Mold on cabin air filter

[bluecheese]

I just did my semi annual cabin air filter change and noticed mold on the old filter.

I’ve never come across this before. Is it normal?

Any suggestions on how to DIY clean the truck’s hvac?

 

[Curmudgeon]

*Username relevant. Somehow.

 

[mikeru]

I just did my semi annual cabin air filter change and noticed mold on the old filter.

I’ve never come across this before. Is it normal?

Any suggestions on how to DIY clean the truck’s hvac?

View attachment 581524

Definitely not normal. I suspect you have water leaking somewhere into the cab. Do you ever have heavy condensation on the inside of your windows/windshield? Any chance you have a heater core leak? How many miles are on your truck?

 

[bluecheese]

Definitely not normal. I suspect you have water leaking somewhere into the cab. Do you ever have heavy condensation on the inside of your windows/windshield? Any chance you have a heater core leak? How many miles are on your truck?

Occasionally there will be some condensation on the windshield. Not often and not too much.

I haven’t noticed the typical heater core leak smell.

Truck has 100k miles on it.

 

[mikeru]

Occasionally there will be some condensation on the windshield. Not often and not too much.

I haven’t noticed the typical heater core leak smell.

Truck has 100k miles on it.

Are you the first owner of this truck? If not, do you know anything about the repair history of the truck?

We had a rear window leak in our 2020 Limited back in 2023. Which took out the RF hub (that’s another story lol). But a couple days before the RF hub failed I found heavy condensation on the inside of all windows after a heavy rain. I didn’t really think much about it because the high humidity that morning. When the RF hub failed is when I noticed mold in some areas of the cab. I didn’t check the cabin air filter but when the dealership repaired the truck they mentioned it.

I would check for water leaks, especially around the rear window/CHMSL/shark fin antenna area. Early 5th gens also had an issue with a sheet metal seam (cowl area) which wasn’t completely sealed on a few trucks.

 

[bluecheese]

Are you the first owner of this truck? If not, do you know anything about the repair history of the truck?

We had a rear window leak in our 2020 Limited back in 2023. Which took out the RF hub (that’s another story lol). But a couple days before the RF hub failed I found heavy condensation on the inside of all windows after a heavy rain. I didn’t really think much about it because the high humidity that morning. When the RF hub failed is when I noticed mold in some areas of the cab. I didn’t check the cabin air filter but when the dealership repaired the truck they mentioned it.

I would check for water leaks, especially around the rear window/CHMSL/shark fin antenna area. Early 5th gens also had an issue with a sheet metal seam (cowl area) which wasn’t completely sealed on a few trucks.

I am the second owner.

The previous owner was meticulous about regular maintenance like oil changes and such according to Carfax.

I haven't noticed any damp areas in the truck. It’s washed at least monthly, and the entire interior is vacuumed. I haven’t felt any damp areas under the back seats during cleaning.

 

[Pull Ya]

This might sound a little strange, but you might buy a small container of "Damp Rid" and put it in your truck to see if it removes any dampness or heavy humidity from the inside. It will at least let you know if there is a problem inside the truck.
Jay

 

[Marshall]

It could be your location. Hi humidity? Sitting out side or in side?
Not sure what would help
Check your drain on the heater/AC to make sure its not holding water

 

[bluecheese]

This might sound a little strange, but you might buy a small container of "Damp Rid" and put it in your truck to see if it removes any dampness or heavy humidity from the inside. It will at least let you know if there is a problem inside the truck.
Jay

Good idea. I’ve used damp rid in my house during really damp winters.

 

[bluecheese]

It could be your location. Hi humidity? Sitting out side or in side?
Not sure what would help
Check your drain on the heater/AC to make sure its not holding water

South Louisiana. So high humidity and damp winters.

Truck sits outside.

I may run a can of Kool It through the ac drain to see if that helps.

 

[Pull Ya]

I've used the Damp Rid in boats before and now use it in a closet that I store items I would rather not have rust. Always thought it worked pretty good.
Jay

 

[DanAR]

Do you run with the recirculate setting on all the time? I remember some issues years ago a story that said doing so can cause mold in the duct system as it allows moisture to build up in the car/truck. I caution my wife about it all the time but she keeps recirculate on all the time due to allergies.

 

[Mlarv5]

Look up under your seats and see if there is mold under the bottom of the seat cushions.

Clean the ducts regardless, the mold is in them already. I would use something that depletes the oxygen in the cab (Ozone).

There are a some products like Meguirars Air Refresh that will clean the smell if any.

If I lived in or around NOLA, I would keep damp rid in it like stated above.

 

[Mojo88]

I just did my semi annual cabin air filter change and noticed mold on the old filter.

I’ve never come across this before. Is it normal?.....................

Are you sure it's mold? I've changed out plenty of those filters on assorted vehicles and sometimes they can get REALLY dirty.

 

[Daw14]

*Username relevant. Somehow.

Exactly my thoughts.

 

[bluecheese]

Are you sure it's mold? I've changed out plenty of those filters on assorted vehicles and sometimes they can get REALLY dirty.

The rest of the filter wasn't really that dirty. And having lived through Katrina flooded homes, I've very aware of what mold/mildew looks like. So I don't think its dirt.

 

[bluecheese]

Is this the location for the evap drain?

 

[mikeru]

Yes. I was going to ask if that was plugged.

 

[bluecheese]

I just put two cans of Kool It in the drain. I don't know what the result will be, but I'll have to check the air filter in a few weeks to see if there is any mold on it.

 

[mikeru]

Do you ever see condensate on the floor after running the A/C? I would expect that you would see that regularly in a humid environment. I see it a lot here in Florida.