hcp

Hi there

I installed the FRAM CF10134 Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter this morning and when I turned the heat on, I noticed a weird smell coming from the air vents... The smell went away after 10 minutes. Tonight, when going home from work, I noticed the same thing... Is this normal?

I search about this issue and I only found one person complaining of a damp smell after installation.

Thanks in advance!

iSeeYouTwo

I installed a new OEM filter and I have the same smell. It's from bacteria built up in the HVAC system. You should look into klima cleaner by Einszett I've heard people had great success with this product. I will be trying it out on my car pretty soon.

PyroDave

just spray some penicillin in your vents

hcp

It didn't smell at all with the old and dirty oem filter... Thanks for the answer!

hcp

Lol! I'll crush some PenVK tomorrow at work

PyroDave

if not try keflex, maybe your car is allergic to the illins

MrOtocinclus

I tried really hard to pick up the scent of baking soda but I could never tell, so no, there were no smells before or after changing to the FRAM filter.

Simba91102

I just changed mine, but with a WIX filter (first time on the 2nd gen and never again, really crappy fit) and I didn't notice any difference in smell. I have used Fram Fresh Air filters and haven't had the experience you describe. Any other variables? Was the AC on or off, and is it usually? (I usually run with it off this time of year unless it's particularly damp). Are you sure the arrows on the filter are pointed in the right direction? (just a thought). Interesting dilemma.

mrgold35

I've used Fram air fresh filters in my TSX and RDX for +2 years with zero problems. I change them out every spring because it gets extremely windy in NM around that time (dust, dirt, pollen, etc...). We have very low humidity pretty much year round and I use the AC all the time. I've noticed when I lived in places with higher humidity; the AC would get that musty smell because of the condensation. Maybe changing the cabin air filter more often, checking the AC drain plugs, and maybe cleaning/disinfecting the core might help.

hcp

I believe it was properly installed. Here are some pics, I just took. Do you see anything wrong?

hcp

Thanks!

The AC was off. The arrows are pointing in the right direction. The OEM filter had the arrows pointing down and it was right in the front. This one had to be on the side, otherwise it wouldn't fit. I forgot to mention that it took me about 6 minutes trying to get the filter to fit... See the pic above.

Thanks for your advise!

bagwell

iTrader: (1)

no issues with the fram here either....try switching back to the old filter and see.

you might try running the A/C for >10 mins while driving followed by >10 mins switching the compressor off, letting the fan continue to run...this helps with the smell by drying out the system.......this has to be done a few times to see a difference...definitely helps tho.

I've also removed the filter and sprayed lysol directly into the air intake (a/c on, without the filter of course).

hcp

I threw away the old filter and it's gone... I blasted the AC at the lowest setting for about 10 minutes. I'll try again when driving to work today. If that doesn't work, I'll try using lysol tomorrow. If the problem persists, I will have to buy an oem filter from the stealership.

iSeeYouTwo

Mine didn't have a smell with the old dirty filter either, only with the new one.

drivedata

i installed one on the recommendation from others and it smelled like feet for about 2 weeks after installing. no joke, it smelled like smelly feet.

MrOtocinclus

Question to those who experienced smells: was the FRAM filter sealed in plastic inside the box? I'm just wondering if perhaps some of them come unsealed and they picked up whatever smells were present during shipment.

In total I used 3 of these filters in 2 cars, with one of them being a smelly old Accord, and I did not notice any additional smells after installing the filter.

PyroDave

if you'd like, i can meet up with you and we can toss my oem one into your car to check for the smell. i can also toss yours into my car to check for smell. im around by the GWB, stemming up 46 towards hackensack, 4 and 17 to various parts of paramus. i should be going to ramsey acura thurs morning. feel free to shoot me a PM

iSeeYouTwo

Mine is an OEM filter btw.

hcp

The smell is gone!!!

@bagwell - Thanks for your tips. I ran the AC yesterday as you suggested three times, and this may have solved the problem!

@iSeeYouTwo - Does it still smell?

@MrOtocinclus - My filter was sealed.

@PyroDave - Thanks a lot bro! I truly appreciate your offer to help!

iSeeYouTwo

Yeah but only when I run the A/C.

fxcarden

Stop farting in the car

iSeeYouTwo

Hmmm not a bad suggestion.

drivedata

one of the funniest posts that i have seen in a while

Houston hb

ozium spray new car scent, make sure your heater is on and also everybody is out of the car with windows up.

backfire

Made in China just imagine what they used to make that filter

odus

iTrader: (1)

haha i need to check mine its been well yea. lets just say i haven't bought a filter made for a car in years i buy a home air filter and cut the filter to fit.