So I have been struggling with the smell coming from the AC , 2013 XJ
I have tried Lysol in the vents, new cabin filter, ozone filter
And still the smell persists and especially noticeable when just turning the car on.
Anyone successfully resolve this issue and how was this done?

 

AlexJag,

The only thing I can think of doing is removing the cabin filter, run the a/c on MAX, then use a disinfectant aerosol spray (Lysol make one) directly into the filter housing. Hopefully, this will circulate the spray around the ventilation system and kill any mold.

Worth a go?

wombat

 

Tried , this. Smell comes back later

 

That has to really suck. Things I would do all together in hopes of remedying such a nagging problem.

1) Check the "other end" where the intake of fresh air is and clean it well with disinfectant.
2) Pull the vents out of their holes and clean inside with some sort of tool that can wipe the inside of the tubes with disinfectant. (Cheap Vent Tool Info Here)
3) Clean the vents in hot soapy water and blow dry them before reinstalling (provided they are not the illuminated types).
4) Get a new cabin filter that includes a charcoal layer, or add a layer (they make thin ones for cat litter boxes). Clean the filter area with disinfectant.
5) Pull out the floor mats and pressure wash them then dry thoroughly and spray with disinfectant. Better yet just replace them with Lloyds Lux Mats like I did.
6) While the mats are out steam the carpets then dry thoroughly and spray with disinfectant.
7) Service the seat filters if you have them.

The goal of all the above is to stop taking in new crap, and stop recycling the existing crap that managed to get in the car. The more you do together, the better the odds of getting the cause of the odor completely removed.

Good luck with getting it cleared up.

 

My mechanic recommended another product to spray into the A/C intake that is designed for this specific purpose. It's called BG Frigi-Fresh. I haven't tried it yet. However, I practice a procedure that has significantly reduced the odor. After I complete my travel having used the A/C, I shut down the car and close most of the vents. Then I push the start button without starting the engine and running the A/C. Next, I turn up the blower to overpressure the system and blow out the condensate from it's collector and drain tube. The trapped stagnant condensate is the source of the bacteria or mold odor.
There are other foaming disinfecting products designed to spray into the vents. The foam collapses & disappears as it dries out.

 

This what I use .


https://www.nextzettusa.com/klima-cl...ioner-cleaner/