smell from vents

[vibenorth]

Has anyone experienced a musty smell from the air vents. It seems to occur after using the air conditioning, even the next day. My 97 corrola has the same problem.

[NovaResource]

Do you use the recirculate option much? If so, you are recirculating the stale air in the car and not bringing in fresh air from the outside. This is one of the main reasons.

[Kirby]

I have also had problems with a strange smell coming from the vents. I have stopped using the recirculation as much but the problem has not gone away. I'm going to give a few weeks and then it's back to the dealership...so far it's my only complaint.

[millster]

I've had it both with and without recirc. I have to wonder if it has anything to do with the cabin air filter.

[Hawke]

quote:I've had it both with and without recirc. I have to wonder if it has anything to do with the cabin air filter.It could have somehting to do with the cabin air filter but most likely it is mildew on your A/C evaporator. The evaporator is what cools the air as it passes throuh it. As it passes through condensation builds up. Every time you turn off the car after using the A/C there is moisture that is left on the evaporator. Over time mildew can start to grow on it. There is a solution to it though. You can spray lysol or some other type of disinfectant through the passenger air intake and it will make its way through the evaporator killing the mildew. I would suggest you remove the filter first (6-22 in owners manual). It's a simple process. Here are some detailed instructions to do after you remove the filter.1. Start the car and place the system on low blower making sure the recirc is not activated.2. Spray a small amount of disinfectant into the passenger air intake. The passenger air intake is outside the car at the base of the front windshield on the passenger side, it's the holes that have a black screen behind them. You'll see more of them once you pop the hood and look in that area.3. Stop the car, replace the filter and you're done!

[DVDvibe]

I haven't had the problem but I have heard that what you posted works. A friend of mine had that problem and he did the same thing and it works, no more smell.

[hesredbird]

Yes. I thought it was because I smoke. I usually start out in the morning with the defroster on and fresh air intake and heat. I switch to the air conditioning and recircutale when I get out of work in the afternoon. The smell doesn't seem to be there when the air conditioning is on.