when i turn on my AC, this strange smell first comes out from the vents, and after a few seconds, it kinda goes away(i usually open my windows to air the smell out). how can i get rid of this?

new air cabin filter?

 

What kind of smell? Musty, damp- moisture buildup, check evap. drain. Antifreeze type of smell- leaking heater core. Rotten smell- dead critter in system somewhere. When did you last replace the filters?

 

^^Wouldnt a dead animal constantly smell and not disappear after a few seconds? I have the same problem, even after swapping the cabin filter.

 

musty stale smell. kinda smells like feet. its been there ever since i bought the car used last summer.

any ideas?

 

My wife's car is the same way.

There's NOTHING you can do if the cabin filter doesn't fix the problem, unless you want to replace the A/C evaporator $$.

Try the cabin filter first. If that doesn't work, you're out of luck. Those "sprays/foggers" don't last. I've tried them.

 

You probably have some mildew built up. Use a mildew spray at the base of the windshield where the air goes in.

This Civic is a perfect example:

 

thanks for all the help so far.
after i spray the mildew, should i still replace the cabin filter? should i spray it and run the AC, or will it get the mildew spray all over my interior?

 

Ref. post 2- when did you last do it?? Even if no smell and it's been a long time they need to be replaced-

 

yea i have yet to replace the filter.

is there a specific brand/product i should get? i found a DIY to change the filter on this site for 2nd gens, but i have pretty much no experience with cars other than seafoaming. is this DIY do-able for me?

 

It's quite simple, just take your time. I bought filters at AutoZone. I think they were Bosch brand. Reasonable price & fit fine.

 

I thought it was only in 1G TL.

 

Whats only in 1g TL?

 

It's pretty easy. When you buy the cabin filter, you might want to buy the charcoal activated filters. These absorb odors which will help with your problem. But definitely do what Ken1997 suggested. You have mildew spores in your vent system which cause the odor. There are sprays usually sold at auto stores in the A/C accessories section that will kill those spores.

 

thanks for the help! lol i was planning on stopping by walmart after work and picking some mildew spray used for bathrooms..

and i think the 1g comment was about the DIY, but heres the 2nd gen DIY:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...t=cabin+filter
anyone verify?

 

Yep, thats for the 2nd gen TL/CL..

No cabin filter in the 1st gen TL for the record.