[Dick Boneske]

How can I eliminate (or improve) the musty smell from the HVAC on the '96 Buick Roadmaster wagon that I recently bought? It has only 39,000 miles---was from an estate sale and has not been driven much at all since 2003.

It smells like the inside of a rubber boot!

[1abagto]

You might check with some local car wash business. Some of them offer detailing and for a nominal fee they can sanitize your ac/heating ducts. good luck with your quest. Rick

[Bob Dillon]

Originally Posted by Dick Boneske

How can I eliminate (or improve) the musty smell from the HVAC on the '96 Buick Roadmaster wagon that I recently bought? It has only 39,000 miles---was from an estate sale and has not been driven much at all since 2003.

It smells like the inside of a rubber boot!

Finding the dead mouse or bird in the piping would be a good start.

Failing that, check the yellow pages for "ozone generation" and get it aired out.

[2002Z4CSS]

The evaporator case drain may be plugged causing the condensation to build up and cause mold. Auto parts stores sell a deodorizer for car a/c systems. Lysol also works when sprayed into the air inlet.

[Captainofiron]

I have used the deodorizer that you spray in the ac vents, works pretty good

I dont think a 96 roadmaster has one, but cars that have an airfilter, sometimes they can get moldy and replacing them helps.

But I would check the drain plug, thats a good place to start

[salem1912]

X2 Lysol also works. If the people only knew the stuff that grows in a evaporator they would be very upset. I've taking countless cores out that would make the average person sick to know they were breathing though that stuff. Car companys finally started using filters.

[Geeto-Tiger]

Mold odor is often caused by moisture on the evaporator core that does not drain properly out of the case. Several years ago, GM released an afterblow module for service which operated the blower motor after the ign switch was shut off to help blow dry the core. They also released a spray chemical which killed the bacteria. After turning the a/c on at the highest blower speed, the chemical was sprayed thru the air inlet duct for several minutes. I don't know if either of these kits are still available. Be careful because I think the chemical is more of a health hazard than the mold.

[fyrffytr1]

I used Ozium to clean the smoke odor out of the A/C system on my delivery truck.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...0379/C0054.oap

[sts]

It needs a new cabin filter.

http://www.fixya.com/cars/t13544471-...ted_1996_buick

[Dick Boneske]

Thanks for the responses. They'll really help in eliminating this odor problem. There is no cabin filter in a '96 Roadmaster.

[Dick Boneske]

Does anybody know the procedure for replacing the blower motor in a '96 Roadmaster? The one on this car vibrates.

[salem1912]

The reason it vibrates is it has something in it. Maybe leaves,foam or maybe a critter.

[salem1912]

1.Disconnect battery ground cable.
2.Remove righthand instrument panel sound insulator attaching screws, then pull panel rearward disengaging attaching studs.
3.Disconnect blower assembly electrical connector.
4.Remove righthand hinge pillar trim finish panel.
5.Remove secondary ECM bracket attaching screw, then position secondary ECM and bracket aside.
6.Support blower motor assembly, then remove blower motor assembly attaching screws.
7.Remove blower motor assembly.
8.Reverse procedure to install.

[Dick Boneske]

Thank you, Tom. I think you're right--vibration is due to debris--or a dead mouse.

[Dick Boneske]

You were right. I took the blower out today and found the fan partially filled with fibers the mice used to try to build a nest. The heater core, not the a/c core was completely covered with the same fibers.

Working through a 3X3" hole and the blower mounting plate, I got nearly all of the fibers out, sprayed the whole inside with Lysol, and reassembled. Three hours later, all is well--no vibration, no stink!

Thanks to all!! You guys are priceless!

[2002Z4CSS]

Glad you got it figured out.

[Dick Boneske]

Not exactly rocket science, but sometimes it's hard to tackle a job like this, even though you suspect you know the cause of the problem. I'm glad I listened and tore apart the ducts under the dash. It's amazing how a 18 year-old car with 39,000 miles looks inside. It's literally like working on a new car.

Now, to replace the passenger side rear window broken roller. This has been a problem on all three Roadmaster wagons I've had. It's always risky taking off the door panels to gain access. The plastic pockets that hold the trim retainers break really easily.

[salem1912]

Originally Posted by Dick Boneske

You were right. I took the blower out today and found the fan partially filled with fibers the mice used to try to build a nest. The heater core, not the a/c core was completely covered with the same fibers.

Working through a 3X3" hole and the blower mounting plate, I got nearly all of the fibers out, sprayed the whole inside with Lysol, and reassembled. Three hours later, all is well--no vibration, no stink!

Thanks to all!! You guys are priceless!

Poor fella just couldn't keep up.

[Dick Boneske]

Never did find any trace of the little guy. I hope he got out---He must have-no more odor.