A/C - Musty Odor Coming From Vents: Overview
89ford37AIR CONDITIONING - ODOR TREATMENT - SERVICE PROCEDURE
Article No. 89-25B-1
FORD: 1984-90 CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT 1984-88 EXP 1984-86 LTD 1984-90 MUSTANG, TEMPO, THUNDERBIRD 1986-90 TAURUS 1989-90 FESTIVA 1990 PROBE
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1984-86 CAPRI
1984-90 CONTINENTAL, COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS
1984-87 LYNX
1984-90 MARK VII
1984-86 MARQUIS
1984-90 TOPAZ, TOWN CAR
1986-90 SABLE
1987-90 TRACER
MERKUR: 1985-90 XR4TI 1988-90 SCORPIO
LIGHT TRUCK: 1984-90 BRONCO, BRONCO II, ECONOLINE, F-150, F-250, F-350, RANGER 1986-90 AEROSTAR
MEDIUM/HEAVY TRUCK: 1984-90 C SERIES, CL-CLT-9000 SERIES, F & B SERIES, L SERIES 1986-90 CARGO SERIES
Figure 1:
ISSUE: A musty odor from the air conditioner and heater system is often caused by a mold or fungal growth in the A/C evaporator. This odor is most noticeable when the A/C system is first turned on. This condition has been experienced throughout the industry on many different vehicle lines because by its function most A/C systems provide the necessary environment to support mold and fungal growth.
ACTION: Odor from mold and fungal growth can be reduced with the proper application of the disinfectant contained in a special service kit.
The three (3) steps to this procedure are:
^ Make sure the A/C condensate drain is free from obstruction
^ Apply disinfectant
NOTE: Wait five (5) minutes before rinsing
^ Rinse A/C system with tap water
The Rotunda or Dirkes spray unit, Figure 1, must be used to make sure the disinfectant enters the blower assembly and saturates the evaporator core. This is the area where the disinfectant is needed most.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND SOURCE LIST
Dirkes Model 3366 Spray Unit:
Dirkes Industries
14240 East 11 Mile Road Warren, Michigan 48089 (313) 774-4300
Rotunda Tools
^ Model # 134-00055
NOTE: RESPIRATOR AND SAFETY GOGGLES ARE INCLUDED WITH THE DIRKES MODEL 3366 SPRAY UNIT. THE ORDER FORM IS INCLUDED INSIDE THE MOTORCRAFT A/C ODOR TREATMENT KIT (E9AZ-19E725-A).
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
E9AZ-19E725-A Odor Treatment Kit - California WT
Only
E7AZ-19E725-B Odor Treatment Kit - 49S B
SUPERSEDES: 87-24A-1
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
892501BA Deodorize A/C System 1.4 Hrs.
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
ODOR 04
OASIS CODES: 2600, 2611, 2612, 2613
GENERAL PROCEDURE
Begin the procedure by treating all parts of the A/C system with disinfectant. The bulk of the disinfectant is applied to the evaporator core.
The A/C system components that were sprayed with disinfectant must be rinsed with tap water. Use the same spray application equipment.
Vehicles equipped with more than one evaporator, must use a separate kit for each evaporator, (i.e., auxiliary A/C, sleeper A/C, etc.).
CAUTION: Read all instructions and warnings printed on the disinfectant and those supplied with the respirator. This procedure should only be performed in well-ventilated areas. Open all windows and doors of the vehicle. Leave windows and doors open during the entire procedure. Shop rags should be placed underneath the recirculate air inlet opening and blower housing to absorb any drips or spills. The vent louvers should be slanted away from face to reduce risk of solution spray-back.
WARNING: REQUIRED SAFETY
EQUIPMENT: SAFETY GOGGLES (ORDINARY SAFETY GLASSES ARE NOT SUFFICIENT) AND A NIOSH APPROVED HALF MASK RESPIRATOR EQUIPPED WITH CARTRIDGES FOR PROTECTION AGAINST ACID GASES AND HIGHLY TOXIC PARTICULATES (NORTH MODEL 7700 FACEPIECE EQUIPPED WITH N7500-82 CARTRIDGES, OR EQUIVALENT) MUST BE WORN AS DIRECTED BY INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED WITH THE RESPIRATOR. PERSONS WITH BEARDS OR OTHER FACIAL HAIR WHICH INTERFERES WITH SEAL BETWEEN FACE AND RESPIRATOR MUST NOT PERFORM THIS PROCEDURE.
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE TECHNICIAN USES THE PROPER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE APPLICATION PROCEDURE. NO ONE SHOULD BE PERMITTED IN THE VEHICLE DURING THE APPLICATION UNLESS THEY ARE WEARING PROPER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.