I recently purchased a used 96 SE. There is a funny smell that comes out of the system when the AC or vent is on. Is there an in-cabin air filter for this car? If not, what would you guys think could cause this and what could be the remedy? I don't know if it is so much a stinking smell or just a funny smell. Whatever the case, I would like to change it.

 

It's most likely mold in and around the A/C evaptorator. If you run the A/C all the time and never dry the evaporator off by putting the system into Vent and running the fan at Max for a minute or two, eventually the smell starts.

I've turned the fan on MAX and on fresh air mode and emptied a can of Lysol into the cowl vent in front of the windshield on other vehicles. It works pretty well. There are also sprays the dealer uses for this same problem. However if the problem is excessive, the evaporator will need to come out. In some of my maintenance history, I saw reference to this very problem on my 95 SE. The notes from the Nissan tech at John Elway Nissan states "Sprayed FRIDE Fresh in system, IF Smell continues will need to have evaporator removed and cleaned. NC"

 

You may want to check the AC drain hose (midway down the firewall - passenger side) and make sure it isn't clogged... Run the AC for 10 mins, if no water is dripping out then you need to clean that hose out. Once you have got the water flowing, get a can of lysol and put your AIR on spray the can of lysol into the cowl intakes... you might have to repeat this if it doesn't solve the problem... another option is after the above, run the AIR but on the hot temperature - to dry out everything.

 

Hayne's also refers to a technique that sprays a strong chemical spray up through the drain tube that njmodi mentions. I'd probably try the lysol first myself because it's easier to do.

 

does anybody know where to get the incabin filter that he mentioned earlier? i tried auto zone and advance auto but they didn't carry them for maximas.

 

I can try all of the above but I have one question. Where is the spot where I should spray the lysol? I really don't know what you guys mean by the cowl. A description or a location under the hood and I think I will be able to find it. Thanks a lot. This has been annoying and I'm excited about a possibility of a fix. When I run the air water does drip from under th car.

 

fresh air for u

 

happyricefob...What kind of Air Spencers are those? How's the smell?

 

i have squash mint..it should be availible in ur local "ricer" store.

 

Thanks, they look nice, I'll check em out.

 

Can someone tell me where to spray the lysol? Thanks.

 

At the base of the windshield

 

I can't remember if you have to open the hood or not, it's the plastic grid by the windshield wipers.

 

i had a really nasty smell comin out of mine. all i did was febreeze the sh*t out of the filter at the base of the windshield and in every vent inside teh car as well. the smell hasnt returned--2wks as of yet. and it smells fresh and clean