Hey guys i was just wondering if anyone ever used the FRAM engine filter when they changed their oem one out or should i stick with the oem from acura?? reason i asked is that i was in autozone and decided to see what they have for our 3gTL air filters cause everytime i start the a/c i have this musty old smell and then it goes away after a little bit so deciding on changing it.

 

You need to change your cabin air filter.

 

it's the cabin air filter you must change! Rock Auto has one with activated carbon that's cheaper and as well elminates odor. I believe its called the HA5 filter for our cars.

 

i already changed my cabin one back before winter hit. and i got the charcoal one form rock auto as well. would i have installed it the wrong way?? lol cause i know that when i took out the oem one there were arrows pointed in one direction but i didnt see it on the HA5 so i just put it in the same way i took out the old one.

 

get a charcoal added or antibacterial added `CABIN air filter`

not related to engine air filter in any way for cabin air smell

most parts stores will carry them with `antibacterial spray` or `activated charcoal` added- to absorb smells/fight badness from air (works great)
Even a plain fresh cabin filter every year will help with air smell

Spray some lysol type product in the vents with the filter removed to kill off bad stuff that can live in there

To combat mildew in ac- turn off ac but leave fan running the last few blocks before you stop- so air moving thru plastic tubes gets to dry out

Also open the vent for rear passengers in center console- leave that open all the time or air and moisture get built up inside

 

Yup. Go to Rock Auto's website. It's the ATP HA5 (charcoal).

Here you go: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

It's currently on sale for $14.09!

 

I'll have to grab one and look into changing it. Thanks for the link, Princelybug

 

It's a great buy right now since it's on sale. My advice is to pick up 2 or 3 to help neutralize the shipping costs.

 

I just bought 3 of the Fram Filters for my TL and my GF's 2008 Civic. I replaced mine a couple days ago. I change mine occasionally but previously used OEM filters. This time, I found the Fram filters on Amazon for a good deal. They have carbon and baking soda. PN is CF10134. No report yet since I've only installed the filters a couple of days ago.

 

cool cool keep us updated. going to get me some lysol!

 

I've had that musty smell before even after changing the cabin filter. You might need to flush the drain holes at the bottom of your windshield near the cowl. I ran a good amout of water through them and the smell went away.

 

^
Lysol is recommended there, as well.

 

Check out this thread:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ghlight=mildew

 

^^^ is basically the correct answer ,.. the smell is from mildew on the A/C condenser and other sprays just mask it for a while. This is a common issue in the VWs and like them changing out the cabin filter usually doesn't do it.

 

You mean evaporator and more so, the drip collection components. The condenser is behind the grill in the front of the car.

 

Yeep ..

 

I've had the Fram cabin filter in for about a week, now. I used to get a little musty/wet smell when I first turned on the AC. I haven't noticed that since I put that filter in.