Musty smell from AC
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Musty smell from AC
Has anyone experienced and "musty" smell coming from the AC. I can usually smell it the worst when the AC is on recycle mode. Anyone else having this problem?
![Dunno](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/dunno.gif)
#2
Moderator Alumnus
#3
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Washington DC.
Age: 62
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by Spryster
Has anyone experienced and "musty" smell coming from the AC. I can usually smell it the worst when the AC is on recycle mode. Anyone else having this problem? ![Dunno](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/dunno.gif)
![Dunno](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/dunno.gif)
#4
Not a Blowhole
I thought Search was working again.
http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86743
http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86743
#6
Racer
It also helps a lot to turn OFF the A/C a few blocks before you turn off the engine. That way, the system has more of a chance to dry out before shutting it down. It's annoying, and hard to remember, but can be a solution to the problem.
#7
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Washington DC.
Age: 62
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by Hybrid
It also helps a lot to turn OFF the A/C a few blocks before you turn off the engine. That way, the system has more of a chance to dry out before shutting it down. It's annoying, and hard to remember, but can be a solution to the problem.
Trending Topics
#8
Not a Blowhole
Well, the fact that you have not had problems does not make any sort of argument that the posted info is incorrect, and certainly does not deal with the fact that the poster has the problems. So while it is an anecdote not to be questioned, I do not see how it contributes anything to this thread.
I have studied the issue, and there have been SAE papers written on topic. Even the orientation of the evaporators fins has been examined - the preferred orientation is now vertical rather than horizontal, the reason being obvious - let gravity work to one's advantage.
As posted in this thread and the one I cited, letting yur A/C dry out before shut down helps. And just today, I did in my 1997 Outback beater what I do every month in the summer - I wait for a cool morning, open all the windows, turn the heater control to max, and the fan to high. This helps destroy residual bacteria and mold, while also drying out the areas of the a/c plenum that almost never dry out in the summer without "a little help". It is uncomfortable for 5 minutes, but effective.
The incidence of these sorts of musty smells vary from area to area, state top state, and from year to year: you have been lucky, may it always be so, but the plethora of products and services in the aftermarket to deal with the problem exist because for many people, it is a persistent and troublesome issue.
It is an issue related to mold, pollen, bacteria. and dust mites in home ducting and carpeting; and we have all learned of late of the devastating effects of black mold. That was the biggest worry my family and I had when our home was damaged severely from Hurricane Isabel - I employed in-wall micro-camera technology to thouroughly examine the interior walls, finding no damage that a little of my vinegar and water concoction (1:10), a sprayer, and a large fan could not address, much to our relief.
I have studied the issue, and there have been SAE papers written on topic. Even the orientation of the evaporators fins has been examined - the preferred orientation is now vertical rather than horizontal, the reason being obvious - let gravity work to one's advantage.
As posted in this thread and the one I cited, letting yur A/C dry out before shut down helps. And just today, I did in my 1997 Outback beater what I do every month in the summer - I wait for a cool morning, open all the windows, turn the heater control to max, and the fan to high. This helps destroy residual bacteria and mold, while also drying out the areas of the a/c plenum that almost never dry out in the summer without "a little help". It is uncomfortable for 5 minutes, but effective.
The incidence of these sorts of musty smells vary from area to area, state top state, and from year to year: you have been lucky, may it always be so, but the plethora of products and services in the aftermarket to deal with the problem exist because for many people, it is a persistent and troublesome issue.
It is an issue related to mold, pollen, bacteria. and dust mites in home ducting and carpeting; and we have all learned of late of the devastating effects of black mold. That was the biggest worry my family and I had when our home was damaged severely from Hurricane Isabel - I employed in-wall micro-camera technology to thouroughly examine the interior walls, finding no damage that a little of my vinegar and water concoction (1:10), a sprayer, and a large fan could not address, much to our relief.
#9
Advanced
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: VENICE BEACH ,CA
Age: 46
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I replaced my cabin air filter w/ a non oem model. This model did not have charcoal so now i get that damn musty smell. For your problem i would replace your cabin air filter w/ charcoal. Hope that helps.....
#12
Pro
Dave
#13
i agree with road rage and turn off the ac and let the blower dry out the vents before you shut down. have done this on my previous cars and have not had a problem. then again i believe einszitt sells a product that you can connect to the hvac system that will get rid of the musty/moldy smell.
#14
Unshunned
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: da branch
Age: 50
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Thumbs up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif)
I've used it recently and it eliminated 99% of the odors. I can still notice it just a bit now and it's only been a few months since treated. It works well, though you have to use it at least once a year. FWIW I rarely turn off the AC and let it blow dry before shutting off the car - just too lazy..
#16
Instructor
Bacteria and mold on the AC's evaporator is the cause of the smell. Cleaning with a foaming agent like the one mentioned below or a product from BG will help kill the mold and freshen up the AC. As others have stated already, turning your AC to fresh and letting the fan run before shutting off the car also helps
#17
Intermediate
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Lost Angeles
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All cars do this. AC systems were downsized a few years ago to save weight and space, and the changeover to R134A probably contributed to this.
Do what others have said - don't run the AC unless you need to, turn it off and keep the fan running 1 minute before your destination, occasionally put a product into the system to minimize the smell. Wurth makes a spray, apparently Einszett makes one, hell you can probably even use Lysol, just have the system running and spray the stuff into the vents at the base of the windshield where outside air is sucked in. And when you're in the shop, have them make sure the drain hose is clear.
Do what others have said - don't run the AC unless you need to, turn it off and keep the fan running 1 minute before your destination, occasionally put a product into the system to minimize the smell. Wurth makes a spray, apparently Einszett makes one, hell you can probably even use Lysol, just have the system running and spray the stuff into the vents at the base of the windshield where outside air is sucked in. And when you're in the shop, have them make sure the drain hose is clear.
#18
Acuras Only in
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I do turn the AC off & blow high fan a few blocks from my place .... so far so good ...
Now the main reason I want to turn AC on with REC is that it's too damn hot (like the last couple of days) & this is the fastest way to cool the inside .....
Now the main reason I want to turn AC on with REC is that it's too damn hot (like the last couple of days) & this is the fastest way to cool the inside .....
#19
#TeamBoosted
iTrader: (2)
Mine was smelly before too, so I checked everything, checked the evaporator hose drainage and it WASN'T clogged, replace cabin air filter and even engine filter but the smell was still there. I took to the dealer and they found out that the evaporator hose was pushed back more inside the car so some of the a/c water goes outside the car while some drips down inside the carpet of the car, causing the smell. They say its a common thing with most acuras and even toyotas have it. Driving too hard, vibrations on the ground, or even passengers kicking the side dash make push the evap hose back. Hope this helps.
#20
Safety Car
Car won't start: AC Froze up and now the PCM is full of water (click here)
Originally Posted by FIXED !!!
I took to the dealer and they found out that the evaporator hose was pushed back more inside the car so some of the a/c water goes outside the car while some drips down INTO THE PCM/ECU.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CheeseyPoofs McNut
5G TLX (2015-2020)
35
10-11-2015 11:25 AM