2000 GMC Jimmy Air conditioner odor

2000 GMC JIMMY
78,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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BVEEZEE2
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  • 1 POST
Two days ago the air out of my air conditioner began smelling like rotten fish. What could be causing this?I just had the cabin filter checked last week and they said it was ok. My dad thinks it could be mold or mildew growing on the coils inside the air conditioner. I live in a coastal city in the SE US.
Nov 22, 2009 at 9:57 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 75,992 POSTS
If a vehicles air conditioner blows out air that smells like the inside of old gym sneaker when the A/C is turned on, microbes are growing on the evaporator. Mold likes damp, dark places. Bacteria can also thrive under such conditions. Besides smelling bad, it can be unhealthy to breathe (ever hear of Legionnaires Disease?).

To get rid of the unwanted organisms, various chemicals can be sprayed on the evaporator directly or through the blower ducts or air intake. Many replacement evaporators have a special chemical coating that inhibits the growth of mold and bacteria. The drainage tubes that carry condensation away from the evaporator should also be inspected and cleaned.
Nov 22, 2009 at 10:04 PM
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