Chaos

Only when I tilt or open the sunroof. Changed the cabin filter and checked for water damage found nothing. Any combination of cracked or open windows does not duplicate it. Sunroof only. ?
Thoughts?

LexVan

You have mold in your HVAC system somewhere, including your condenser. When you open the sunroof your create the right drafting to make the odor apparent near your nose. There are some sprays you can use that are fairly effective.

semicycler

Is the smell from the dash or sunroof area? Since you say it only happens with the sunroof open I'd start there. Perhaps a clogged drain hole in the sunroof leading to minor damp areas in the interior roof area after the car is washed or it rains?

Start with a visual inspection of a partially open and fully open sunroof. Verify the sunroof drains are not clogged with a small amount of water in the four corners near the drains. Try looking for leaks around the gasket with a garden hose & closed sunroof, then open the sunroof & check for damp areas. The interior sunroof liner can be removed leaving a clear view from the inside with the sunroof closed too. There is a DIY somewhere showing how to remove it. It can be a bit tricky but is a DIY. Repeat some of these steps while watching from inside the car without the interior liner installed.

moewingw

The best thing to do is read this guide, and make sure you use room fresheners.

9elvn

I had a moldy odor in my 997 last summer, before using the chemical treatment. tried a suggestion I read online. Before parking the car run your vent system w the AC button off and fan on that should “dry out” the condenser before you park, I did it a few times about 2-3 mins or driving before I parked and it was gone after a few drives.