Strange AC / HVAC smell

[SpeedyD]

HI all,

I just picked up a used 2005 Ion Redline the other day and noticed a strange smell with the AC on. I was going to replace the cabin filter tonight. I saw on a forum thread that someone mentioned about spraying lysol (purchased at a local autoparts store) in the HVAC system? Where do you spray the lysol into?

Thanks,
- Derek

[hawlyns711]

have the filter replaced, couldn't hurt ya know, it's the air you're breathing inside the cabin. also, there could be some kind of dead animal....worse case scenario. as for lysol, i guess you could spray it in (although i wouldn't reccomend) in the air vents outside your car below the windshield while your a/c or heat are full blast.

[SpeedyD]

Originally Posted by hawlyns711

have the filter replaced, couldn't hurt ya know, it's the air you're breathing inside the cabin. also, there could be some kind of dead animal....worse case scenario. as for lysol, i guess you could spray it in (although i wouldn't reccomend) in the air vents outside your car below the windshield while your a/c or heat are full blast.

Thanks for the advice...
Can the cabin filters be purchased at a local autoparts store? Or can they only be purchased at a Saturn dealership?

Thanks

[burnrubr88]

pretty sure u can get one at autozone.

actually, now that i think about it, i took mine out like 2 years ago cuz it was clogged, and never put one back in. like i said, its been 2 years. AC blows like a mother F'er no, and now problems. i dont have allergies so im all good.

[Big Knight]

You might also have a drain problem in the coil region.

[Dainslaif]

Here's the filter PN:
Amazon.com: ACDelco CF125 Passenger Compartment Air Filter: Automotive
Or you can get it from any auto parts store. (different brand though)

The spray method you're talking about - just make sure the fans and AC are on and air recirculation is off (engine off). You just want to make sure it goes through all possible paths, and you don't need the engine on to have air go through the AC system. Spray into the air inlets at the bottom of your windshield. I highly recommend taking the filter out before you do this.

[SpeedyD]

Originally Posted by Big Knight

You might also have a drain problem in the coil region.

What does that require to fix... drilling another hole? or cleaning out a clogged hole?

Thanks!

[Big Knight]

I'm not sure, sorry. I just know that there is a drain in there somewhere that clogged sometimes. Saturn tech? Who has more info on this?

[SpeedyD]

Originally Posted by Dainslaif

I highly recommend taking the filter out before you do this.

Ok now for the million dollar question... How hard is it to replace the cabin filter? and how do I get to it?
I have one on order and it should be here on Tuesday.

Thanks

[Big Knight]

It's inside the glove box. Open the box, remove all contents, pull on side of glove box to let it open further than normal, Pull out filter. The last time I did it, I cut my finger on the sharp plastic. Good luck.