teknical

Any ideas on how to get rid of foul smelling air when using the vent setting
in my 97 taurus? Smells like I'm drawing in air from a garbage dump, but
when using AC, I don't notice anything nasty smelling. On pure vent, it
stinks. I've changed the cabin air filter (and change it every year like
clockwork), but that didn't alter anything.

Are there any sprays etc that I can use in the vent outlets, or should I be
doing something more drastic?

spike

It would be helpful to know what the smell is... a bit more specific
than "garbage dump".

There are some sprays, but they're not apt to last long before the
smell returns. Better to try to track down a cause and correct it,
instead of having it keep coming back.

Things like this are common in places where things like rodents get
into places like air filters, vents etc, and die. But the vehicle
generally has set unused for a while.

Have you ticked anyone off lately? Things like limburger cheeses, or
fish on the engine block can get pretty foul.

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

teknical

If you have ever driven by a garbage dump in the summer, it is exactly that
smell. Only on the vent setting (AC makes it go away). What is that smell?
I dunno, methane and rotting diapers?


The car is driven daily, but I live very close to a large river and alot of
greenspace, so anything is possible. I guess I'll be ripping the dash apart :S


The engine is clean, and no one has fouled around with the car (It is under
video surveillance except when at a mall etc)

spike

It's a tough call, but I think ya gotta find the source for a couple
of reasons... First to get rid of it. Second so you know you aren't
doing damage to something which is gonna lead to a super bill for
repairs. Good luck. Hopefully it's something simple...


Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

audioetc

Check under the car, in the wheel wells, in front of the radiator and
under the hood for the smell when the engine is running.


Eric

johanb

And you are also missing your cat for a couple of days ?????????

tom adkins

Ford had a problem in the 90's with a "musty" odor in the MVAC system. It's not
exactly what you describe, but it was mildew in the MVAC system. They had a
DISodorizer (not DEodorizer) that was sprayed into the intake ducts in and out. It
smelled pretty funky itself but it seemed to work. The mildew smell was funky, like
wet used socks. Not rotting garbage though.
It's possible you have had a rodent take up residence and then pass away. Your car
has a cabin filter, though, so how could Mickey get in?
I'm puzzled. The Vent setting (and plain AC setting) lets in fresh air. The only
setting that turns off outside air is MAX AC and OFF? Can you smell anything undr the
hood?

ross via carkb.com

Pull your fan blower motor out. Little critters have been known to get in
there and kick the bucket. If the smell is that bad, I would expect
something along those lines.

On vent setting, if the smell comes from all vent openings, its likely in the
air intake / fan blower motor area. So if you find a clean blower motor,
carefully check the air intake.


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alpost

In article <LT9ue.2248$X57.369850@news20.bellglobal.com>, teknical@gmail.com
says...

I heard that if you run the heater full blast for a while, it might get rid of
nasty smells. Try driving around with the heat blasting through the vents and
your windows open, if you can bear it.

Good luck.

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