Musty smell--Wet carpet??

[wyosteve]

Wondering if anyone can tell me how to take off the trim pieces that hold the carpeting down? The last few days I've notice a 'musty smell' when the truck sits with the windows closed. I suspect either a clearance light leak or 3d brake light leak since we've actually had some rain here recently. The carpet is not wet, but I'm thinking the padding under the carpet may be. If it's not the carpeting, does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[DaveMorris]

that truck is to new, take that thing to the dealer and make them fix it... heck if the carpet has mildew, tell them to replace it since your wife has a sevre reaction to mold... .

 

[Mundgyver]

It might not be in the carpet, it could be in the air condition vents. This is a known problem on the 2001 models, could be that Dodge did not fix it yet

 

[JHafen]

mine smells the same way when I turn on the air. it doesnt do it all the time though. 04. 5 600

 

[Mundgyver]

What happens is that you get some dirt, dust, or small trash that collects on the air condenser inside the airbox and the water/moisture builds up promoting bacteria / fungus growth that of course :{ smells. The fix is a better drain or you take it apart, clean everything out and install one of Geno's intake filters. I am remis as I have elected to just suffer during the spring time with this phenomina (did I spell that right )

 

[wyosteve]

Mundgyver, can you tell me what you mean by "a fix is a better drain"? Is there something I can do to eliminate this problem. From what you described, it seems like that may be my problem since the carpet is not wet or even damp and there is no evidence of water on the headliner which I'd think would happen if it were the clearance lights. Any suggestions are sure appreciated. Thanks

 

[JimBob24]

Check the condensation drain where it passes thru the firewall into the engine compartment. On my previous 2nd gen there was apparently a short extension tube which fit over a short nipple from the condensation drain to carry water away from the firewall before it dripped onto the ground. That extension apparently came off and water would run back inside the firewall and under the carpet soaking the padding beneath it. The carpet never felt wet on top but the padding under it became saturated.



I took a piece of clear plastic tubing and clamped it over the drain and routed it lower down the firewall. It solved the problem.



It looks like my 2004 has the same drain setup.



Jim

 

[Mundgyver]

Most air boxes have a drain at the low point to allow for the condensation from the condenser to exit the system. I have not been inside the airbox on our trucks yet. (Just a matter of time though). On some vechiles, the drain is not at the bottom most point which contributes to the problem with stagnet water. The drain exits out the firewall on the passengers side. If you suspect that the drain is clogged, you have a choice on how to fix it. Either pull the airbox and inspect the drain and condenser cleaning as you go or (most of the time) compressed air shot into the drain port on the fire wall side to blow any debris away from the drain hole in the airbox.



There is another choice thought that you can use that most people opt out for. Your local parts store (GI Joes here in Portland) have a product that comes in a spray can. It is made up of Ozone mostly. Ozone will kill the mold, mildew and other stuff that grows in the airbox. Right off the top of my head I can't remember what its called (Brand Name). But you take this spray can with the air system turned on for fresh air intake to the inside and spray this down the outside intake vents. It will coat the condensor and kill off the growth. Once you spray it in (heavy saturation) just let it sit overnight. This stuff has a smell to it that is different to say the least but it goes away pretty quick.



It will kill the growth, I know that. We have allot of damp weather up here in the Northwest and I use this stuff about every 2 years. One thing I have learned is that just before I get home from work, (about 5 minutes out) I will put the air system to fresh air mode with a some heat dialed in. This help dry out the condensor and keeps the trash from taking over for smell.



Hope this naritive helps you out.

 

[wyosteve]

Thanks guys. I'll work on it tonight.