For as long as I can remember, I've had an intermittent smell coming from the A/C. I'd best describe it as a slight vinegar/plastic smell. The cabin filter is fairly clean and nothing is clogged so it's unlikely mildew. What's odd is that the smell seems to appear only when I accelerate from a stop or make a turn. No one I know has experienced this, but I did have the same issue with a 2002 Civic so maybe it's something unique to Hondas.

Anyone know what this could be? I've been racking my brain over it.

 

As you speed up the A/C is working more efficiently, drawing more humidity out of the air. As this happens the chemistry of the surrounding air is altered, ions are depleted. This presents itself as a slightly acrid smell.


I just made that up, but A/C coils that have just started to cool seem to emit the scent you've described. I've noticed it too. It's not mildewy or annoying, just different.

 

Is this something that's common among Fit or Honda owners in general? And if you had to guess, what would be the reason that it surfaces during a turn? I'm paranoid about it (probably irrationally) because I have no clue if it's toxic or not.

 

Just a shot in the dark. Have you replaced the cabin air filter?

 

I change it once a year.

 

Did you buy it new or used?

If anything it's probably food smells trapped in the ducting and now that the heat is being used you can smell it. It's probably nothing to worry about. You can use a smidge of Febreeze on the cabin air filter, turn the heat on for a little bit and the smell will be gone.

 

I bought it used but my 2002 Civic that I had bought new had the same smell.

 

Happens to me too. All new air filters. Only the ac does this (not heat or vent). Sorry I don't have any answers, but jut wanted to let you know it is a think with 2009 fits.

Let me know if you figure anything out

 

We have EM2 and Fit's in common. I had an 01 K20 Coupe and now a Fit.

And now I own a new to me EM2 for a side project. Since it's a ton easier to swap a K20 into one than it was in 2004-05.

 

Very common I guess due to the poor AC design.

Very easy to fix.. but need to do it once a month.

Open up the glove compartment to get access to the cabin filter. Turn on the AC, and spray some Lysol into the blower. If you wish I can make a quick video to show step by step.

If you shoot lysol, spray for about 10 secs.. wait about a min.. and spray a bit more if bad smell is still present. It is best to leave all windows open.