Why does my car air conditioner air smell bad?

Question

Every time I turn on my car's air contioning, it produces a weird smell. It is not horrible but not pleasant. And it only last for a couple of minutes, then the air comes out fresh. Does this mean i have clean something in the vents or the air conditoning?

What should be done to fix this?

Answer 1

The vent in front of the windshield should be free of leaves. Now let's move under the dash the evaporator gets moist as it cools the car and when you turn off the car and park everything heats up and whatever is in the a/c smells. Mild detergent bleach shot into the vents helps but unless you clean the evaporator out the start up a/c smell will be there. Some times you can pull the blower motor under the dash and spray solution of bakeing soda bleach and detergent thru the evaporator. it will drain out the ac drain and drip on the ground but that might plug the drain so if when your done if the a/c does not drip on the ground you clogged the drain. It is best have a technician remove the Evaportator coil and high pressure wash and put back in.

Answer 2

Air Conditioner Smells Bad

Answer 3

Car Air Conditioner Smells

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why does my car air conditioner air smell bad?
Every time I turn on my car's air contioning, it produces a weird smell. It is not horrible but not pleasant. And it only last for a couple of minutes, then the air comes out fresh. Does this mean i have clean something in the vents or the air conditoning?

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why does my car air conditioner air smell bad?
Every time I turn on my car's air contioning, it produces a weird smell. It is not horrible but not pleasant. And it only last for a couple of minutes, then the air comes out fresh. Does this mean i have clean something in the vents or the air conditoning?

Answer 6

Have the A/C evaporator pan drain hose checked for debris. Over a period of time this hose becomes blocked and humidity does not drain completely. To clean, one will have to go under the vehicle (have eye protection) at the right side firewall area and look up for the vertical drain hose. Squeeze this hose several times and be prepared for the water that comes out. You may also have to use a coat hanger wire to probe higher up.
There are also fresheners that can be purchased and sprayed thur the outside cowl vent to cover the weird smell. Have the A/C in use when this is applied.

Answer 7

The classic reason for smelly A/C is mold. The classic reason for mold is moisture, warmth, and darkness - all available in abundance. The classic reason for excess moisture is a plugged water drain line. If water is not dripping from under the car when the A/C is running (even just idling in your driveway), then that line is plugged. It can be unplugged easily by blowing compressed air up into it, or poking up into it with a long screwdriver, pipe cleaner, etc.. This is most easily done with the car on a lift, which your local repair garage can handle quite easily.

Answer 8

I had this problem in my 2002 Hyundai Sonata. Check the cabin air filter if there is one. What make is your car? Not all cars have cabin air filters. Note: This is different from the air filter under the hood of your car. I found out mine was missing, I bought the car used and they took it out and never replaced it. Now that I have one the smell is going away.

Answer 9

Most likely there is mold growing in the air plenum where the evaporator sits. The most likely cause is a partially clogged condensation drain.

Answer 10

The gut who put freon in my car said you can spray a can of Lysol through you rventa, and that will solve the promlem