GLK-Class (X204) Produced 2008-2014

Mold Smell coming from AC vents

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Old Jul 8, 2020 | 04:04 AM
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2013 glk 350
Mold Smell coming from AC vents

I get a mold smell coming from AC vents, how can this be cured , I notice the AC drain drips water so it’s not collecting inside .
I received a notice in the mail that a class action lawsuit was against MB for designing a defective AC unit, but I just want to stop the smell .
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Old Jul 8, 2020 | 06:24 AM
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From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
You should always turn off the AC but leave the fan blowing for a few minutes before you get to your destination and shut the car off. This helps to dry things out. There are commercially made products specifically made for this issue. I've always just sprayed Lysol into the HVAC air intake. It's at the base of the windshield on the passenger (right) side.
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Old Jul 8, 2020 | 06:46 AM
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Lysol only hides a problem that shouldn’t exist, in my life I’ve had 20 cars, this is the first one so poorly designed that the AC stinks. Turning off the AC like you said didn’t prevent or fix the issue .
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Old Jul 8, 2020 | 06:48 AM
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From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
If you don't like Lysol try the commercial **** or buy a new car. Sorry for trying to be helpful.
Bring it to the dealer. I'm sure they can fix it for $5K.

Last edited by Silver Shadow; Jul 8, 2020 at 06:54 AM.
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Old Jul 8, 2020 | 10:54 AM
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There was a class action lawsuit about this. The air passages in these condensers are small and trap condensate that can later grow mold or other nasty stuff. I think the later cars deal with it by running the fan a while after the car is shut off and the condenser warms up in order to dry it out.

Ask your dealer about the fix.
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Old Jul 9, 2020 | 06:59 AM
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2012 GLK350 4Matic
Originally Posted by formerjeepguy
There was a class action lawsuit about this. The air passages in these condensers are small and trap condensate that can later grow mold or other nasty stuff. I think the later cars deal with it by running the fan a while after the car is shut off and the condenser warms up in order to dry it out.

Ask your dealer about the fix.
True statement, I received the recall notice.
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Old Jul 9, 2020 | 10:23 AM
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Did you receive notice of the lawsuit , or as you say a Recall Notice which I have not heard of.
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Old Jul 9, 2020 | 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Mmr1
Did you receive notice of the lawsuit , or as you say a Recall Notice which I have not heard of.
I have seen articles about it on various car sites in the last few years and I recently received postal mail about a settlement for the class action suit. My car does not have a problem so I have mostly ignored it.
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Old Jul 9, 2020 | 02:48 PM
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2012 GLK350 4Matic
Originally Posted by Mmr1
Did you receive notice of the lawsuit , or as you say a Recall Notice which I have not heard of.
Lawsuit claiming no liability, repair language imbedded.

It is not an official recall, MB probably issued a TSB to dealers?
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Old Jul 11, 2020 | 09:51 AM
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The class action for HVAC smell is not a recall.






It is notification to owners of affected vehicles that they might be eligible for reimbursement of past expenses or a future "treatment". No recall, no permanent corrective fix.
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Old Jul 11, 2020 | 11:23 PM
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Keep the A/C in Auto mode all the time as my MB dealer told me when my car had that smell, even in the winter time here in Canada. No need to turn it off when you shut off your engine. Just adjust the temperature setting instead of changing the fan speed to keep the A/C in Auto mode. I had done two MIST interior air quality service at the dealer when it had the smell (2nd one was at no charge). Try it for a week or two to see if the smell will go away.
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Old Jul 12, 2020 | 01:00 AM
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Well... what I would due

1. To take care of the problem you have now - turn Heat to highest temp & fan setting - and let that interior "cook" for about 30min - that heat "should" kill off anything inside your climate control

2. Both Toyota and Subaru have 2-can Climate Control "Cleaner Kits" whioch should be about $16 at either the Subaru or Toyota Parts Dept


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Old Jul 12, 2020 | 09:21 AM
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Duplicate.

Last edited by chassis; Jul 12, 2020 at 09:58 AM.
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Old Jul 12, 2020 | 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by fabbrisd1
1. To take care of the problem you have now - turn Heat to highest temp & fan setting - and let that interior "cook" for about 30min - that heat "should" kill off anything inside your climate control

2. Both Toyota and Subaru have 2-can Climate Control "Cleaner Kits" whioch should be about $16 at either the Subaru or Toyota Parts Dept


Thanks fabbrisd How are these products used?
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