I have a 1990 Maxima. The air has a musty smell when I run the air conditioning. I'm guessing that water is laying somewhere and growing bacteria (or something). Does anyone have an idea where to start checking for water buildup if that is the problem? Thanks in advance.

 

Is it always like this??
I know alot of times, if you run it, then turn it off and just let the air run it will smell like this for awhile. If its always like this I'm not sure what to tell you.

 

IT donesn't always smell. I guess it is just after I start up the car. Any idea what is going on?

 

If its after you start your car and you were previously running the a/c when you shut it off then it's perfectly normal. I would guess it's just the air filtering out. I wouldn't worry about it. Every car i've ever been in does this.

 

This is often climate /region specfic.

If it's bad - the odor is usually cause by a mold. The dealer may sell some spray - but the cheap way to try to cure it is to buy a can of aerosol Lysol spray. Start your car and run the A/C full on - cold setting - high fan. Spray the Lysol into the air intake a the base of the windshield from the outside. Spray each side for a good 30 seconds or more. Then shut down the car and let it sit for an hour or so.

Make sure to was down any over-spray on paint, etc.

Try doing this a couple times a day or two apart.

Should do the trick or vastly improve it. If it comes back - repeat the process (the mold regrows).

Hope that helps - let us know. It's been a while since I've had to do this (and never to my Max yet).

 

Thanks I'll give it a try tomorrow and let you know the results.




......the Lysol into the air intake a the base of the windshield from the outside. Spray each side for a good 30 seconds or more. Then shut down the car and let it sit for an hour or so.

Make sure to was down any over-spray on paint, etc.

Try doing this a couple times a day or two apart.

Should do the trick or vastly improve it. If it comes back - repeat the process (the mold regrows).

Hope that helps - let us know. It's been a while since I've had to do this (and never to my Max yet). [/B][/QUOTE]

 

What you can try doing in between normal A/C usage is, turn off your A/C button about 1-2 miles before your final destination but leave your blower motor on. Depending on your ambient temp 1-2 miles might be unbearable, but do try a few blocks instead. This will give the AC evaporator enough time to dry off (this is what causes the mold)

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tick Tock
[B]This is often climate /region specfic.

If it's bad - the odor is usually cause by a mold. The dealer may sell some spray - but the cheap way to try to cure it is to buy a can of aerosol Lysol spray. Start your car and..................


I used the lysol once and it got rid of the smell. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

Thanks for the follow-up post! Glad it worked.

To prevent it from coming back you may want to just spray it every oil change during the season you use the A/C. This should keep it from growing back.