Smell of mildew from a/c vents: how to get rid of?
10-09-2002, 03:07 PM
#1
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Smell of mildew from a/c vents: how to get rid of?
It only smells for the first minute after starting the car, but it's pretty bad. Any suggestions? I just had my 20K service, so I think they changed the dust filter, but it still smells.
Also, I've turned off the system only a few times in the past year... perhaps that's when moisture collected and bred the mildew.
Also, I've turned off the system only a few times in the past year... perhaps that's when moisture collected and bred the mildew.
10-09-2002, 03:14 PM
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Last week, under warranty, my dealer replaced the dust filter and sprayed a disinfectant in the
ductwork. It helped a bunch, and now that it is getting cooler in the desert I am trying to run on fresh more rather than recirc (although the stink from freakin' diesel vehicles kills me - I don't know how Europeans put up with it).
10-09-2002, 03:31 PM
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a few things
(from my understanding and what I've heard)
Basically, that mildew (or whatever it is) is due to the condensation created in/on the a/c / ventilation system by having the a/c on. To help minimize/prevent it, try to dry out that condensation (especially before parking the car). A few ways to do this are:
1 - run without the a/c on (so just press the <b>econ</b> button), or not run the ventilation at all
2 - run the heater on high
I hadn't heard of the disinfectant thing that PhoenixS4 mentioned, but that sounds like a good route to take as well. I'm not sure where in the system the mildew/mold grows, but if it is in the filters, might want to get those replaced as well - just mention it to the service rep. I usually do 1 for the last mile or so on my way home, windows open.
Basically, that mildew (or whatever it is) is due to the condensation created in/on the a/c / ventilation system by having the a/c on. To help minimize/prevent it, try to dry out that condensation (especially before parking the car). A few ways to do this are:
1 - run without the a/c on (so just press the <b>econ</b> button), or not run the ventilation at all
2 - run the heater on high
I hadn't heard of the disinfectant thing that PhoenixS4 mentioned, but that sounds like a good route to take as well. I'm not sure where in the system the mildew/mold grows, but if it is in the filters, might want to get those replaced as well - just mention it to the service rep. I usually do 1 for the last mile or so on my way home, windows open.
10-09-2002, 03:45 PM
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FWIW: I religiously turn the air off about a mile before I stop in order to dry the system out, But
I also always run on recirc and have the air on constantly for over six months a year. Keeping it on fresh makes a big difference (but those damn diesels!).
10-09-2002, 03:53 PM
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That just recircs all the condensation though, same as not having the air on at all
basically blowing the air in the cabin 'round and 'round. With the a/c on, I don't seem to smell any fumes really, but with the a/c off (so just a vent/fan), then I smell the outside world more....*shrug*
10-09-2002, 04:15 PM
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I also had the dealer run their disinfectant 3 times on my car. And I still had a mildew odor.
A while ago, I took my battery out and found the drain hole to be plugged up. So that might of be a cause of the foul smell. I cleaned that drain hole out. But had to repaint to area, from it trying to rust. Also since I live in a bug and dirt infested environment. I find I have to change my pollen filter every 10k.
jaime
jaime
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10-09-2002, 05:01 PM
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Hey Phoenix - tint question
How do you like the Huper Optik tint? Has it affected radio or radar reception? Were the installers able to do a good job, especially on the rear window? It's the Stark 40, right? I'm thinking of the Sech film.
TIA-
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TIA-
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