Moldy AC
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
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2013 glk 350
Moldy AC
Turning on my AC I smell a lot of mold, what do I do? I thought there was a class action against mb for this for poor design. I would like to kill the mold not just cover it up with perfume.
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GLK250 ML350
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2015
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2013 glk 350
I can’t believe the sun roof drains into the ac, the door is to low and it is separate from the body. I can’t see those as a cause,
There was a class action lawsuit brought against mb for poor design.
There was a class action lawsuit brought against mb for poor design.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 422
Likes: 61
From: South East US.
2015 GLK350
The mold smell comes from excess moisture staying in the AC evaporator in the dash. You may hear the fan continue to run after you park and shut off the car - this is intended to dry the evaporator. But it doesn't always work and when moisture is left behind it tends to grow mold.
If you take it to the dealer they can spray cleaner on it that will kill and remove the mold. You can also buy AC evaporator cleaners on amazon if you want to do it yourself. Look up the process on youtube so you know what you are getting yourself into.
I have not yet had to do a cleaning of the GLK, but I have done it on other vehicles.
If you take it to the dealer they can spray cleaner on it that will kill and remove the mold. You can also buy AC evaporator cleaners on amazon if you want to do it yourself. Look up the process on youtube so you know what you are getting yourself into.
I have not yet had to do a cleaning of the GLK, but I have done it on other vehicles.
Last edited by formerjeepguy; Apr 30, 2021 at 06:58 PM. Reason: spelling
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GLK250 ML350
When was last time you change your cabin air filter ? Sometimes mold accumulated in the air filter, which caused the smell. This is what happened to me. If you don't clean your sunroof drain, the water will leak inside to the cabin under the carpet, which would cause the mold smell as well. If you go on youtube, you will see this is a common issue with the w204, which is identical to our vehicle in many ways.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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2013 glk 350
My carpet has been dry , how can the sunroof drain cause an issue?
I really don’t take it out in the rain often.
I do know there was a class action lawsuit against mb and I believe mb lost, it’s due to a design that doesn’t dry out the ac condenser.
I really don’t take it out in the rain often.
I do know there was a class action lawsuit against mb and I believe mb lost, it’s due to a design that doesn’t dry out the ac condenser.
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GLK250 ML350
For the sun roof drain hole, once you open it, take a look at the track, you will see a hole. If it block, clear it out.
The mold ac issue, it is very common. Regardless of make and model.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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2013 glk 350
I will replace the filter after I get rid of the mold, sure a new charcoal imbedded filter will reduce the smell. But that only hides an existing issue. The mold must go first. It’s a poor design to mold up like this.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 26
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From: Mill Creek, WA
GLK 350
Mine smelled like wet dog and death....I changed the cabin filter and it did nothing. Took the filter back out...sprayed Lysol all up in the air vent behind the hood on passenger side while running the fan on full blast....NOT WHILE RUNNING THE AC. Let it air out all day with windows opened. Next day everything was good....There's a ton of videos on this on Youtube and appears to work. Most videos mention you possibly have to do this a few times a year to kill the bacteria growth that's going on in the vent ducts. There isn't any mention of this messing up anything, but maybe research that before doing it, as to not blame me!!!!
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Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Central coast California
2024 GLC300, 2014 BMW M235i
Here's a suggestion: For as far back as I can remember I've had the habit of shutting off the AC in my cars about one mile before
arriving at my destination. This routine gives the AC a chance to dry out, and it works. My cars do not have any mildew or musty
smells. None.
arriving at my destination. This routine gives the AC a chance to dry out, and it works. My cars do not have any mildew or musty
smells. None.
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Joined: Feb 2020
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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
I do the same.
