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Smell when using AC

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Old Feb 12, 2018 | 01:32 PM
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Smell when using AC

Does anyone else get a bad smell when using their A/C or turning it off? The circulation button seems to help but the smell is embarrassing when people are in the car. I took it to MB but was told by my service advisor that it is normal on the vehicle he said replacing the filters would help but NOT totally remove the smell. Any ideas??

Alex
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Old Feb 12, 2018 | 01:54 PM
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It is common, especially if you do not leave the climate control on Auto, for mold to grow in the evaporator. There are methods for cleaning, often using a can of foam cleaner. Most dealers can do this.
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Old Feb 12, 2018 | 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by teksurv
It is common, especially if you do not leave the climate control on Auto, for mold to grow in the evaporator. There are methods for cleaning, often using a can of foam cleaner. Most dealers can do this.
Thanks for the reply. I'll have to see if I can get that service done at the dealership when I replace filters.
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Old Feb 13, 2018 | 03:54 PM
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You can buy aerosol products that are sprayed into the various air intakes of the HVAC system that kill the mold and deodorize at the same time. Find them in the auto parts stores.

An old trick is to run the heater at the highest heat for a few minutes.

You can avoid this from happening by turning the compressor off a few minutes before shutting down the engine. This will allow the accumulated moisture to evaporate thereby avoiding the build up of the mold causing the problem.
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Old Feb 13, 2018 | 07:01 PM
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oh yes! totally embarrassing odor, is like someone with bad athlete foot or rotten chees, I dunno but will last only a few minutes.
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