Moldy/Musty smell from Ac??

[mrlondon]

I have a musty smell coming from the A/C for the first 30 seconds when I turn it on. Anyony know what could cause this?? I'm thinking cabin filter....and can I change it myself??

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[von32897]

Originally Posted by mrlondon

I have a musty smell coming from the A/C for the first 30 seconds when I turn it on.

Anyony know what could cause this??
I'm thinking cabin filter....and can I change it myself??

definitely cabin filter. I had the same thing. It will get worst. Stealership also told me I could get them to flush my system. I don't know how that'd done but they said it would take about an hour. First thing is change the cabin filter.

[Jakpro1]

Get fixed asap.....soon FOR REAL it will smell like urine. Oh that's a charm!!

Do a search for proof.

Also was another problem with the system but I forgot what was happening. Seems to have went away (no complaints from the guys) in a long time.

Do a search for Urine Smell. You'll see a couple.

[psk145]

I've read somewhere that its from the moisture removed by the AC system. So when you shut your car off, it just sits there and gets moldy. I dont think its the filters.

The thing I read suggested turning off the AC before you reach your destination, and running the fan to "dry" out the system before the car sits. I usually do that, and my air smells OK. Same in my wife's QX56.

But usually its for nothing in her car because she never does it, so it comes back.

[dc63er]

BG products makes a product called fridge a fresh or something close. its a foaming product that kills the mold and smell and is a diy. google bg and youll see it.

[NSX2NV]

I have the exact same problem. Also for some reason my rear seat floor is wet right behind the drivers seat. Does that happen to you? I can't see any kind of leak or source of any kind. Please post any findings you have on this thread cause I would love to get to the bottom of this.

Thanks!

[christiaan]

same problem here....

[christiaan]

Found this:

06-04-2005, 07:06 PM #27
Vetluver
Super Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Monroe, Louisiana
Vehicle I drive: 2005 MB E55
Posts: 768
I had a similar problem recently. My AC smelled of wet socks when it was first turned on. I mentioned it to my Service Advisor and she said there is a filter behind the glove box that sometimes picks up oders and changed it. Cured the problem completely. Took just a few minutes. I don't know if the filter is charcoal but it functions the same.

BTW I have an early 05 E55 (July) and I have a rest button which I use every day.
__________________
Rob
2005 E55
2003 BMW M3 Convertible
1989 Corvette Roadster
2002 E320
1996 E320
1972 Lincoln Mark4

[konigstiger]

Originally Posted by mrlondon

I have a musty smell coming from the A/C for the first 30 seconds when I turn it on.

Mention MBUSA DTB P-B-83.30/74j OCT07 & S-B-83.00/115 MAR08 and the evaporator will be cleaned together with replacing ALL climate system filters (dust, combination, and active carbon if applicable) under warranty.

[SGEM]

I had the same issue with my 2004 E320. The evaporator was replaced and the smell went away.

Good Luck

[NSX2NV]

Originally Posted by konigstiger

Mention MBUSA DTB P-B-83.30/74j OCT07 & S-B-83.00/115 MAR08 and the evaporator will be cleaned together with replacing ALL climate system filters (dust, combination, and active carbon if applicable) under warranty.

Will this still work with my 2003 E55? I can just write that down and show it to MB service and they will fix/replace all my stuff?

[mikekuriger]

replacing a moldy evaporator will be costly. hopefully it's just a filter, but I'm with psk145 on this one. it's most likely a moldy evaporator. I've always shut off my ac and let fresh air blow for about a minute before i stop. this makes sure no water is let sitting inside the system for mold to grow in.

good luck~

~mike~

[Rafal]

Originally Posted by mrlondon

I have a musty smell coming from the A/C for the first 30 seconds when I turn it on.

Anyony know what could cause this??
I'm thinking cabin filter....and can I change it myself??

Don't even waste your time with the dealers. I have had just about everything replaced and the smell kept coming back.
Remedy? When you park your car, crack the sunroof, press "Rest" button and
walk away. When you return to your car it will smell as fresh as a daisy. Make it a routine and forget about complaining to MB. It's a lot less stressful.

[konigstiger]

Originally Posted by NSX2NV

Will this still work with my 2003 E55? I can just write that down and show it to MB service and they will fix/replace all my stuff?

Unlike MB service campaigns and recalls that do not expire and are covered out of warranty, no cost DTB repairs are only covered under the original factory warranty term (48 months/50000 whichever comes first), and under a MB extended warranty term. For third party extended warranty coverage, read your policy.

[BlkE63AMG]

Had it for a while there and then the dealership sprayed something in there to kill the fungus and dry it out. The car then has to sit for a while as the fumes sprayed are pretty potent. Didn't charge me anything.... They have a means to fix it. I suppose we could technically by the same spray chemical and do it ourselves and then let the car air out......

[aleksandar1099]

Originally Posted by Rafal

Don't even waste your time with the dealers. I have had just about everything replaced and the smell kept coming back.
Remedy? When you park your car, crack the sunroof, press "Rest" button and
walk away. When you return to your car it will smell as fresh as a daisy. Make it a routine and forget about complaining to MB. It's a lot less stressful.

+1

I took my car back twice for the musty smell and they told me they changed out my filter but it did nothing....I am going to try the rest button and see if that helps...thanks