be moldy and be causing the odor. I've seen them at Napa, they are just little paper filters..