New Truck - Weird Smell Coming From Hvac Vents

[davefr]

Edit: Sorry, I posted it to the LD forum by mistake. My truck is a HD.

 

I bought a brand new '06 Sierra w/8.1 V8 in late Jan. The HVAC vents emit a somewhat strange smell similar to maple syrup. It always comes when I first get in the truck but diminishes after about 10 minutes of driving. It will re-appear next time I drive the truck.

 

It does not smell like the coolant system and it doesn't really smell musty. (nor is it the characteristic new car smell)

 

I've read similar threads but no-one has posted what the root cause/solution is. Is it mold in the evaporator? Should I take it to the dealer? I hate to go thru dealer hell if it's something easily fixed by myself.

 

What are the solutions?

[hulbert]

A lot of times your evaporator will develop bacteria in it. This will create what you mentioned. A quick solution is a product called "FRIGI FRESH". It's made by BG corp. You simply spray this in the cowl about 6-8 inches from it while running your a/c on high and not on recirculate. A little bit will do you. Don't go overboard. This has always worked for me. If it doesn't there is a product that you spray in your heater box. (you have to drill a small hole in it.) This will for sure clean up any bacteria. If you can't find this particular product, ask a parts store for something you can spray to kill bacteria in your evap. Hope this helps.

[davefr]

A lot of times your evaporator will develop bacteria in it. This will create what you mentioned. A quick solution is a product called "FRIGI FRESH". It's made by BG corp. You simply spray this in the cowl about 6-8 inches from it while running your a/c on high and not on recirculate. A little bit will do you. Don't go overboard. This has always worked for me. If it doesn't there is a product that you spray in your heater box. (you have to drill a small hole in it.) This will for sure clean up any bacteria. If you can't find this particular product, ask a parts store for something you can spray to kill bacteria in your evap. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks!!! I'll give this a try. Is a maple syrup like smell characteristic of mold/bacteria??