My A/C smells on my 2020 Chevy truck

[B.R.]

I Bought a brand new 2020 Silverado truck two months ago and my A/C smells bad. But it’s only when I turn the A/C button on. The blower and the heater doesn’t smell when it’s on. Has anyone had this problem? 

[bshort]

Nope.  Take it back.  

[BlancoSilverado]

Same issue on my 2019, i had to take it back to them(dealer) and turn on the "AfterBlow" feature. This will turn on the blower after turning off the car (after 20-30 minutes) for a 1-2 mins to take the water off the evaporator (in the cab cooler). I had them run some ozium to kill the bacteria.

I replaced the cabin air filter with the wix filter that has carbon in it to help but going to the dealer is the best thing to do. They have to verify that there is a smell. (IDK what would happen if the tech didnt smell it).

 

I tried to fix it myself by having the blower running for 20 mins on a hot day without the motor running(so the AC wouldnt turn on).

Didnt work too well the smell can back in a few weeks.

[B.R.]

Thank you! 

[Thomcat]

Definitely turn on the afterblow.

 

Dealer had set mine for afterblow during the initial prep so no crap even has a chance to grow from moisture and build up on the evaporator.......no smells from A/C.

[Sierra50BMG]

A/C = windows down lol

sorry had to, ive experienced this before but not with my 2020, haven’t had to run A/C yet. 

[tinbad]

Yes! I’ve had the same issue on my 2019 that started last summer when I first got the truck. The dealer said it was normal and he had it in every car he owned. Well, I never had it in any car I’ve owned, not even a 15yr old junker so he must be from another planet.

 

I didn’t have time to deal with it and once the hot weather went away, so did the smell. I do plan to take it in again this summer if it comes back. I’ve only had it smell on 90+ degree days. Does yours smell all the time?

[bdsilverado]

It's this a quick free thing to have done while getting an oil change?  Or schedule an opponent kinda deal. 

[Z45]

What you are smelling is  caused by the build up of mold and bacteria on your evaporator coil.  Warm climates (high humidity) are more prone to this.

Edited April 22, 2020 by elcamino

[GMCustomerService]

Hi, everyone. This is certainly not what we wish to hear. Our team is more than happy to reach out the dealership on your behalf. To do so, please send an email to [email protected] ATTN:Forum Username/Gm Trucks  with your contact information, VIN, brief description of your concern,  and preferred dealership. We look forward to hearing from you. To learn more about GM's privacy policy, please visit http://bit.ly/2h3ZUnC. 

Aleigha W. 

[mbradbury73]

Having same issue: 2022 Silverado 1500

[smit303]

I had a dead mouse in my cabin air filter. You might want to check it out.

[BIGDOGx]

2 hours ago, smit303 said:

I had a dead mouse in my cabin air filter. You might want to check it out.

Yikes how did you get it out as there is only enough space to pull the filter out, i usually rip a piece of the filter box cardboard and try and create a dam on the underside of the filter so stuff doesn't just fall past it once you pull the filter out.

 

But to those with smells and you have never changed your filter? Give that a try, even better K&N makes them and are only double the price of a standard one, and of course it will be the only one you will ever need to buy again. Plus I here it helps with the flow of your cooling and heating system as like with a k&n air filter it is higher flowing then stock.

[MichaelJr19]

AC Odor Issue After Warm Restart – 2018 Chevy Colorado

 

I’m experiencing a recurring issue with my Chevy Colorado where a chemical-like odor comes from the AC only after a warm restart. This has been ongoing since my first summer with the truck. I previously visited both a GM dealership and an independent mechanic, but neither was able to identify the root cause. The dealer recommended enabling the after-blow feature, which has been done, along with any other basic HVAC adjustments they suggested.

 

A few details:

• The odor does not occur during cold starts, even after hours of continuous AC use.

• There’s no noticeable water buildup, and I don’t go through car washes.

• The smell appears only after the vehicle has been turned off briefly—typically after a stop for gas or picking someone up (5–10 minutes).

• Upon restarting and turning the AC back on, a noticeable chemical smell (not musty) comes from the vents.

• If I leave the AC off and just run the blower for several minutes (even while the cabin gets hot in the summer), the smell usually goes away and won’t return when the AC is turned back on, except if I have another short stop.  

I’d appreciate any insights or next steps that could help identify and fully resolve the issue.

 

Thank you.