Smell from AC

[Sithil]

Anyone have an idea if there is an interior filter in the dash somewhere for the AC/Fan?

 

To explain for the past 2-3 weeks when I run my Fan/AC and have it circulate the air from the interior only it comes out the vent with a mildew type smell. My car smells fine any other time. No odd smell with it sealed up for 8 hours in 85+ degree temps on the blacktop parking lot at work but the second I turn the air on it stinks coming out the vents. I know it has to be something in the dash cause when I turn off the circulation and it pulls air from outside the mildew smell goes away. So figuring there has to be a filter or something that got wet and smells now. I was hoping the smell would have just gone away by now but no luck so figured I'd ask here.

[inkie]

Anyone have an idea if there is an interior filter in the dash somewhere for the AC/Fan?

 

To explain for the past 2-3 weeks when I run my Fan/AC and have it circulate the air from the interior only it comes out the vent with a mildew type smell. My car smells fine any other time. No odd smell with it sealed up for 8 hours in 85+ degree temps on the blacktop parking lot at work but the second I turn the air on it stinks coming out the vents. I know it has to be something in the dash cause when I turn off the circulation and it pulls air from outside the mildew smell goes away. So figuring there has to be a filter or something that got wet and smells now. I was hoping the smell would have just gone away by now but no luck so figured I'd ask here.

 

I have a 2010 and the cabin air filter lies flat behind the glove box. The 2009 filter should probably be in the same place. You release the glovebox so it will drop down and you will see the housing for the filter. Lets hope its just your filter and not mold or rotted debris in your ducts.

Edited April 29, 2010 by inkie

[danager]

This is a common issue, where mildew and mold can accumulate on parts of the AC (usually the evaporator core). Many AC repair shops will offer a treatment that will neutralize the smell and disinfect the system. It is simply sprayed in through the air inlet while the AC is running.

[FFHdriver]

This is a common issue, where mildew and mold can accumulate on parts of the AC (usually the evaporator core). Many AC repair shops will offer a treatment that will neutralize the smell and disinfect the system. It is simply sprayed in through the air inlet while the AC is running.

When my engine is running my AC is turned on to reduce humidity. I've never had an AC mildew odor in any car I've owned.

[drolds1]

This is a common issue, where mildew and mold can accumulate on parts of the AC (usually the evaporator core). Many AC repair shops will offer a treatment that will neutralize the smell and disinfect the system. It is simply sprayed in through the air inlet while the AC is running.

 

Yes, quite a common issue. If you'd like to try the D-I-Y method, spray Lysol into the air intake as a temporary solution or get one of the commercial products, such as Frigi-Clean and Frigi-Fresh. The kit requires drilling a hole into the evaporator housing. If you're nervous about doing that (I would be), just get the Frigi-Fresh spray or the Lysol. To prevent mold regrowth, shut off the A/C and run the fan on high for about a mile before you reach your destination. You could do this after you stop also by running the car for a few minutes with just the fan on. This will dry out any residual moisture.

 

In all probability, your dealer offers this service. It is a very common complaint.

[Sithil]

Yes, quite a common issue. If you'd like to try the D-I-Y method, spray Lysol into the air intake as a temporary solution or get one of the commercial products, such as Frigi-Clean and Frigi-Fresh. The kit requires drilling a hole into the evaporator housing. If you're nervous about doing that (I would be), just get the Frigi-Fresh spray or the Lysol. To prevent mold regrowth, shut off the A/C and run the fan on high for about a mile before you reach your destination. You could do this after you stop also by running the car for a few minutes with just the fan on. This will dry out any residual moisture.

 

In all probability, your dealer offers this service. It is a very common complaint.

 

Thanks for the info all. This is my first New car, but even then the 3-4 vehicles I've had before never had this issue. I'll prob try the lysol thing tomorrow. I think I should make sure to leave the fan circulating the interior air since that's the only time it smells. Fresh intake from outside has no hint of anything.

[FSE-6M-2010]

Hi,

 

I had the same problem on my 99 Escort, my wife used to keep the AC system on recirculate inside air only, so that it cooled faster. The manual recommended opening the vents to outside when the car is parked overnight so that the air can circulate and prevent mold growth.

Any decent auto shop or specialized auto store has the sprays for the AC system treatment. Try NAPPA, they even sell several fragrances.

 

I had the same problem on my 98 V70. One treatment should make the problem disappear and should be enough for one summer. Two treatments are recommended.

 

Regards and good luck.

 

Anyone have an idea if there is an interior filter in the dash somewhere for the AC/Fan?

 

To explain for the past 2-3 weeks when I run my Fan/AC and have it circulate the air from the interior only it comes out the vent with a mildew type smell. My car smells fine any other time. No odd smell with it sealed up for 8 hours in 85+ degree temps on the blacktop parking lot at work but the second I turn the air on it stinks coming out the vents. I know it has to be something in the dash cause when I turn off the circulation and it pulls air from outside the mildew smell goes away. So figuring there has to be a filter or something that got wet and smells now. I was hoping the smell would have just gone away by now but no luck so figured I'd ask here.

[FSE-6M-2010]

Hi,

 

I had the same problem on my 99 Escort, my wife used to keep the AC system on recirculate inside air only, so that it cooled faster. The manual recommended opening the vents to outside when the car is parked overnight so that the air can circulate and prevent mold growth.

Any decent auto shop or specialized auto store has the sprays for the AC system treatment. Try NAPPA, they even sell several fragrances.

 

I had the same problem on my 98 V70. One treatment should make the problem disappear and should be enough for one summer. Two treatments are recommended.

 

Regards and good luck.

 

Anyone have an idea if there is an interior filter in the dash somewhere for the AC/Fan?

 

To explain for the past 2-3 weeks when I run my Fan/AC and have it circulate the air from the interior only it comes out the vent with a mildew type smell. My car smells fine any other time. No odd smell with it sealed up for 8 hours in 85+ degree temps on the blacktop parking lot at work but the second I turn the air on it stinks coming out the vents. I know it has to be something in the dash cause when I turn off the circulation and it pulls air from outside the mildew smell goes away. So figuring there has to be a filter or something that got wet and smells now. I was hoping the smell would have just gone away by now but no luck so figured I'd ask here.