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A/C Smell and door issues

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101K views 129 replies 80 participants last post by  6Gen  
O
#1 ·
This is my first forum posting.

We purchased our 2017 Pacifica at the end of June. 109 miles on it. By 2K there was a mildew smell that would blast out of the a/c when we would turn it on. Husband called and was told that it happens "give it six months." The car went in for service two times since then; and both times he's asked about the smell. Changed the cabin air filter one time -- no fix. Then used a canister of some kind of stuff the service department gave him that was supposed to fix it -- nope. He was told that to run this problem down would take 2 days and that if the canister didn't work that the service department would do it. SO, we are now at the end of December; and the problem still happens sporadically (it's never been 100% consistent). Just picked her up today and they still will not work on tracking down the problem. Has anyone else had issues with a mold smell coming from the a/c of their new Pacifica? It's embarrassing. HOW did you get the dealership to finally address the issue. We are VERY certain that the dealership is trying to kick the problem down the line to avoid warranty work.

And we too are having the sporadic issues with the passenger sliding door losing its automatic functioning. Can't figure out a consistent cause or cure.

Still love the stow and go and the space that we have. Kids range from 4-8" to 6'-1". So space and head room were large concerns in our car search. Just never thought mildew would be an issue.
 
T
#95 ·
My dealer performed the star case maintenance and the smell returned after a few months. I’m going to end up looking for a spot to drill a hole in the evap housings so I can feed in a coil cleaner tube when I need to. Can anyone on here post good drawings? Just need a spot about an inch off the coil and high.
 
T
#96 · (Edited)
got this done. Obviously this is at your own risk. I won’t be around to answer questions, but if you’re handy you’ll be ok.

For the front, if you pull everything out like you’re changing the cabin filter plus the floor duct (2 screws underneath) you’ll expose a temp sensor in the side of the HVAC. That’s a clear shot to the evap coil.
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in the rear you can pop the side panel and drill a 1/4” hole in the HVAC housing and feed your coil cleaner hose in right there. Then put a piece of tape over when you’re done.

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#100 · (Edited by Moderator)
VIN (removed by moderator)

got this car a few months ago and it hasn’t stopped smelling horrible since. We have had it serviced multiple times (at Chrysler dealers and elsewhere). Most recently, we had the AC /evap coil replaced (which was NOT cheap) and then had a complete full detailing/cleaning done. It’s been two days and the smell is back and strong. I’m at a loss on what to do. I think it is affecting my two toddlers health at this point driving in the car and we have exhausted every avenue for resolving this issue and put thousands extra into our car to no avail.
 
#105 ·
I have had the AC smell problem and noticed it prominently a few days after the first time my PacHy had a car wash. I had it addressed at the dealership and it was improved, but not gone. Initially it was a periodic smell issue, then more constant. I have had it addressed I think 5 times now in my first year of ownership. After problem-solving with the dealership following the first two fixes, we realized they had not changed out the filter when the AC was cleaned, so they gave me a new filter on that day, but some time had already passed after the cleaning and the smell had begun to return stronger, so it really needed to be cleaned and given a new filter at the same time... which I then needed to have done a few days later after a cross country drive. I have had so many problems with this van- locking me out with keys inside while running, while not running, electrical issues, tire pressure issues, hybrid battery heater blanket coolant issues, uconnect theater issues, turning off while idling issues, doors not staying locked, doors not unlocking upon approach with the keys... I have lost so much time managing a brand new vehicle that was bought with the intention to reduce the burden of managing car issues during a period when I had increased responsibilities elsewhere. ...I really love the idea of my PacHy though, and I loved it when it worked like it was supposed to work.
 
R
#106 ·
We struggled with the stinky A/C smell in our 2018 Pacifica until we finally had the cause for the A/C refrigerant leak fixed (pinhole in condenser). Took 4 service calls and 2 dealers for a saavy technician to use dye to isolate the cause for the weak A/C. Since the fix, the A/C blows cold, even in 100 degree weather. ALSO, the stink has disappeared -- my theory is that the proper functioning cold in the evaporator kills the mold forming bacteria. Which is probably how this A/C system should function.
 
#107 ·
Hello - I never thought to Google and check here but I’ve been having smelly ac issues in my newer 2021 Pacifica. Purchased it with 6k miles on it and still having musty smell in cabin. I’ve sprayed deodorizer into plenum circulated air - cleaned the cabin air filter etc etc. nothing working. Is there a recall for this? Been reading a bunch of issues with other people experiencing same thing! Totally ridiculous.
 
#109 ·
Hello @dnath28 as well as any other users who may be experiencing the above.

Should you elect to visit a dealer, we would be more than happy to offer our additional assistance here. Please send our team a private message with your vehicle's model year and mileage to get started! Hope to connect again soon.

Hannah
Chrysler Cares
 
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#113 ·
We are experiencing the same smell with our 2017 Pacifica that has 46,000 miles on it. Not sure what is going on here with this minivan but it only started recently. After reading a bit of these posts, I saw that it many people recommend not running any of the vents. We did that and the smell was not as strong. I have to imagine Chrysler has a good fix for this but I’m thinking they are going to charge me a lot of money to complete it.
 
B
#114 ·
This issue is not limited to Chrysler alone as o had it on several of my cars (of different brands) as well. I did have to spray twice for my minivan this year and it has been okay since then.
 
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K
#122 ·
NEW PROCEDULRE using rubbing alcohol. Update on the A/C smelling like vinegar or smelly feet. I posted previously on this at #91 where I did a procedure where I sprayed Quaternary ammonia (lysol) into the cabin air handling system. I have done this 3 times since buying the van over 6 years ago with success for 1 - 1.5 yrs until the next treatment is needed. I tried something new! I poured rubbing alcohol down into the air intake cowling for the cabin air intake. (At the very center at the bottom of the front window. On outside of car).) I did this 3 months ago and so far, things are good. I suppose this could be more dangerous due to possible flammability, but alcohol evaporates fast. An advantage of this procedure is the liquid alcohol drained to the floor of the garage, so I knew that the drain line was clear. Sounds like the drain line has been an issue for some people.
It sounds like some of the posts here are also related to pin hole leaks in the A/C coil. This has not been my problem. I have just had a bad vinegar smell - most likely caused by bacteria that like a moist area (A/C). And to be fair, I have noticed this in other cars over the years, just not as bad as the PAC.
By the way, we have been extremely happy with the minivan. We are now at 76,000 miles and have had the recall issues like everyone else, but not a big deal.
 
K
#129 ·
kinsch said:
NEW PROCEDULRE using rubbing alcohol. Update on the A/C smelling like vinegar or smelly feet. I posted previously on this at #91 where I did a procedure where I sprayed Quaternary ammonia (lysol) into the cabin air handling system. I have done this 3 times since buying the van over 6 years ago with success for 1 - 1.5 yrs until the next treatment is needed. I tried something new! I poured rubbing alcohol down into the air intake cowling for the cabin air intake. (At the very center at the bottom of the front window. On outside of car).) I did this 3 months ago and so far, things are good. I suppose this could be more dangerous due to possible flammability, but alcohol evaporates fast. An advantage of this procedure is the liquid alcohol drained to the floor of the garage, so I knew that the drain line was clear. Sounds like the drain line has been an issue for some people.
It sounds like some of the posts here are also related to pin hole leaks in the A/C coil. This has not been my problem. I have just had a bad vinegar smell - most likely caused by bacteria that like a moist area (A/C). And to be fair, I have noticed this in other cars over the years, just not as bad as the PAC.
By the way, we have been extremely happy with the minivan. We are now at 76,000 miles and have had the recall issues like everyone else, but not a big deal.
Click to expand...
UPDATE ON USING RUBBING ALCOHOL: This is working well. I use it about every 6 months. Just make sure car is cold and you don't plan to drive it until the alcohol evaporates (~2hrs).
 
D
#123 ·
I’m hoping you can help me with our 2017 Chrysler Pacifica odor concern. We have all the same issues everyone is describing. The warm weather has made it considerably worse so I’m hoping you can help. I can’t seem to get a PM to Jasmine at ChryslerCares through this forum. I don’t meet the requirements? Any suggestions?
 
#128 ·
@TheKorean

Bring this history thread back. Have you tried use water tubing to clean the evaporator (coil) after the holes were drilled?


TheKorean said:
I’m going to end up looking for a spot to drill a hole in the evap housings so I can feed in a coil cleaner tube when I need to. ....
Click to expand...
TheKorean said:
got this done. Obviously this is at your own risk. I won’t be around to answer questions, but if you’re handy you’ll be ok.

For the front, if you pull everything out like you’re changing the cabin filter plus the floor duct (2 screws underneath) you’ll expose a temp sensor in the side of the HVAC. That’s a clear shot to the evap coil.
View attachment 47693
View attachment 47692
View attachment 47694
View attachment 47695

in the rear you can pop the side panel and drill a 1/4” hole in the HVAC housing and feed your coil cleaner hose in right there. Then put a piece of tape over when you’re done.

View attachment 47696
View attachment 47701
View attachment 47698
Click to expand...
 
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