Ford Escape: Climate Control System - General Information / General Procedures - Air Conditioning (A/C) Odor Treatment

Inspection

NOTE: There are typically 4 types of objectionable odors found in a vehicle:

• chemical odors
• environmental odors
• human and other interior-generated odors
• microbiological odors

NOTE: Chemical odors are usually constant regardless of the climate control system setting although they may be enhanced by A/C operation. Most chemical odors are caused by fluid leaks or incorrectly cured adhesives. Chemical odors can be eliminated by repairing the leaking component and removing any residue.

NOTE: Environmental odors usually occur for a short time and diminish after the vehicle passes through the affected area. These odors are typically only detected when the vehicle windows are open, or when the climate control system is operating in a mode that allows for fresh air. Environmental odors cannot be eliminated because they are external in source, but they may be minimized by switching to a climate control setting that uses recirculated air.

NOTE: Human and other interior-generated odors occur while the source is present and may linger for a short time after. These odors may be more noticeable during A/C operation. Human odors may be eliminated by removing the source and cleaning the affected area.

NOTE: Microbiological odors, if in the A/C system, usually last for about 30 seconds after the system is turned on. They are detected while the A/C is turned on and using either outside or recirculated air. Microbiological odors that occur in areas other than the A/C system (for example, water in doors or wet carpeting) may last indefinitely and are more intense when recirculated air is used. Microbiological odors are not present at temperatures at or below 10° C (50° F).

NOTE: Microbiological odors result from microbial growth supported by warm temperatures and moisture. Microbiological odors are described as musty/mildew type smells and may occur on/in:

• foam seals
• rubber seals
• adhesives
• standing water
• water soaked carpet/trim

1. Identify the type of odor present in the vehicle. Do not proceed with A/C odor treatment if the odor source is found to be outside of the A/C system. Refer to the following list for examples.
   

   Odor Source	Odor Description
   Chemical Odors
   Coolant	Sweet smell
   Fuel	Gasoline or diesel fuel smell
   Oil	Oil type or burning smell
   Power Steering Fluid	Oil type or burning smell
   Transmission Fluid	Oil type or burning smell
   Washer Fluid	Alcohol type smell
   Gear Lube	Garlic/sulfur smell
   Refrigerant Oil	Ether type smell
   Carpet/trim Adhesives	Fishy, urine or sweet smell
   Evaporator Core Coating	Wet cement type smell
   Environmental Odors
   Exhaust	Exhaust, fuel or burning type smell
   Industrial Pollutants	Various smells
   Dust	Musty, mildew or wet cement type smell
   Pollen	Sweet smell
   Tobacco	Burning, tar smell
   Human and Other Interior Generated Odors
   Body Secretions	Body odor
   Perfuming Agents	Sweet or fragrance smell
   Clothing	Musty, mildew or body odors
   Food/Beverage	Sweet, musty, mildew or fishy smell
   Microbiological Odors
   Microbiological Odors Occurring Inside of A/C System	Musty, mildew smell lasting about 30 seconds after A/C is turned on
   Microbiological Odors Occurring Outside of A/C System	Musty, mildew smell lasting indefinitely and possibly more pronounced when using recirculated air

Repair

1. NOTE: Identify the source of the odor.

   • Check the evaporator core drain tube for restriction.
     
   • Check the passenger and driver side carpet for moisture. If moisture is found, A/C odor treatment is not necessary. Diagnose for a water leak as needed.
     
   • Check the cabin air filter and cabin air filter cover for moisture resulting from water bypassing the cowl baffling system. If moisture is found, A/C odor treatment is not necessary. Diagnose for a water leak as needed.
     
   • Check the inner cowl drain area and air inlet screen for material obstruction or standing water. Inspect the area removing any standing water and cleaning the air inlet screen if possible, by using a wet/dry vacuum.
     

1. Open all vehicle windows and doors.
   

1. Make sure the A/C is off.
   

1. Remove the cabin air filter (if equipped).
   Refer to: Cabin Air Filter (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information) .
   

1. NOTE: To avoid damage, do not spill or spray this product on the blower motor speed control.

   Remove the blower motor speed control.
   Refer to: Blower Motor Control Module (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information) .
   

1. NOTE: To avoid damage, do not spill or spray this product or water on the blower motor speed control.

   Add water (Distilled or deionized water is preferred. Do not apply tap water) in bottle and apply with the A/C Odor Remover Flexible Applicator Tool. For the correct odor removal tool applicator,
   Refer to: Climate Control Tools and Equipment (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1. NOTE: Observe the drained water till the water appearance turns to a clear or clean look.

   Insert the noozle into the evaporator housing and direct the spray toward the evaporator core face. Spray the deionized water to entire evaporator for 5 - 10 minutes.
   

1. Select REGISTER/PANEL mode (A/C off).
   

1. Adjust the temperature setting to full warm.
   

1. Adjust the blower motor speed to HI.
   

1. Run the engine for 25 minutes to dry out the A/C system.
   

1. Turn the ignition OFF.
   

1. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the vehicle interior, do not spill or spray this product on any interior surface.

   NOTE: To avoid damage, do not spill or spray this product on the blower speed control.

   NOTE: Only Motorcraft® A/C Cooling Coil Coating (YN-29) is approved for use on Ford vehicles. No other coating is approved. Use of other coatings may cause damage to the factory coating and more odor issues.

   Add one full bottle of Motorcraft® A/C Cooling Coil Coating (YN-29) to the A/C Odor Remover Flexible Applicator tool. For the correct odor removal tool applicator,
   Refer to: Climate Control Tools and Equipment (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1. Insert the nozzle into the evaporator housing and direct the spray toward the evaporator core face. Spray the entire evaporator core face until empty.
   

1. Install the blower motor speed control.
   Refer to: Blower Motor Control Module (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information) .
   

1. Repeat Steps 8 through 12 to cure the cooling coil coating.
   

1. Install a new cabin air filter (if equipped).
   Refer to: Cabin Air Filter (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information) .