When I first start up the car, there is a funky smell from the AC system.
Is this unavoidable or is there an air filter that needs changing?

PS. I've showered but the problem persists.

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there is an in cabin air filter that should be changed

 

I get it too sometimes, smells kinda like bad feet, not that there are really any good feet

 

My AC smells bad too! With summer coming I really need to fix this...

 

Could be mold that has developed over the winter. Not a real uncommon problem. A lot of good A/C shops have a cleaning system that uses a sterilizing foam to run through the vents. Oh, yeah, and change that cabin filter. It's probably totally pooched.
-skip-

 

Is there a "how to" on this somewhere on the site?

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Look on moss mini for the cabin filters - there are instructions on the same page. It looks pretty easy.

 

It is definately the cabin air filter. I had the same problem last fall, changed the filter and it was gone....except when I forget to wash my feet

 

cabi filter is an easy swap. pelican parts also has a air system "deodorizer" that you spray into your vents. haven't used it but, they have it. just go to pelican and click on MINI parts it's there somewhere.

 

A cure is a spray that you should be able to get at the auto parts store. It is sprayed into the air reurn at the foot level and it cleans out the moldy smell from the air circulaing system, especially the AC

 

A/C... What is that? You people need to move to the mountains where it is always cool and the roads are never straight.

 

You might also try setting the "recirculate" button on the AC to off so it takes in air from the outside, say for the last 10 or so minutes of your drive. This helped me with a musty smell when turning on the AC.

 

I sprayed the sprays, ran on recirculating and did all the other suggestions when mine had the dirty feet smell. Until I changed the cabin filter, the smell would not go away. Easy replacement, takes about 20 minutes.

 

Cabin filter is really easy to change. Oh, and if you drive barefoot your feet won't stink.

 

Oh no....this could really go OT , but I better not go there

 

When I don't use my AC system all winter for the first new days I do use it I get a musty smell as well.....Go on the highway...open the windows...turn the AC on and put the fan on high.....

Drive for a bit and see if this does not air it out...

Works for me...

If it does not work for you...at least you got a fun drive out of the deal

 

bently

 

I always try to run the ac once every so often in the winter...

"Vegas Baby"

 

I have this problem as well with my Mini. I already replaced the cabin filter (for those of you who don't know, it's located in the foot well of the passenger side of the cabin, kind of a pain to work with). If it's the filter, you'll either need a phillips head screwdriver or a bit of finger-strength. I have an '02 S and all it took was a little prying to get the clips off. It didn't get rid of the smell. It's ridiculous to pay a dealership to fix this, it takes 5 minutes tops once you figure out how to get your head to a position where you can see the cover. It's about 4" by 12" of flat plastic, IIRC. The filter will be about 3/2 the length of the cover you're pulling off, but roughly the same width. If you have questions, feel free to PM me about this.

In regards to the foam or air system cleaner, what brands would you recommend? I notice that I typically only get the smell when I first kick the system on, and it takes about 10 seconds for it to blow the smell out of the system... if I roll down the windows when I kick the A/C on, it's usually gone about 30 seconds after I turn it on, but I'd rather not have it at all if possible. That clears the smell out until the next time I let the car sit for any decent length of time (4+ hours).

Thanks.

 

mine smells too! : O

 

Mice love to build nests in HVAC system ducts.........

 

I'm at the dealer now for an oil change and reported the same problem. They're replacing the cabin filter and said that it's more prevalent in humid climates.

 

I'm sure it is the filter,I always turn off the a/c and run the fan before turning off the engine to prevent moisture from remaining the unit.Q