Canada - A/C - Evaporator Odor

Bulletin
0575

Issue Date
1997-04-01

Reference
HA-97-002

Model
ALL Applicable Models

Year Range
1989 ~ 2004

Component
HA

Market
Canada

Subject:
AIR CONDITIONING EVAPORATOR ODOR

A musty odor may be emitted from the air conditioning system of some vehicles which are usually operated in areas with high temperature and humidity. The odor is most noticeable when the air conditioner is first turned "on", after the vehicle has been parked for several hours. This odor can result from one or more of the following conditions :

1. Blockage of the evaporator housing drain pipe resulting in build-up of condensate.
2. Microbial growth in the evaporator, arising from dampness in the evaporator housing where the cooling air is dehumidified.

To address unpleasant air conditioning evaporator odor, check the evaporator housing drain pipe for blockage. If no problems are found, the evaporator and housing should be cleaned and disinfected using the General Procedure given.

AFFECTED VEHICLES : All applicable model vehicles with air conditioning.





TOOLS AND MATERIALS :

CAUTION: It is necessary to wear safety glasses, a protective mask and gloves while working with the freshener (cleaner)

REPAIR PROCEDURE:

A. General Procedure

1. Preparation of freshener solution :
- Invert freshener container and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Mix 100 ml (3.4 US fl.oz) of freshener (1 container) with 900 ml (30 US fl.oz) of water to produce 1 litre (1 US qt.) of solution.

2. Drying the evaporator :
- Dry the evaporator for 10 minutes using the following settings :

AC---------------------Off
Air Outlet-------------Foot
Mode------------------Recirc.
Blower----------------High
Temp------------------Max. Warm

3. Evaporator Treatment Preparation :
- Ensure availability of 2.1 ~ 3.2 kg / cm2, 207 ~ 310 Kpa (30 ~ 45 psi) compressed air supply to be used with spray gun for application of freshener.
- Place a tray under the evaporator housing drain hose to collect used cleaning solution.
- Place a shop cloth under the evaporator housing in the vehicle to prevent cleaning solution from dripping onto the floor mat.

4. Vehicle Preparation : (Parts Removal).
- See 'Specific Model' section.

5. Evaporator Treatment :





- Set HVAC mode as follows :

AC---------------------Off
Air Outlet-------------Face
Mode------------------Fresh.
Blower----------------High
Temp------------------Max.Warm
Windows-------------Open

- Insert spray nozzle into filter inlet and spray entire quantity (1 L) of freshener solution into evaporator while moving nozzle around to cover compete evaporator surface.
- Turn blower off.
- Reinstall temporarily removed parts (see 'Specific Model' section)

- Dry the evaporator for 30 minutes using the following settings :

AC---------------------Off
Air Outlet-------------Foot
Mode------------------Recirc.
Blower----------------High
Temp------------------Max.Warm
Windows-------------Closed

CAUTION: Do not get into the vehicle during the drying operation.

NOTE:
If the A/C switch is turned 'on' before sufficient drying of the evaporator, the freshener solution runs downward thus reducing the effectiveness of the cleaning operation.

- If vehicle still has alcohol smell, open windows for ventilation.

B. Specific Repair Procedures:

NOTE: Please refer to the specific model Repair Manual for access to air conditioning evaporator.

NOTE:
Issue of this Technical Service Bulletin is to ensure that proper repair information is available. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIR. Normal provisions of the formal warranty policy, as applicable, will apply.