Just purchased a used Ford Expedition for my wife, really nice car but when you start the a/c system it blows with a musty odor. Is there a way to run a disinfectant thru the system to kill any bacteria ? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

My wife bought a new toyota highlander and it did the same.they flushed the fluids and that took care of the odor.

Good luck.
Boxer76

|UPDATED|8/15/2004 11:59:54 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

when you say the fluids what fluids do you mean??

scott78 said: Just purchased a used Ford Expedition for my wife, really nice car but when you start the a/c system it blows with a musty odor.

That's how Fords smell when decay sets in...

Just kiddin', they're nice cars.

JR

Just brought back to ford, apparently they had an issue with the evaporator. They are going to disinfect it and if that does not work replace it. Still under warranty

There are many chemicals to combat this problem. But I like the old standby that GM had a part number on, and used for years. You could also get it in the grocery store. Just pour a couple of teaspoons down eash defroster vent.

Vanilla extract.

Ken,
does the alcohol in the extract kill the mold? I assume the vanilla acts as a air freshner. I will give it a try. I had the ford dealer disinfect the system, I am not sure what they did, it seems to be better.
Also, do you put it only in the defroster vents or all vents??
Thanks in advance

To be honest, I have no idea why it works. But I know it does. GM has replaced vanilla extract with other chemicals, but it used to come in a bottle with a GM part number. I have used it several times. The good vanilla smell is a bonus.

Usually just down the defrosters. But it won't hurt, and could help, to put it in all the vents.

put some in last night checked the car this morning and it smells great. Thanks Ken again.

You're welcome.