Solution for smelly AC when first started

[Daves1015]

Removing AC odor using Lysol Neutra Air Sanitizing Spray Air Freshener (sold at Target)

If this Lysol fails try ULTRASHIELD (same acetone glycol product as Lysol Neutra Air)


1-Set AC from recirculating within car’s interior to outside air

2-Turn AC fan on highest FAN setting with AC on

3-Roll down all widows

4-Vacate the car

5-Pop the hood and go to front cowl vent near wipers and use a tissue to determine where the air is being sucked in. On 2015 Sedan Genny it is just the passenger side. Some cars have 2 vents; one on driver’s side and passenger side

6-Spray Lysol into vent opening for 30 to 45 seconds

7-Turn on AC to FULL HEAT with fan on high and let run for a few minutes

8-If possible, leave car window open all night

To prevent reoccurrence, don’t leave AC on “recirculating” and leave your garaged car with a window cracked a bit to allow moisture to escape.

 

[Mark_888]

You might want to also change the cabin filter in glove department.

 

[HEY GURL]

Thanks Dave for that tip. I have had my car 7 months (6000 miles) and my A/C already smells gross!! This is the first time I have needed to change the cabin filter so quickly with a new car. Oh well, finally something to complain about. hehe

I just bought a new cabin filter on-line. I was looking at You Tube videos on how to install. Wish me luck!

I will definitely try your suggestion between cabin filter changes as a maintenance plan. Maybe I can go longer than 6 months without smelling mildew. (so disgusting) Thanks again.

Kim

 

[Aquineas]

HEY_GURL, I think with all that rain we had back in the spring there was so much moisture in the air that it just lingered. Mine smells terrible now too.

 

[Bill K]

This problem is usually caused by the evaporator not draining completely (blocked hose?)

 

[Mark_888]

This problem is usually caused by the evaporator not draining completely (blocked hose?)

That could be the problem. After driving for awhile on a hot humid day, there should be a puddle of water under the car when you turn off the engine and wait a short time. This indicates that the water is draining properly.

 

[Saintt]

Thanks op, I tried this a couple weeks ago and it seems to have solved the problem.

I removed the old cabin filter, sprayed the lysol then installed a new filter.

 

[need4spd]

Yes, key is to remove the old filter first, otherwise all the spray is trapped by the filter and does not clean all the vents.

 

[glennk]

Yes, key is to remove the old filter first, otherwise all the spray is trapped by the filter and does not clean all the vents.

Leave the filter out, so the spray can work its way through the vents?

 

[Saintt]

Leave the filter out, so the spray can work its way through the vents?

Yes

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[sidewinder1]

also spray directly into the blower housing after removing filter...i had a loaner 2017 g80 and it had same musty mildew smell from a/c after starting.

 

[Ragnar]

Question! Where are you folks located? I live in Arizona and have never had this problem with any of our cars, I'm thinking because of our super low humidity!!👍🏻

 

[Gunkk]

Happens here in swampy Florida w/ multiple makes: Honda, Toyota, Hyundai...

The lysol trick works for sure when cabin filter is removed. Keeping the exterior inlets free of debris helps too.

 

[Dat5.0GenLyfe2016]

Hyundai is aware of the situation but hasn't been a recall yet. The problem is the draining of the water that gets trapped inside of it draining out. Not all of it comes out thats why you do smell that certain smell when cutting on the AC. This is what my dealership told me

 

[salvageking]

I think I got mine mostly fixed: Car bad odor anybody else experience this

 

[SuperKing]

I also like to spray some lady fragrance on the cabin air filter before reinstalling it... lol A little strong at first but it'll eventually mellow out after a few days.