MDiau

My wife complains the smell every time we use the AC. The smell is usually when you first turn on the AC. We had similar experience on our previous vehicle and we took to service and was covered by warranty. I remember reading somewhere the smell is from the mold/ condensation from the AC. My question is have you guys had any similar issue and did you take it to service? Covered under warranty? TIA!

norb

Don't keep the recirc button on.

Mort

You will need a new cabin filter and clean and disinfect the A/C condensation drain. The dealer may help under warranty. Only way to find out is to ask for a solution to the smell and see what they say. Ask the for the best way to use the system to avoid the problem in the future and as norb says avoid recirc or remember to turn it off as soon as you can.

MDiau

Thanks we never use the recirculate button but I'll check with the dealer and see what they suggest. The car had new filter replaced right before summer so might just be dirty hose or fan?

AkaSigFreak

If under warranty- the dealership has a TSB. They have a solution they spray on the condensor via a small tube to eliminate the mildew. It also helps to run your heat for a minute or two after running the cold A/C to remove moisture from the blowers and the vents.

noodleman

i have the same problem! I really should take it in to get it checked out.

melmanc55

Had the same problem. It's the cabin air filter. Change it and it will go away.

m a x i m u s

+1. i seem to have this problem with every car that i own. strangely enough, no one else that i personally know has this problem, lol. i replaced the cabin filter and the smell went away. now i always run the ran with AC off before shutting it down to help dry off the coils.

2012C63AMG

ozium (spelling) or lysol, spray it in the air intake which is on the right side between the hood and windshield. Have the car vent on full while you do it, with A/C off.

AkaSigFreak

I will require more than a filter change. That is a partial fix.

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...y-a_c-odor.pdf

BK63amg

I'm having this issue as well! It only lasts for a couple of seconds but man the smell is terrible...I need to take my car to the dealer to have this fixed.

nrgy

I've tried all the tricks before and still get that smell for a few seconds! I've gone as far as not using the A/C at all since I've owned the car, which I can usually get away with here in the Northwest. I've literally used it maybe 1 or 2 times during the summer months where windows down driving is too unbearable, but I guess just using it one time will still cause that sweet/sour odor to come out of the vents.

melmanc55

When I first started smelling the odor I searched these forums and saw many different suggestions on top of replacing the cabin air filter. When I took it to the dealer I told them just to replace the cabin filter to start with and I would just go from there. That's all they did and it took care of the problem (completely). To the OP just do that and see what the results are. Then go from there.

Andr3an

I've been told by the dealership's service deoartment to keep the air recirculation button once the filter have been change to reduce the likeliness of the foul odor coming back. Is this true? Since I always leave it off. Thats ehat the default is, right?