Mildew/Musty/Moisture Smell Upon Fan/AC turning On

[LifeAsDane]

Has anyone else experienced this? When I get into the car I don't smell anything unusual. The moment the air kicks on I'm getting a mildew/moisture smell hitting me every time in the morning upon startup. I just got the "Customer Satisfaction Program 23B11" letter but this seems to be a prevention item.

Don't feel like leaving my car with FORD for them to "try and find" water intrusion. Wanted to start here to see if anyone else dealt with this yet.

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[MRButtler]

You can shut off a/c and run the fan on High for a few minutes, before being done with the truck.

I do this every time with every vehicle I have owned and never had a problem.

Some car makers tell the BCM to do this automatically.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Common problem, you could get the odor cleared by flushing it clean with a Lysol or other chemical treatment to kill the mold spores you currently have, then follow the Buttlers advice, or about 5 minutes prior to arriving at an interim of final destination, turn off the AC quick hit of the button so the drying cycle completes before you arrive and shut down the truck.

Google the issue for how to videos

 

[LifeAsDane]

You can shut off a/c and run the fan on High for a few minutes, before being done with the truck.

I do this every time with every vehicle I have owned and never had a problem.

Some car makers tell the BCM to do this automatically.

Hey Mr Butler. What does this have to do with the smell? Wish I didn't need to be creative with how I manage my air and a/c before shutting down my car.
Just curious if this is sign of water intrusion. I saw Taxman's reply but how is the mold starting?

 

[TaxmanHog]

Hey Mr Butler. What does this have to do with the smell? Wish I didn't need to be creative with how I manage my air and a/c before shutting down my car.
Just curious if this is sign of water intrusion. I saw Taxman's reply but how is the mold starting?

Natural occurrences from the environment, the cabin air filter does not capture all of it, might try changing the filter more often, also make sure there is no leaf / debris built up in the exterior intake ports around the hood grill / wiper arms.

 

[marlin1060]

After listening to Car Talk for many years, this may be a clogged condensation line. I have no idea where to find it, but they've always talked about blowing it out with some sort of airhose. The issue is that the water doesn't drip out and back up somewhere and it get moldy.

 

[eman5oh]

Has anyone else experienced this? When I get into the car I don't smell anything unusual. The moment the air kicks on I'm getting a mildew/moisture smell hitting me every time in the morning upon startup. I just got the "Customer Satisfaction Program 23B11" letter but this seems to be a prevention item.

Don't feel like leaving my car with FORD for them to "try and find" water intrusion. Wanted to start here to see if anyone else dealt with this yet.

Mine does the same thing. I asked the dealer about it and they recommended I replace the cabin air filter. I replaced the cabin air filer and spayed lysol though the HVAC unit to disinfect it. It worked for a bit but the smell has returned. Dealer said I can bring it in and they would look at but said they had not had any others with the same issue. I think I am going bring it in when I have the wiper motor recall done and ask them to check on this as well. I have been in the habit of switching the AC off a few miles before I arrive at my destination to help dry out the AC coils but I forget to do it sometimes and well the smell is back. Ford should do better, I have read this is an issue with the gas F150 as well.

 

[LifeAsDane]

Mine does the same thing. I asked the dealer about it and they recommended I replace the cabin air filter. I replaced the cabin air filer and spayed lysol though the HVAC unit to disinfect it. It worked for a bit but the smell has returned. Dealer said I can bring it in and they would look at but said they had not had any others with the same issue. I think I am going bring it in when I have the wiper motor recall done and ask them to check on this as well. I have been in the habit of switching the AC off a few miles before I arrive at my destination to help dry out the AC coils but I forget to do it sometimes and well the smell is back. Ford should do better, I have read this is an issue with the gas F150 as well.

Thanks for sharing. I made this post yesterday and drove my truck twice and forgot to turn a/c off both times before arriving home. But I shouldn't have too.

Ive owned many cars, all with air conditioners, and all while being in Florida where humidity and mold are everywhere. Air filters should not need replacing but on avg every 15k miles. Guarantee most people never touch these items until a mechanic makes the suggestion. But with only 7500mi on the truck and half being up North it just seemed a little weird and not even something I'd have considered.

I have a k&n filter cleaning kit I'll apply and see what happens.

 

[TaxmanHog]

I've been a Ford owner for eons, the problem developed on all my former trucks....
Tips from my favorite PowerStroke technician!!

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Has anyone else experienced this? When I get into the car I don't smell anything unusual. The moment the air kicks on I'm getting a mildew/moisture smell hitting me every time in the morning upon startup. I just got the "Customer Satisfaction Program 23B11" letter but this seems to be a prevention item.

Don't feel like leaving my car with FORD for them to "try and find" water intrusion. Wanted to start here to see if anyone else dealt with this yet.

Hi there. This smell concern doesn’t sound like something we want you to experience with your Lightning truck. Could you please send us a PM with your VIN and the name and location of your Ford dealer? To send a private message, just click on our username and select "Start Conversation". I'd be happy to look into how I can assist you on my end.

 

[scruvs]

Has anyone on here had luck PM'ing @ Ford Motor Company to resolve these issues?

I have this issue and am getting push back from my dealership that it's not a warranty issue before they have diagnosed it. Is there anything that this @ Ford Motor Company account can do that's above and beyond what my dealership is doing?

 

[jetfixr1]

Unfortunately every F150 I have owned has this issue, even my current Lightning with 17K miles. Im going to try taxman’s suggestions that he posted.

 

[rgrandy]

I also have this issue. The smell is there when it starts up but goes away shortly. First vehicle I have ever had that does this

 

[The Weatherman]

I thought I noticed that order a little yesterday, but didn’t think too much about it. Guess I’ll by more attention today and see if it’s still there or getting worse.

I have certainly babied the hell out of Pavement Princesses for the last year and certainly hope this isn’t going to be an issue.

 

[TaxmanHog]

I thought I noticed that order a little yesterday, but didn’t think too much about it. Guess I’ll by more attention today and see if it’s still there or getting worse.

I have certainly babied the hell out of Pavement Princesses for the last year and certainly hope this isn’t going to be an issue.

Shoot some lysol spray into the fan compartment {remove dust filter} every 3/6 months, YMMV

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