AC smells when turning on

[InlineSix]

There is a foul-smelling odor when I turn the AC on. After it cycles the air its fine again, however, the dealership indicated the warranty does not cover an "AC refresh kit" and if I wanted them to do it would cost around $200.

Can this be done by simply cleaning the filter by the windshield? I believe that is the AC filter? What do you guys recommend, thanks.

[Dackelone]

Probably the drain for your evaporator has clogged up. The evaporator is located in the passeger footwell area on most cars. Underneath the car there is a drain that lets water that forms under condensation while using the ac. Ever notice the water dripping under a parked car. That is water from the evap.

Sounds like yours is clogged and growing mold inside of the evap box. Its a easy repair that you can do or have a good ac shop do. There are ac cleaning kits out there (like BG products or Liqu Moly) that sterilize the evap box and you fix the clogged drip line. Then you are good to go.

here is a link to basic ac sysytems...

http://www.familycar.com/ac1.htm

Dackel

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by InlineSix

Can this be done by simply cleaning the filter by the windshield? I believe that is the AC filter? What do you guys recommend, thanks.

That is a carbon pollen micro filter that needs to be replaced annually.

[eleven11]

Agree with what's been suggested. I will add that you can slow this from happening if you shut off your AC/compressor a few minutes before turning your car off (not idling, but before you arrive at your destination).

[mineo77]

last visit to my dealer they wouldnt replace filters, said it is every 2 years (go figure) so i got the parts from unitedBMWonline and my car smells nice and fresh..unless burritos where consumed for lunch

[escobar929]

^lol

I asked my dealer the same thing, he told me it was normal since in SFL we have 90% humidity year round but thought about replacing the filter my self just didnt know if it was worth it or actually fix the smell

[InlineSix]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Probably the drain for your evaporator has clogged up. The evaporator is located in the passeger footwell area on most cars. Underneath the car there is a drain that lets water that forms under condensation while using the ac. Ever notice the water dripping under a parked car. That is water from the evap.

Sounds like yours is clogged and growing mold inside of the evap box. Its a easy repair that you can do or have a good ac shop do. There are ac cleaning kits out there (like BG products or Liqu Moly) that sterilize the evap box and you fix the clogged drip line. Then you are good to go.

here is a link to basic ac sysytems...

http://www.familycar.com/ac1.htm

Dackel

Very good information, thank you sir! I does smell like mold actually!

[sonicbimmer19]

I had the same problem.. I figured it was mold growing in my AC system so I just got a can of Lysol from Walmart and sprayed it into AC vents and let it dry for a day. The smell is long gone

good luck!

[Dackelone]

Maybe try a can of this stuff. Any good ASE repair shop in your area will have it.

BG Frigi-Clean®

Odors, bacteria, mold, spores, fungi, road grime, nicotine oils and debris accumulate in your car’s air conditioning evaporator. BG Frigi-Clean® restores heating/cooling efficiency and freshens interior air. It is a unique cleaning solution designed to quickly and effectively remove foul odors, bacteria, mold, spores, fungi, road grime, nicotine oils and debris that accumulate in your car’s air conditioning evaporator. BG Frigi-Clean® is injected directly into the evaporator case. It foams up to completely fill the evaporator core where it also blasts away bug parts, pet hair, nicotine residue and other garbage. BG Frigi-Clean® is biodegradable, non-toxic, non-corrosive.

Part No. 709 Net Wt. 7 oz. (198.4 g)
Volume 6.65 fl. oz. (197 mL)

or this one...

BG Frigi-Fresh®

BG Frigi-Fresh® is formulated to quickly and effectively eliminate foul, musty odors from automobile air conditioning systems. It kills mold, mildew and other odor-producing organisms that grow in the evaporator core and housing. Powerful deodorizers in BG Frigi-Fresh® keep the automobile interior smelling fresh and clean. EPA Reg. No. 44446-20-67145.
Part No. 7083

Part No. 708 Net Wt. 1 oz. (28.3 g)
Volume 1.12 fl. oz. (33.1 mL)
Net Wt. 5.5 oz. (156 g)
Volume 6.17 fl. oz. (182.6 mL)


http://www.bgprod.com/products/climatecontrol.html