Can anyone tell me why my AC smells (Like dirty fish tank) when I turn it on?

 

I can't tell you why but heres a trick that sometimes works. If find the inlet for your vents (not sure where it is since I don't know anything about your truck) you can try sparying a can of lysol through there, it kills bacteria and might eliminate the smell. Welcome to the forum.

 

Sorry (new to this) I have a 2002 dodge ram 1500 quad cab 4.7 v8. Do you know where those vents are located? Thanks for the help.

 

hey, i have had that problem a couple of times, and ach time was a different time. the first time was when the canister to my ac system was busted open, and the second time it was my heater core. it was just blowing right into the car. if its the heater core it smells rank. but just like radiator fluid. so if it smells like that.. then you have nailed your problem. and if you want to fix it on your own good luck, and if you pay someone to do it its really expensive.
the AC canister and thats pretty affordable, to do yourself, and get done. so those could be the bad smells coming from your car.. i hope its just something with your AC, and not the heater core. good luck

 

I don't I'm a second generation Ram guy. Try posting in the 3rd Gen section. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. If your A/C "canister" which I am guessing is your filter/dryer was busted your A/C probably wouldn't work.

 

Try turning your AC off but leave the fan on high for a few minutes before you park the car, this helps dry any condensation in the system that might have formed. I had this problem with an older vehicle, when I did this I didn't get that musty smell anymore.

 

I had the sameproblem. It was the canister b/c my ac did not work .

 

also you can download the manual and see where the intake vents are. IIRC, they are near the top of the firewall on the sides near the fenders.