Musty smell coming from A/C

[MRM4]

Put me down as someone else with a musty smell coming from the A/C. I had the cabin air filter in our '03 replaced a few months ago. The musty smell just started a couple of days ago. Should I pop out the CAF and take a look at what's going on?

I also saw in some other threads people recommending using Frigi-Fresh or Frigi-Clean. It says to spray it directly into the condensor. How do you do that? I've never messed with an A/C system before.

[JamesNewYork]

I also have the same issue. I replaced the cabin air filter myself and boy did it need it but the smell still around. It has gotten better over the past month though.

[rocky]

As for spraying stuff once you're inside, start by cleaning out any crud in there. I'm not a fan of expensive frigi fresh. Lysol in spray form (scented too) is my preferred weapon of choice-but remove the CAF first and run the fan while spraying into the inlet under the windshield

[MRM4]

I'll give that a try first.

[belundy]

I'd leave the cabin filter in place, as it wets with Lysol and off gasses gradually, giving the Lysol more time to work. Also gets any spores in the filter. Spray the dickens out of it as Rocky suggests with fan on high, then shut it off and allow it to sit overnight. Next morning run it on high (outside air, not recirc) with doors open until the Lysol dissipates.

[macphanatic]

I would think that the system should be sprayed before replacing the filter. This way, the old filter collects anything that is upstream. Then pull the filter, clean out the box and install a new filter. Then spray again.

[MRM4]

I tried Lysol and only helped for a few days. The musty smell is slowly coming back. Instead of trying to band-aid the problem, I think I'd prefer to use the Frigi-fresh. Anyone have any pictures or video showing how and where to get it into the condensor?

[ichu77]

Thank you guys for the insight, we have this musty smell in my pilot too for almost a year. Lysol works!!! saves me $$$.I took out my CAF and spray directly to my cooling coil , let it sit for a while, then blow the fan in high(heat) w/o the CAF, (3x or until the smell is gone), put a new CAF. We got nice smellin' fresh air!

[rocky]

Originally Posted by ichu77

Thank you guys for the insight, we have this musty smell in my pilot too for almost a year. Lysol works!!! saves me $$$.I took out my CAF and spray directly to my cooling coil , let it sit for a while, then blow the fan in high(heat) w/o the CAF, (3x or until the smell is gone), put a new CAF. We got nice smellin' fresh air!

[MRM4]

I read somewhere the other day that spraying Lysol onto a condensor would cause a long-term problem with the condensor. I don't know how true that is.

I bought a can of the Frigi-clean and used it last night. Will post a follow-up in a week or so once this thing has had time circulate for a while.

[robs]

Could the drain hole in the evaporator be partially plugged causing some residual moisture to linger in the evap box causing mold?

Haven't had to pull the evap housing out yet (knock on wood) but can the bottom of the box be removed without disturbing the evap core? Here's the exploded view but hard to tell

Honda online store : 2006 pilot a/c cooling unit parts


maybe try poking around from the outside of the drain outlet and see if anything can be loosened up

[Doolie77]

I tried to remove the one in my '07 and could never find the last point(s) where it was attached near the firewall and gave up because it as hot out and frustrating and I thought I would break something. And I have a high mechanical apptitude and decent skill level mechanically.
If you have the rear unit for the back seats, insure that unit is not retaining water due to blockage of the rubber drain outlet.
Here is a link to what I am referring to. A new source of water in the cabin on 07 EX