Was hit outta the blue with a super funky smell last night making a publix run. I thought I had stepped in dog poo in the lot somewhere but couldn't pinpoint where it was coming from until today when putting in a new febreze air clip. The smell is coming from all the air vents. I just replaced the cabin and engine air filter last month so I know they aren't bad. I did notice when replacing the cabin air filter it looked like mouse droppings or some kind of poo pellets in the filter.

Just curious on if anyone has used frigi fresh or anything similar and had good results. I know there are some foam evap cleaners but I think you have to get under the car to reach the evap line to use that.

The cabin air filter can scoop up something or a critter can leave you something in minutes. Recheck the filter and pathway to fresh air. I think you have critters in your system.

 

I checked the cabin filter and it was clean as a whistle so I will get a can of Lysol and try that tonight or tomorrow to see if that clears it up.

 

On some model years, the drain tube is a straight tube, which makes cleaning out the evaporator box fairly easy. On other models, the drain tube has 2 45° bends, which can be more challenging to maneuver through.

If you do have a rodent infestation, use the Search Community box located at the top of the thread. Type in your parameters, then hit search. As a long time member of CRVOC, I can attest that rodent infestations is an on-going problem. Many forum members have developed different strategies in an attempt to solve this problem.

 

What is the bowl shaped object under the cabin filter?

 

I have used Frigifresh and drilled the hole in box, it works for what it is.

 

Blower motor?

Conveniently called a "Squirrel cage" .

 

Maybe get some Poo~Pourri?
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mouse nest! dig out your glove change ur cabin filter!

 

ot hit with a nasty smell out of nowhere last night on a Publix run. Thought I stepped in something, but turns out it's coming from the air vents. I replaced the cabin and engine air filters last month, so they’re still fresh — but I did notice what looked like mouse droppings in the cabin filter at the time.

Wondering if anyone’s used Frigi-Fresh or a similar product with good results? I’ve seen the foam evaporator cleaners too, but looks like you have to access the evap drain line from underneath.

Any tips or recommendations appreciated

 

All jokes aside, ac refrigerant smells like horse poop to me. That's how I know when the evaporator has a leak.

If the smells goes away after a few minutes you know the evaporator has a small laek.

I use ammonia to clean up garbage cans when they get out of hand, and even refrigerators gone bad and meat that spoils inside.

Ammonia needs to be used on a heavily ventilated area.
Idk if diluting it may help or if the strength gets weak.

Gl

 

I hope that's not the case but the smell did return tonight when I used the AC. I'm going to buy a can of lysol and use the entire can this time and see if that does anything. I only sprayed for about 20 to 30 seconds last time. Ironically I smell the odor the strongest from the driver left side air vent. The other vents have a mild smell compared to that one. Anyone with a 2014 crv know where the line is to input the evap cleaner?

 

No line, but this is one way to spray something, doubt it does much, you need a foaming cleaner with the fitting drilled in the airbox or this new longer hose gimmick.

0:40 mark in 2nd video.

 

Thanks. I watched so many videos (including this one) last night on youtube lol I'm going to try the lubegard method this weekend.

 

Remove the glove box and blower motor.

Get a dentist/ mechanics mirror. One of those that have a swivel so you can see different angles.

Make sure there's no liquid residue anywhere around the blower motor area or ducts.

Don't worry about the driver side. There is no way a mouse can reach that side unless it can travel across the evaporator core.

Once you see that it's all dry, then use that foam spray, this will get rid of anything left behind from the mouse/mice.

If after the cleaning the smell comes back try inspecting the foot area below the area where you suspect there might have been pee from mouse. Or at any other area that fluid might seep and drip onto the floor carpet.

Again, if the area was dry and no residues, consider another possibility.

It's normal for freon to leak out a bit during winter time for older vehicles. The PAG oil if it leaked out will keep that smell lingering for a few days.

Look at the bottom of the evaporator core. If there is a leak you may be able to see a damp/ wet looking spot. Best if done before cleaning or applying any cleaning solutions.

Gl

 

Thanks for the detailed guide. Today I drove it twice (morning and just now) and there was no odor from the air :S. I ordered some lubegard kool it hvac cleaner and will get under the car this weekend and shoot it up the drain pipe and see what that does in conjunction with your tips. Very much appreciated.

 

Well, I just tried lubegard kool it evap cleaner through the drain pipe from the bottom of the car but unfortuantely the pipe goes into a right angle. I know the 30 ft hose didn't make it that far up the pipe so I changed strategies and stuck what was left into the left and right front drive/passenger side air vents as shown on some youtube videos. The air smells better now so I will see how it goes from here.

I couldn't figure out how to remove the glove box completely to get to the motor so I didn't go that route. I'll have to scour youtube and the internet if I n eed to go that route.

 

Don't forget to take a peek at the air vent duct inlet from the cowling area.
Clean that area as well, Even the cowling area.
if the vent is not sealing tight( as mine is) if the smell starts at the cowling area it will be pulled inside.

 

If that's the area with the vents on the outside under the windshield wipers that was my first attack using lysol.