Lately I've noticed my car smelling a little strange- like mildew. I believe its from using the Air conditioning, but what can I do to avoid it? Is it an indication that the filter may need changing? What else? I now roll my windows down when I park the car in the garage.

-B

 

If your are using your A/C, then about 2-5 minutes before you get to your destination, switch your circulation flow over to fresh and disengage then A/C (also, crack your window), but leave the blower on Hi. Always leave you car parked using the "Fresh" setting. This should help equalize the temperature in the ventilation system with the outside temperature to prevent moisture build up, home of fungi. The air convection should help to remove most of the moisture or condensation remaining in the system.

You can freshen/ or sanitize the ventilation system by using Ozium, Plexis, Lysol (preferably something fungicidal, you pick the ideal scent for you!), by turning on your A/C and setting maximum blower speed. You can spray a light mist and watch the intake suck in the air sanitizer. The recirculation intake is located down in the passenger foot well.You should run the system for a few minutes.

If the smell (funk) persists, then I recommend changing the ventilation system air filter and manually cleaning the condenser box (a real pain to get into for maintenance). In addtion, check to make sure the drain tube is not clogged. A burst of air can dislodge most types of blockage.

-Skip

 

Thanks for the info. Now that I think about it, I believe I have been parking with it set to recirculate internal air.

Why did I think that there was some kind of recirculation vents behind the seat?

Byron

 

I personally wait until I am a block from home before shutting it off. That way I'm not sweating by the time I get out of the car. After I park in the garage and get out of the car, I leave the blower fan running on low and the fresh air setting for a while (depending on the relative humidity) to dry out the evaporator.

 

Could be this:

https://www.s2ki.com/article/articleview/82/1/1/

 

This is all related. In some cases, the condensation build up is ideal conditions for mildew growth. Try to make sure the evaporator box is draining properly. Other debris (leaves, pine needles, etc.) sucked in to to the ventilation intake can aggravate this problem.

 

Since we have a pollen filter, I assume most of the leaves and spores from outside don't land on the evaporator. I've heard it can be your own bad breath germs when the system is on recirculate!!!

 

Then we should be glad that you do not ride in our cars.....

Maybe your friends are politely trying to tell you something?

 

I've just started having this same odor. Since I've moved from California to New England, the humidity has gone up a lot. I'm sure that's part of it. I never had the smell in California. I almost never use recirulate for air conditioning, so I don't think that's the problem. I've ordered a new filter. Need to check the dripping onto the passenger carpet. All I know is I hate getting into the car and smelling that "old" smell. Even though my car is going on 3 years old, it's always smelled fairly new.

By the way, I had mice nest in the fresh air vents in my '92 Integra. In spite of cleaning out the nest and chambers, twice, I couldn't get rid of the smell. Actually traded the car earlier than I planned because of it.

 

This smell may also be due to a problem a few owners (including myself) have experienced with the cockpit rear air vent which exits under the trunk. Apparently there is a seal problem which causes water to seep into the bottom of the trunk (under the tool box) when the car is exposed to heavy water (rain, car wash, etc.).

I recommend pulling out the tool box and feeling for water in the bottom of the trunk!!!

If you search in the UK club forum you should find some very detailed write ups on this issue.

I have not had mine fixed since I generally fear the dealer taking my car apart and in California letting the trunk dry in the sun solves the problem fast.

If this is the issue and you have good luck fixing it please let the group know.

Good luck.