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Moldy/Musty Smell

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:42 am
by chrisblues
I don't know a thing about cars, but a musty/mildewy smell is coming from the vents of my 2004 Vibe. Any suggestions on how to get rid of the smell? Thanks.

Re: Moldy/Musty Smell (chrisblues)

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:54 am
by ragingfish
Happens to me occasionally.First off -- check your cabin air filter behind the glovebox. If it's excessively dirty or damp, it could be allowing mold or mildew to develop. Consider replacing it.Also, when using the A/C, it's advised that before you shut the car off, turn off the A/C but leave the fan on high. This will help clear some moisture out of the system and helps to prevent moldy or mildewy smells...If you try both of these and the smell persists, see your dealer.

Re: Moldy/Musty Smell (chrisblues)

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:54 am
by JohnC
That is usually caused by leaving the a/c evaporator wet when you stop driving. Just turn off the a/c and run the hvac system in the outside air vent mode several minutes before you stop driving, this will dry out the evaporator.This is a problem common on all cars.

Re: Moldy/Musty Smell (JohnC)

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:05 pm
by ColonelPanic
Raging and JohnC, that is good advice about running just the fan for a bit before parking the car. I've been doing just that for quite a while now, and it helps considerably.

Re: Moldy/Musty Smell (ColonelPanic)

Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 1:10 am
by chrisblues
Thank you everyone for your advice. Much appreciated.