its gettin warmer out here in socal, so i found myself turning the A/C on my r53

long and behold a weird smell is coming out of the vents, how do i get rid of that smell???

please help

 

Try and change the cabin filter and go with the carbon one this should take care of it.

 

^nice got any links to that item...going to order asap! i hope that fixes the problem

thank you

 

This should help http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=52544

 

sweet i ordered the carbon cabin filter, thank you

is there a thread here that has the instructions on how to replace the cabin filter?

 

The bad smell is due to mold forming inside your HVAC air ducts. Running the A/C in recirculation mode all the time also helps to contribute to the problem.

The most effective way to deal with the mold is by running the heater, full blast, for 15-20 minutes. This kills off the mold as it simply can't take the heat.

Obviously, do this with the windows up but be sure to stand outside the car while the heater does it job.

 

thanx clubman i will try that today

 

If the heater doesn't fix the problem, auto parts stores usually sell an air conditioning disinfectant. When you replace the cabin A/C filter, you can leave the filter out for a few minutes and run the A/C while you spray the disinfectant into the intake behind the filter.

 

^for sure, if problem persist i will try that as well

thank you

btw: im on the 15th minute of the 20minute heater remedy, ill post back when i get back home tonight after a few miles of driving with A/C on

 

cabin filter in and most of the stank is gone!!! i will try the disinfectant next

pics of old filter and the new micron carbon filter

 

Check for leaks in the expansion tank. Sounds weird, but the intake plenum for fresh air to the cabin is above this area. If the expansion tank has a small leak the coolant will flash to steam on the heat shield beneath it while the engine is running. That steam smells like crap and the air drawn in will smell.

 

Found this link on our site for the DIY install--also have numerous sources for aftermarket discount priced filters.

 

thanx mine seems to be OK

thanx i already did the install

 

I wonder if your condensation drain is plugged?

 

^how can u tell?

 

I guess you noticed that the aftermarket replacement filters aren't exactly the same size/shape as the original filter, and they don't have the plastic framing around them.

When you did the filter installation, did you have any problems getting the new filter in place? The last time I did it, it was a major PITA - it felt like trying to push a wet noodle through the eye of a needle. The filter always seemed to want to bend in the wrong spot and head off in the wrong direction. Maybe I was just being ham-fisted, but it was almost enough to make me use the OEM filter next time.

 

^it was actually pretty easy, once you see the "ramp" that the filter slides thru to get the perfect angle, then re-install the cover

 

Well, I guess it *was* just me being ham-fisted after all.

 

LOL hahaha, i was doing the same thing at first...then after getting my upperbody shoved in the pass side footwell, i saw the so called "ramps" then went ahead and slid it in place

 

I was just too lazy to get my head up under there to really get the "lay of the land" before trying to install the new filter.

I used to do stereo/alarm installations when I was a younger man, but the days of stuffing my head up in a footwell with either my back draped across the doorsill or my calves wrapped around a headrest are long behind me now.

But more importantly, has all of this cured your stinky A/C problem?

 

^it has 95%, there is still a slight smell when u first turn the A/C on, after a few seconds its gone...i have yet to try the disinfectant in the ac ducts

 

FYI: I have read in the past that operating your environmental system in the recirculation mode constantly mucks up the filter faster.

 

^wow i would have thought the opposite as when the system is set to let fresh air in, because logically i was thinking more dirt would run thru from the outside

btw: after using the A/C a few days with the new filter, both my mom and my GF confirmed that more then 95% of the stank is gone...as previously mentioned i said about 95% was clean, but know its more like 99%
we are so delighted!!!

thanx for all the help!!!

 

mine is doing the same thing.. thanks for this thread.. I ordered the same filter this morning, and ill try to install it when i get it this week..

 

^keep us posted!