Leader

Okay, I searched, but came up empty. (I admit I'm not adept at searching...sorry)
So, I had my car serviced last week at the dealer (24 month check up - I'm servicing on the calendar, not mileage) and they replaced my "cabin air filter."
Ever since, my AC has a funky, almost mildew smell to it...more pronounced on start up and slowly diminishing as it runs.
Would the cabin air filter swap be the culprit? I need to fix this. Anybody got any ideas?

esef

I had the exact same thing happen after my one year service. I don't think they put a new filter in but I had a moldy smell when I turned on the AC. I just let the AC run full balst for 20 mins and the smell seemed to lessen, either that or I've gotten used to it.

uzj100

John-

Try searching this: smell "air conditioning"

And this is a good product for killing the bacteria etc in the vents

http://www.1z-usa.com/AC_Cleaner.html

HTH

Coochas

Maybe the Porsche tech had bad B.O..

Leader

That's one of my favorite "Seinfeld" episodes...when his BMW's leather interior takes on the "scent" of the valet parker's BO. Hilarious.

No, my smell isn't BO...it's definitely more like mildew.

Where is the fresh air intake for the AC? - in case I want to spray some Lysol in there.

greenie

Make sure that the A/C drains are not plugged.

Coochas

That was a great episode.

dgwhitten

Don't know what causes the smell but I have it too. Have found that turning the AC off a minute or two before wheeling into the garage helps/eliminates the problem. Turn on the ECO button and let her blow as you get close to home/work.

dstrimbu

+1 for KlimaKleen from Einszett. Worked like a charm in wifey's last Saab...

J1SD

I have also noticed this (mildew like smell)...lasts for only a minute when the AC is turned on and then goes away. Would love to know what causes this and how to get rid of it. Maybe I will try the KlimaKleen stuff.

500

One of my MB's was having this issue and it was due to the evaporator drip pan/tray not being angled properly which was not letting the condensation drian as it should therefore causing mold; the problem effected quite a few models.

ADias

All ACs must be turned off 5 minutes BEFORE you fully shut off your car's ventilation at the end of the day. I do it every day 2 street lights from my final stop

gweedo911

I had the "smell" last year on my C2. This summer, however both of my cars were "smell" free.....

500

No offense but that should not be necessary as AC smell has only been an issue in 1 (the 2004 MB500 Coupe) of the 30+ cars I've owned and I live in hot and very humid S Florida. I only turn the AC off just before switching off the car(s); my G/F leaves her's on all the time and still I never have noticed a problem and I notice everything (the dealerships service depts just love me for that ).

mhm993

Mice or chipmunks in the cabin filter? (seriously)