Rotten milk smell!!!!!!!

[G-RELL]

Alright boys , need some help.

A few days ago in my 03 expy started this horrible rotten/ sour milk smell. First I thought it may have been a jug of water that spilled right before the smell started... We've had record setting hot days this last week (108-115). So I thought it was just a combo of the moisture and heat... But now the smell seems to be generating from the vents.

Iirc, I've read that sometimes a failing evaporator will produce this smell??? It's almost undrivable right now, our wedding is in a month so the last thing I really want to do is go drop a grand into replacing the entire Ac system ( although all spend 3 x that if it will just get that smell to go away) ... It's ungodly... Anyone experienced this? Any tricks or ideas to fix it before I take it to the stealership.



UNGODLY I SAY.

 

[jolinc01]

Ford makes an a/c deodorizer that's around $15 a bottle you can try. Just follow the directions on the bottle and that should help.

 

[BlackLS06]

Does the 03 have a cabin air filter? If so replace it with a charcoal filter.

 

[02LincLS]

Yep, the cabin air filter can get all nasty when wet. Though I never seem to find a charcoal filter when I go to replace it.

 

[gcwimmer]

When you replace the cabin filter, spray Lysol Disinfectant Spray(about $4) of any flavor of your liking, into the air duct while running the air at full speed, use the whole can. It will kill any mold that is growing, is cheaper than the Ford deodorizer, and works just as well.

The charcoal filter effectiveness only last a very short time, don't pay more for it.

 

[hite337]

Lots of 'Little Trees'

 

[Elemino]

I remember the dirty feet smell from my dad's old crown vic. That was actually from the heater core leaking.

I suppose I should replace my cabin filter. I've never done it, and I'm going to assume the dealer didn't either.

 

[Kumba]

I've yet to have this issue. I would think I would have it since I live in Florida and all. Always just buy the regular autozone cabin filters for $20 and don't have an issue. I take that back, I do have an issue with why it is $20 when a freakin' engine filter with a metal backing and molded rubber gasket is $10. Specially then the AC filter is just paper!

I've used the lysol aerosol trick before too. It gives the car a nice smell. I would probably leave the windows down on a nice sunny day after you do that or else it might gag you until it airs out some.

 

[gcwimmer]

I buy mine off Ebay for about $11 shipping included.