Escape 4WD V6-181 3.0L DOHC VIN 1 Duratec (2003)
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Adhesives: musty, mildew smell
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Standing Water: musty, mildew smell
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Water Soaked Carpet/Trim: musty, mildew smell
Human and other interior-generated odors:
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Secretion From The Human Body: body odors
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Perfuming Agents: sweet or fragrance smell
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Dirty Clothes, Shoes, Socks: musty, mildew, body odors
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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.
A/C Odor Treatment Procedure
1.
Try to reasonably rule out any other source for the odor. Check the carpet on the passenger side for signs of being wet. Continue diagnosis if water
is found on carpet and repair as needed. Check the blower motor and cover for signs of moisture. This may be as a result of water bypassing the
cowl baffling system that prevents rain intrusion.
2.
Remove the engine side fasteners for the plenum cover. This will allow access to the Cowl Top Panel - Water RH. Remove this and inspect the air
inlet screen. Use a shop vacuum if there is debris present. This debris may work its way into the evaporator case and act as food for the microbes
to grow. Re-install the cowl components.
3.
Check to see that the evaporator drain tube (or hose) is not plugged or restricted by debris. Clear anything that may be obstructing the drainage of
water.
4.
Open vehicle windows.
5.
Disconnect A/C cycling switch electrical connector.
6.
Set the following:
