Had an opportunity to check the AC stink (sporadic) issue while working on the HPFP replacement.

Even though I have the mesh to prevent leaves from getting into the area under the cowl panel I was surprised how much was in there. There are two drains. One is by the white arrow and another 1 feet away on the driver side. That had an equal amount of leaves. It is very easy for the drain to be clogged by these leaves. Mine was partially clogged. Quite a bit of rotten leaves which smelled exactly like the stink you get sometime when you turn on the AC.




The below picture shows the vent the AC uses for air intake. This vent when fitted sits right on top of where the leaves are in the above picture.



To access this area you will need to remove the cowl panel which is sure to break. Good news is that it is a $48 part.

 

Hey Yankee,

Just did a similar job. How do you get to the lower latches on the AC intake when reinstalling? The two bolts at the top are easy, but the lower snaps?

 

Looks like a project I need to schedule and tackle.

 

Good info!