Strong Mildew Odor

[noonen@juno.com]

I've had my '04 Vibe for about a year and half. Over the past 6 to 8 months, I've noticed a mildew odor whenever I turn on the vent fan or a/c. It's getting stronger, much stronger too! Any suggestions as to what to check out? Thanks.

[joatmon]

first thing to check would be your cabin air filterhttp://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=982^note the warning about the error in the owner's manualhttp://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=8477

[CyBeRjUnKiE]

I'm not sure but I remember seeing this on the MatrixOwners website. I think it has something to do with the condensation from the A/C. I'll try to see if I can dig it up. But you may have to bring it in for warranty.**edit try this linkhttp://www.matrixowners.com/fo...ation

[Kari]

My cabin filter is in need of replacing, I'm sure, as what comes out of my vents smells pretty rank. I typically only use the A/C or fan if it's raining or really, really hot...otherwise I just roll the windows down. Helps avoid having to replace the filter or smell it. The Colonel sprayed mine with Ozium last weekend and that helped for at least a few days, but now unfortunately the smell seems to be back. $33 does seem a bit much for a filter like that though.

[sylvainber]

Kari,you can get the filters for 9.95$ at:http://www.cabinairfilters.net...C.htmsylvain

[Ponyota]

Quote, originally posted by sylvainber »you can get the filters for 9.95$ at:http://www.cabinairfilters.net...C.htmNice find... thanks for the link

[CyBeRjUnKiE]

definitely a great find....sure beats over 50 bucks for a cabin air filter.

[JohnC]

This is very common on cars with a/c. It is mildew growing on the ac evaporator. The mildew grows there because it stays moist after turning off the car. Have you ever saw water dripping from under your car just after driving it? That is the ac evaporator drain. To prevent the mildew, dry out the evaporator before shutting off the car by switching the ac button off several miles from home and letting the outside air dry it off. If you want to get rid of the meldew now there are alot of aftermarket sprays that claim to do it, Lysol spray seems to work the best and is also the cheapest. Spray it into the intake just below the windsheild, you could also remove the cabin filter and spray it into the duct there. If the filter is bad you can replace it or just remove it. Hope this helps.

[ColonelPanic]

Switching off the A/C before you reach your destination and cranking the fan all the way up does go a long way to taking care of this issue. Mine smells rotten, but I don't usually remember to switch off the A/C....

[Pick]

This is very common on cars with a/c. It is mildew growing on the ac evaporator. The mildew grows there because it stays moist after turning off the car. Have you ever saw water dripping from under your car just after driving it? That is the ac evaporator drain. To prevent the mildew, dry out the evaporator before shutting off the car by switching the ac button off several miles from home and letting the outside air dry it off. If you want to get rid of the meldew now there are alot of aftermarket sprays that claim to do it, Lysol spray seems to work the best and is also the cheapest. Spray it into the intake just below the windsheild, you could also remove the cabin filter and spray it into the duct there. If the filter is bad you can replace it or just remove it. Hope this helps. Ditto to what he said.