Tribute LX 2WD V6-3.0L DOHC (2001)
Air Door Actuator / Motor: Customer Interest
A/C - Musty/Mildew Type Odors
07-002/03
2001-2003 TRIBUTE
MUSTY / MILDEW ODOR FROM CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2001 - 2003 Tribute
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles may exhibit a musty and/or mildew-type odor coming from the climate control system. This odor may be caused by mildew-type fungi in
the A/C evaporator. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned on.
To help reduce odors:
^
Apply Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating to the A/C system, which encapsulates the mildew.
^
Install air inlet vacuum motor bleed valve, which operates the recirculation/fresh air door to default to fresh mode when the vehicle is parked to dry
out the evaporator core.
Customers having this concern should have their vehicles serviced using the following repair procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1.
Verify customer concern.
2.
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 the cover for signs of moisture. This may be a result of water bypassing the cowl baffling system that prevents
rain intrusion.
3.
Remove the engine side fasteners for the plenum cover. This will allow access to the cowl top panel-water RH.
a.
Remove and inspect the air inlet screen.
b.
Use a shop vacuum if there is debris present.
Note:
This debris may work its way in to the evaporator case and act as food for the microbes to grow.
c.
Re-install the cowl components.
4.
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.
