Odor Service Tips
Types Of Odors, Their Sources And TreatmentsThere are typically four (4) types of objectionable odors found in a vehicle, they are:
^ Chemical odors
^ Environmental odors
^ Microbiological odors
^ Human and other interior-generated odors
Odors can be described in a number of ways:
^ Musty
^ Mildew
^ Fishy
^ Sweet
^ Burning
^ Chemical
^ Fuel
^ Oil
^ Exhaust
^ Wet cement
^ Urine
^ Tar
^ Fragrance
^ Body odor
Chemical odors:
^ Coolant: sweet smell
^ Fuel: gasoline or diesel fuel smell
^ Oil: oil type or burning smell
^ Power Steering Fluid: oil type or burning smell
^ Transmission Fluid: oil type or burning smell
^ Washer Fluid: alcohol type smell
^ Gear Lube: garlic/sulphur smell
^ Refrigerant/Oil: ether type smell
^ Carpet/Trim Adhesives: fishy, urine, or sweet smell
^ Evaporator Core Coating: wet cement type smell
Environmental odors:
^ Exhaust: exhaust, fuel, burning type smell
^ Industrial Pollutants: all types of smells
^ Dust: musty, mildew, wet cement type smell
^ Pollen: sweet smell
^ Tobacco: burning, tar smell
Microbiological odors:
Microbial growth supported by warm temperatures and moisture may occur on:
^ Foam Seals: musty, mildew smell
^ Rubber Seals: musty, mildew smell
^ Adhesives: musty, mildew smell
^ Standing Water: musty, mildew smell
^ Water Soaked Carpet/Trim: musty, mildew smell
Human and other interior-generated odors:
^ Secretion From The Human Body: body odors
^ Perfuming Agents: sweet or fragrance smell
^ Dirty Clothes, Shoes, Socks: musty, mildew, body odors
^ Food/Beverage: sweet, musty, mildew, fishy smell
The first step in diagnosing an odor concern is to verify the concern. To verify an odor you must determine when and under what circumstances the odor occurs and what type of odor it is.
Chemical odors are usually constant regardless of A/C setting and can be enhanced by A/C system operation. Most chemical odors are caused by fluid leaks and some are caused by improperly cured carpet and trim adhesives or evaporator core coatings.
Environmental odors usually occur for a short time and go away after the vehicle has passed through the affected area. These odors are usually only detected when a window is open or the A/C system is operating in a function that allows outside air to enter the vehicle.
Microbiological odors, if in the A/C system, usually last for about 30 seconds when first turned on and will be detected in both Max and Normal A/C. Microbiological odors occurring elsewhere such as from standing water in doors or kick panels or wet carpeting may last indefinitely and will be more intense in Max A/C. Microbiological odors will not occur at temperatures below 50° F (10° C).
Human and other interior-generated odors occur while the source is present and may linger for a short time after removal. These odors can be more noticeable during operation of the A/C system. They can be detected in the outside air position and may be more noticeable in recirculation mode.
The first step in getting rid of odors is to find the source of the odor. Once the source is found, it must be removed and the affected area cleaned or treated.
Chemical odors can be removed by repairing or replacing the component that causes the odor and then cleaning any residue that may have accumulated from the component failure.
Environmental odors usually cannot be removed due to the fact that they occur from external sources and are an everyday occurrence. They can, however, be minimized by switching to Max A/C or recirculation mode.
Microbiological odors can be eliminated by removing the source and then treating the affected area. Standing water must be allowed to drain and dry out. A/C systems may be treated by using Motorcraft A/C Cooling Coil Coating (YN-29), or equivalent meeting Ford specification (WSS-M99B187-A) as described in the Service Procedure in this article.
Human and other interior-generated odors can be eliminated by removing the source and cleaning the affected area.