musty smell after turn off AC...

[wayneli]

Each time when I turn off AC and keep the fan on, I can feel the uncomfortable musty smell from vent....

My car is pretty new. Made at Feb, 2019 and I bought it 2 weeks ago at 25 miles age.

So I think it's more like a real issue instead of maintenance problem... ?

 

[Jhill]

Each time when I turn off AC and keep the fan on, I can feel the uncomfortable musty smell from vent....

My car is pretty new. Made at Feb, 2019 and I bought it 2 weeks ago at 25 miles age.

So I think it's more like a real issue instead of maintenance problem... ?

Maybe it is on "recirc" mode so it isn't bringing in fresh air? (The "max a/c" setting recirculates air and might make it seem humid as soon as compressor shuts off. Just a possibility.

 

[bw33]

I have the same musty smell that happens in my 2019 Ram Limited. Every time the fan turns on with cold air the smell is so bad the kids start gagging. I bought my truck in June of 2018 so it's older than yours and I didn't notice the smell until this past month.

 

[Rich]

Usually this indicates a bad or clogged drain in the AC system somewhere.

Have the dealer check it before the warranty if over.

 

[wayneli]

Usually this indicates a bad or clogged drain in the AC system somewhere.

Have the dealer check it before the warranty if over.

Good point, thanks. I will pay attention to the passenger floor and have dealer check it soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rich]

Good point, thanks. I will pay attention to the passenger floor and have dealer check it soon.

You may not notice any dampness on your floor. It could be the condensation drains in your AC system, and the moisture is staying inside AC unit, hence the moldy smell when you turn on the fan.

 

[RamCares]

Each time when I turn off AC and keep the fan on, I can feel the uncomfortable musty smell from vent....

My car is pretty new. Made at Feb, 2019 and I bought it 2 weeks ago at 25 miles age.

So I think it's more like a real issue instead of maintenance problem... ?

I have the same musty smell that happens in my 2019 Ram Limited. Every time the fan turns on with cold air the smell is so bad the kids start gagging. I bought my truck in June of 2018 so it's older than yours and I didn't notice the smell until this past month.

Hi wayneli and bw33,
We understand why this may be concerning. If you decide to have your dealers address this concern, please send our team a private message and we would be happy to have a case escalated!
Alex
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[Rototerrier]

I've also experienced this. I even took my cabin filter out for inspection to ensure it wasn't wet or moldy. Dry as a bone. Anyone know where to look to self diagnose?
It seems to have gotten better as the temps have increased and I use the AC more. Improved to the point that it's no longer an issue, but when it was, it stunk pretty bad.

I've checked, double checked and triple checked all floors for water or leaks. Haven't found anything, and I keep mine parked outside. It's been exposed to plenty of rain and I've never found a hint of water in the cabin. My sunroof drains are also installed properly. Had 1 not correct on the day of delivery and had them fix.

I'm up to 1500 miles and have just been keeping my fingers crossed that the stank doesn't return, but would be nice to get confirmation on the cause and to try to see if it's going to be a recurring issue.

 

[silver64]

Get under the truck and use a coat hanger (or some other stiff wire) to unclog the drain tube. This you can do immediately and then when you go to the dealer have them fix it. I've been doing this for years and it always works.

 

[wayneli]

Thanks a lot! I can't wait to unclog by myself. What usually need to be fixed if unclogging works?

 

[silver64]

Thanks a lot! I can't wait to unclog by myself. What usually need to be fixed if unclogging works?

It will work about 90% of the time. What should be of concern is what clogged it in the first place. I mean its a pretty new truck so unless you are driving through regular dust storms it shouldn't clog up that often. This is something that the dealer should figure out by disassembling the blower unit and cleaning it out properly.

 

[wayneli]

This makes sense! thanks !

It will work about 90% of the time. What should be of concern is what clogged it in the first place. I mean its a pretty new truck so unless you are driving through regular dust storms it shouldn't clog up that often. This is something that the dealer should figure out by disassembling the blower unit and cleaning it out properly.

 

[wayneli]

It will work about 90% of the time. What should be of concern is what clogged it in the first place. I mean its a pretty new truck so unless you are driving through regular dust storms it shouldn't clog up that often. This is something that the dealer should figure out by disassembling the blower unit and cleaning it out properly.

I tried to unclog it today but didn't find the drain tube. Could you tell me where it is it located.. ?

 

[silver64]

You will almost always find it on the passenger side of the truck. I will try to take a look and find it this weekend

 

[392DCGC]

Doubtful the drain is clogged unless it's bad design. My truck has 1,700 miles and sat in the showroom before I bought it. I get the smell too (most noticeable when engine starts back up after eTorque stops it).

 

[wayneli]

Just got my service manual and there are steps to clean evaporator.

I am not able to access the drain tube yet. I am going to find a garage to lift the car to check.

BTW: Below is the thread about how I was fooled by dealer

Got fooled by dealer

I posted a thread about musty smell: https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/musty-smell-after-turn-off-ac.9652/ It was followed up by ram care and a case was created. I went to the dealer dropped off the car and they told me they checked multiple times but nothing wrong. Same story they told...

5thgenrams.com

 

[wayneli]

 

[Ditto]

Purchased my 19 in November in ma. Now in Florida using a/c and same oder. Dealer told me dirty air filter... i paid for replacement for a 3 month old truck.... still have the oder. Water does drain from a/c. What has WORKED for others?

 

[stevenfig]

Same issue here. I have a bad smell when I turn the ac on, then it goes away after a few seconds. I changed the cabin air filter but now it seems worse.

 

[RAMpage]

Similar smell for me but wasn't using the A/C... after using the heat all winter, now that it's warm enough to drive around with the heater off I am getting some VERY musty smells in the truck to the point I have to open the windows. I already returned a 2019 RAM because of water leaks... hoping that isn't the case with this one. ~7 months old now so I doubt it's a clogged drain but who knows.
Don't see any water getting in around the sunroof, checked the drain plugs for it on back of the cab and they are ok. Checked the driver floor area where the last truck leaked and seems ok on this one. Never noticed any smell all winter. It smells so bad I am told I am bringing the smell into the house after I am driving the truck for any length of time.