"K Lam" > wrote in message
...
> Hi, I've started reading a.a.honda and r.a.m.honda recently, and find that
> there're nice and very knowledgeable people here. Hope you can give me
> some ideas regarding my 2001 Civic
>
> I live in the Pacific Northwest, where we have dry summers and wet
> winters. That means, I only use the air conditioning mostly during the
> winter. To save gas, I turn off the a/c when the windshield is clear, and
> turn it back on when it fogs up again.
>
> I don't know whether this practice actually gave me this problem, but when
> I turn on the a/c, it started to give a mouldy/mewdewy smell. I don't
> think breathing this kinda air is very healthy anyway...
>
> So, my question is: is it easy to take apart the HVAC system (ducts,
> filters etc...) for a thorough cleaning? Is it a DIY job?
>

It's such a common complaint with so many cars I am surprised there aren't
any great kits on the shelves to take care of it.

The most comprehensive treatment I've seen described (haven't had occasion
to try it) involves connecting a basketball pump to the evaporator drain
tube. The pump is filled with rubbing alcohol or straight isopropyl and the
alcohol is flushed backward into the evaporator drain pan. The OP had us
fill the drain pan until it ran over and then let it sit a minute or two.
When the pump is removed the mostly disinfected drain pan contents are
flushed out.

The OP indicated the overflow dries quickly without harming the carpet, but
I think I'd fold an old towel in the passenger floor at least.

Mike