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Every once in a while, when my air conditioning is running, an acrid smell will come from the vents. It's similar to nail polish remover, but it's only brief. After a second, things will be back to normal. I've noticed this happen a few times, so I'm wondering if there might be something wrong with the A/C.
Anybody else have this problem?
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Henry
2008 Honda Fit Sport AT
Storm Silver Metallic
I got a moldy smell all last summer and part of the fall whenever the A/C or defrosters were turned on. Almost tossed my proverbial cookies each and every time.
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---- 2007 Metallic Blaze Orange Fit Sport
I heard if you keep it on Recirc. could cause a moldy smell...I use recirc during the day and night str8 vent...suppose to help dry out the a/c to prevent that smell....
"Your car has a Cabin Air Filter, that uses active carbon, to filter your interior air. Once the carbon expires, usually in 6 months, it releases a nasty stale smell. Based on the year and make, you'll more than likely have to get yours from the dealer, though i would check around 1st."
maybe it's that?
someone else says...
"The mildew probably got started by running only the "max" A/C. That recirculates the cabin air, which is moist. Using the regular A/C dries out the air. If you run only the max A/C, it leaves moisture in the unit and mildew grows. I'm not sure how to get rid of the smell now, but be sure when you run your A/C to at least finish the last few minutes on regular A/C to dry it out."
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Last edited by drzenitram; 04-22-2008 at 05:41 PM.
after you turn off your AC maybe you should let the vent run for a bit.
on a hot day, after you have been running your air conditioning hard, turn on the heat and let it run through all possible vents for about 10 seconds each different setting. condensation will build up in your vents and get moldy if you dont do this.
on a hot day, after you have been running your air conditioning hard, turn on the heat and let it run through all possible vents for about 10 seconds each different setting. condensation will build up in your vents and get moldy if you dont do this.
As I've said, it's not really a moldy smell that is bothering me, though I've been there with the moldy smell. This smell comes after the A/C has been operating as normal. You'll be driving along, and all of a sudden, you'll briefly catch a whiff of something almost as strong as nail polish remover. It's almost as acrid. However, it does go away after several seconds. Still, I've never experienced this in any of the other cars I've had.
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Henry
2008 Honda Fit Sport AT
Storm Silver Metallic
I've fixed this problem on several of my cars. I bought a truck with a smoke and mildew smell in the AC. This cleared it right out. Any stink smell from the A/C is basically from bacteria and mold. Same as if you had a sweaty shirt sitting in a gym bag. It just sits there and breeds. If you want to get rid of the smell you have to get rid of the bacteria/mold causing it. The condensation is just the facilitator to enhance the growth.
1) Replace the air filter behind the glove compartment.
2) Kill the mold/bacteria causing the smell:
You don't need to buy any special stuff, just a can of lysol or similar disinfectant spray.
Open all the windows.
Run the car with the fan on ventilate, with AC off.
Spray the lysol into the air vents below the windshield. These are on the exterior right next to the wipers. Give it a good 1-2 mississippi in each one.
Let the fan run for 2-3 minutes to spread out all the bacteria killing goodness. The air coming out should begin to smell like lysol. After letting it run, I usually give it a repeat spray and 2-3 minute run.
Turn off the car and just walk away. Let it air out on its own for a while.
That's it!
If you even get a hint of the smell, repeat the process to keep it from getting a foothold. After a couple treatments, the problem never reoccured.
3) The filters you buy usually don't contain activated charcoal, so I just added my own. You can buy them from the fish tank area of most Walmarts. I just sprinkle some on the top.
4) I never use ventilate when I drive and alway run my car in recirc mode. I think the smell comes from bringing in outside air (ladden with particles, dirt and dibris) in ventilate mode. Now you car is basically filtering out all the crap outside and storing it in your AC. It then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
after you turn off your AC maybe you should let the vent run for a bit.
hai! . . . .
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