max2k1SE

Hey all:

I hope mine is not an isolated case.

I get a strong musty odor when running the AC -- been going on for about 8 months or even more.
Its a 2K1 SE if it matters.

It kinda goes away after a while - but the odor is noticeable in the beginning.

Is this something that can be fixed ?
by dealer - myself ?

I still have a warranty ... he he ...

Ideas ?

Thanks!

jjs

Quick question...do you have the in-cabin filter?

max2k1SE

Yes I do - does that make it worse ?
And coming to think of it I haven't replaced it in a while .....

what gives ?

NikaL

anyone try this
http://properautocare.com/wuracheatsys.html

jjs

If it has accumulated moisture, etc. over time, I am sure it would not help.

max2k1SE

So you suggest replacing the filter ??
I think it will be time to call on DAVEB

NT2SHBBY

to the best of my knowledge...in cabin filters are to be replaced every 10k miles

If you experience a musty odor, could be the filter, could be mold trapped in your ventilation system..

my suggestion is this: (I follow this regiment every season because I am a smoker and I like clean air)

buy a can of Ozium (sp?) or even Lysol will do and spray it in the intake ducts (located by your windshield wipers outside) while the fan is on high setting with either a/c or heat enabled....

your cabin should smell nice and purdy afterwards

jjs

It wouldn't hurt. I ordered a replacement kit for my AE last month just haven't figured out how to get the fricking glove box assembly unhooked from the car. Seems like something is 'catching' near the upper console/dash, but I have accounted for the screws shown in teh instructions.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Musty odor in your A/C system indicates mold spors are growing in the evaporator.

Go here - http://www.keep-it-kool.com/ Click on odor control, they have a kit that kills the bacteria that grows in your evaporator.

badabing

Oooh....I know this funk you refer to. My parents have a '93 Altima that does this (not sure if it still does). Very, very nasty! I would hate it when it was 90 degrees outside and I had a friend riding with me.

Smelled like.....FEET!

max2k1SE

Did you try anything to solve it ?

I would probably try the stuf mentioned on this thread - it would be good to hear personal experiences .....

E55AMG2

iTrader: (4)

sounds like you dont use the A/C that much, and have a dirty in cabin filter. Not to mention a nice buildup of bacteria to boot. When they replace the in cabin filter, see if you can spray something like lysol (to kill the built up bacteria) in the a/c vent system. To keep it from happening, use the A/C regularly (even in winter).

tita6

Interesting.. My logic was always to not over-use the A/C to prevent this smell. I thought that using it causes the moisture to start with, so if you leave it off it will never get humid in there. You SHOULD turn it on once in a while during winter to keep the compressor lubricated though..
Also I always have used the technique of turning off the A/C & running fan full blast a mile or so before I arrive at my destination to bring the condenser/etc to equal temps to prevent further condensation as the car sits parked with no air flowing thru system. This has worked well for me as a prevention measure in previous cars... maybe we should take a poll to see what actually works for everyone.

Right on, Dirty filter=bad. My wife's Galant has one right now and it smells dusty when you turn on vent, heat, OR A/C. Nasty.

max2k1SE

Interesting .... I get this funny smell *only* when running the AC.
Normally ( when its not hot ) I just run the fans - no smell - normal.
I do run the AC once a month for 15-30 mins - dunno what's up.
Anyways, I think I will try changing the filter and see if it helps.

E55AMG2

iTrader: (4)

You have to run the a/c more than that. The radiatior that the air passes thru before the air reaches the cabin is where this happens. So, if you use the A/C often (as i do here in sunny florida), you never get the musty smell. When i left my car parked for a week, I got the smell. It went away fter about 5 min or so, but disuse of the A/C system seems to cause it. Where do you live??

max2k1SE

Northern CA - Sunny - but not hot
Maybe that's why !