A/C STINKS!

[jkm311]

I know I have seen conversation related to this subject, but I could not find anything. Does anyone else's A/C stink for the first 30 seconds after you turn it on?I have been told it is condensation w/bacteria in some "trap" that needs to be emptied. Is this correct, and if so/or not, how do you remedy the situation?Thanks, once again, gen-vibers!

[northvibe]

did you replace your vent air filter yet? located behind your glove box? There was a tsb for a rotten egg smell when the cat. converter went bad, usually on 2003 vibes.....

[jkm311]

I've been meaning to change that. But, doesn't that just keep out the dust and other allergens?

[northvibe]

yes, but if it gets gross it will be shooting nasties into your car since all the air goes through it...

[jkm311]

I'll check it out this weekend, but i still don't see how it would have an effect on the "scent" getting through. Anyone else have a suggestion while I will be spending Saturday under the dash?

[zionzr2]

More than likely it is the cabin filter...Lysol sprayed in the vent intake will help a bit but only after you check the cabin filter....also my check that the A/C drain tube is not blocked at all and that it can drain properly.

[vibrtor]

I've had an ongoing problem with the "stink". Just replaced the cabin filter...and it still stinks. Dealer hit it with some stuff - lasts for a few days, then it stinks again. It's very frustrating.

[keithvibe]

Quote, originally posted by vibrtor »I've had an ongoing problem with the "stink". Just replaced the cabin filter...and it still stinks. Dealer hit it with some stuff - lasts for a few days, then it stinks again. It's very frustrating.The stink your talking about is left over water(condensation) from when your running your air conditioner. What happens is your driving along with the air on pull in your driveway with the air still on, shut off the car. Come out the very next day or even a few hours later on a very nice hot day and that water that is left behind didn't have a chance to evaporate. So it just sits there and starts to stagnate. I have the same problem with my car(s). The way I have fixed the issue or lessened the issue is to turn off the air about 1-2 miles from my destination but leave the fan on high. This way here air is passing over the condensor and it evaps the water. This is even true if your just running your defrost mode. The compressor for the AC runs in that mod as well.

[jkm311]

Yup, I confirmed this on a few maintenance websites after I posted. Sure enough, I killed the A/C and ran my vent for about 3 or 4 blocks before I got home, and when I used my air the following day, the scent was very diminished. Had I run it a little longer, the smell would have probably been completely eliminated. Also, with how LONG I have been experiencing this, the condensation has had plenty of time to really turn bad, so I will probably have to do this a couple more times to be in the clear. Easy maintenance, and with winter around the corner, any bacteria in there will be eliminated one way or another!

[keithvibe]

glad I was able to help ya out... Now don't forget to vote form ME in VOTM LOL JK... vote for whoever.

[vibebob]

that is a good tip to follow, especially this time of year when the ac might be off for many months at a shot

[shadow_dog]

I have the same problem. Shot my ac cowl vents with Lysol, lasted about 3 days. I will try the shut off method to see if it works. Only started about 1 year after I bought my 2006.