OK, so I live in central Florida an the last few days it has rained a LOT. On my way to work this morning, A/C is on, everything smells great. Leaving work, didn't notice any strange odor, so I wasn't thinking about it. Dropped off a Redbox DVD (shut my car off), got back in and started her up. OH MY GOD. It smells like someone poured a gallon of 2 month old milk in my A/C. As I drove it either the smell got better or I got used to it. My question is WTF??? I will be buying new cabin filters this weekend, as maybe something got wet in them or what? I have had issues with odors before, but never going from smelling normal to rotted cheese in a 2 minute stop. The car has 146K, been garaged its whole life and has zero issues with gaskets or seals (that I am aware of). It was not raining on my way home, nor while I dropped off my DVD. It was so bad, I would be embarrassed to have anyone be in my car with that stink. I will update this tomorrow to let you know if its gone, I'm kinda hoping it just goes away, but I'm never that lucky. Any suggestions? I did a search, but nothing came up like this.

 

Check your car's fluids. Perhaps something is getting old, leaking and smelling ?

 

OK, drove to work this morning, no smell. I am perplexed. At this point the only thing I can think is maybe there was some curdled milk or vomit under my car as I parked, and in the 2 minutes I spent returning the DVD, it came into my car through the A/C. Normally I would say that would be impossible, but for some reason the automatic A/C likes to switch from recirc air to outside air randomly (I am sure it has a reason, but I have found it just does it while I am driving). At this point, unless the smell returns, that will be my assumption. I really don't want that to happen.

 

Make sure the drain tube for the condenser is free and clear so that moisture isnt building up by your filter causing the stink and mold/mildew.

 

Is that accessible when I change out the cabin filter, or is it wedged between the engine and firewall with no clear access?

 

the other hiding place for moisture is inside the center console vent to the rear of cabin
that vent should be left OPEN all the time- ac use with it closed allows moisture buildup and the backup of forced air super chills your CDs and anything else in the console

Heat, same issue- bakes your CDs, but does a nice job keeping coffee warm

the air supply cant be cut off at start of line so exit end must be left open

tip for ac- when possible, once a day/last trip of day, turn ac OFF, outside air, and cabin fan on high for the last few minutes of your drive
that will help dry all the plastic vent lines

new filters- with antimicrobial and charcoal added are worth it! ck wallyworld for deal
Ck the inlets on top of engine to glass cowl- that's the inlet for cabin air
amazing what gets thru there and rest in the airbox around the filters

 

iirc the drain hose under glovebox can be kicked loose by passenger-
so I am guessing you can reach it there and run a wire thru or pour liquid down tube

 

Great amount of info. I just came back from lunch and the smell returned, but much more subtle. I think that something happened, and now it's lingering (this morning commute, not hot outside, lunch commute about 95F). I can still smell it, it is not nearly as strong. I just had my console apart a few weeks ago to add my FM modulator and audio input. I always have the back vents open, so I doubt that (when I had it apart, there were no wet or prior wet looking pieces). I will get some filters this week and replace them this weekend, and I will update as to their condition and if the smell goes away. It was incredibly horrible yesterday, today I had to smell the vent to actually sense that it was still present. Either way, it needs to be gone...thanks for the input guys...

 

what animal left you a little present thru the intake vents ?

the filters come with the needed 2 in ONE box

 

When was the last time you changed your battery ?
It may be your battery releasing sulfuric gas smell and making its way into the cabin through the fresh air vent.
Make sure the light on this button is ON to reduce the smell from entering the cabin.

 

I don't think the heavy rain and the smell are coincidendal.

 

ckd the sunroof drains? and door drains, water could get in and sit, leak out and mold the carpet or other materials
truck seal good? stick friend in trunk with flashlight while you spray with water hose