Sometimes when I start my 1990 Cadillac Brougham a 'vinegar' smell comes through the vents. Any idea what this could be?
Specializations
| Make | Model | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Cadillac | Brougham | 1990to1992 |
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Posted Nov. 21, 2009
Amy Murphy 0
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0 votes
Amy, you need to stop mixing Morgan's "vinaigrette" salad dressing in the air cleaner bowl ! Tee-hee!
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Mrs. Murphy
Someone who was eating vinegar and salt flavored chips/nuts might have allowed one of those items to be sucked into the HVAC system and is now resting there awaiting removal.
If not removed, it might be an invitation for critters to have a nice meal and take up residence.
Regards,
David
(Note, a spell check would be nice in the tool bar shown for those of us who struggle with spelling.)
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0 votes
Sometimes, I'm afraid to say, if a mouse or other small rodent has built a nest somewhere in the A/C vent system - they will urinate in the nesting materials (usually cotton batting material from the seats, or pine needles, or similar...their urine tends to give off a "vinegar" type odor - have you seen any mouse droppings on the carpeting or small bits of stuffing anywhere in the car? It doesn't even matter if the car is always garaged as Mice often times take up residence in amazing places. Sorry to be the bearer of potentially "gross" news...
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0 votes
Amy,
Possibly I can help you with the foul odor coming from the Climate Control air vents. Although you have desribed the odor as a vinegar smell, I strongly suspect it is just a result of mildew contamination within the A/C evaporator case.
This is an often heard complaint. It is more prevalant in humid areas or with vehicles that are stored for periods of time. The remedy is a fairly quick and inexpensive procedure using LYSOL Disinfectant Spray.
Step 1: Turn on the A/C system to HIGH FAN position, but only on the FRESH AIR INTAKE mode... DO NOT USE RECIRCULATION position.
Step 2: Have a helper release the Lysol spray DIRECTLY INTO THE COWL AIR INTAKE. Continue the spraying until the operator in the car can easily smell the Lysol odor coming from the vents in the car.
Step 3: SHUT OFF the A/C fan and/or system. The LYSOL should now be coated on all of the internal surfaces.
Step 4: LET THE LYSOL do its "magic" and eliminate all of the mildew spores and other contaminants, about 15-30 minutes.
Step 5: REPEAT PROCEURE at least one more time, or until you are satisfied with the result.
NOTE: If this doesn't solve the problem, unfortunately, it is likely that a dead creature is causing the odor, and that calls for a system dis-assembly.
HOPE THIS HELPS!