Has anyone else experienced this before?

When I turn on the AC/heat this odor comes out of the vents. I have been to the dealership complaining about it but the only thing they had done was spray something in the vent under the wipers. That had done nothing!

Is there a filter or something that I need to change to get that smell out of there?

thanks

@

 

I believe there's supposed to be an in-cabin filter on the 5th gens.. if not, then you can add one- the box is ready for it and it's just not there... or something like that.


on cars like mine that don't have the filter, the most common problem is that the cowl area gets full of muck- road grime, bits of leaves, etc. and starts mildewing and rotting inside the cowl area. the solution is to pour some bleach or other disinfectant in there to kill the bugs in it- thus getting rid of the odors.

 

Thx Matt, I keep forgetting about that filter. Good job!

 

Keep in mind if it's only when you have the AC on it could be from the condensation inside the vents. The condensation attracts mold, yeast, and bacteria which cause the smell. Normal practice to remove the condensation would be to turn the heater on and fan at full blast for a few minutes before you turn off the car. This will remove all the condensation.