Air Conditioning Bad Smell
 

Ever since I got the car last November, I've been noticing some bad smell from the vents after keeping A/C on for some time then turn off the A/C(but keeping the vent on). Everything smells normal if I don't use A/C at all. Now that summer's coming and that I've had to use A/C quite often lately, I'd like to find out what's causing that odor.

I would understand that A/C might develop odors on older cars, but it's hard to imagine why this would happen to a brand new car. Any one with similar problem/ideas?

This is apparently a common issue with the 350z and 370z. An in cabin air filter should help. Your 2010 may have come with one stock but my 2009 did not. I suggest trying one of the charcoal flters. I got the standard STP one and had ok results but I will get the charcoal one next time.

DIY: http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...lter-370z.html

It looks like you have a 2010 model. They do come with in-cabin air filters. They usually need replacement every 12 months or so to keep it fresh. I'm 99% sure that this will help solve your problem :)

The filter will help but AC forms condensation and if you don't dry that out it will cause the smell regardless if not mold. If I run my AC I will leave it on but turn the dial to hot about a couple minutes before I get to where I'm going along with full blast. I turn the air to vents that don't hit me, I also drive with the windows down 99% of the time, regardless of temp.

I'm having a similar issue on my 09. Dealer says it's the evap canister for the A/C. Wants to charge me 150$ to put a new one in otherwise my car will smell funny.

Any idea if the 09's can utilize in-cabin filters?

They can. The filter is just not there from the factory. The holder is there and seems kinda strange that they didn't just fit the car from the factory........

always run the fan without the AC on before you turn off your car. if i use my AC i will press the AC button a half mile or so away from my destination. best way to prevent mildew/mold smells!

I have the same problem... mine is the 09.. So for our Z its the CAF1792?

http://www.the370z.com/attachments/d...z-img_4997.jpg

Ive been doing some ebaying on the CAF1792, but 370Z wasnt in their listing...

The cabin air filter is primarily for particulates not odors. I'm guessing that the AC is retaining condensation and that over time unpleasant things are growing in the dampness resulting in the odor you are smelling.

Why does the dealer want to charge you, are you out of warranty? I'm not sure that an evap canister is the answer. I'd get a second opinion.

If it is mold it could be a real health hazard. Some folks are extremely sensitive to mold.

you could try the Lysol spray in the air vents trick. DO you get a bad smell in the vents?

For me i only get the unpleasant smell within 10sec after i switched on the AC... after that its all good... i did highlight this problem to the dealer recently & they said something about a micro filter or something... i cant really grasp what they were talking about... But i assume the smell came from some condensation formed in the vents.. Any idea how to remove those molds? Is Lysol spray one of them?

Stick a Car freshener tree in the air cabin filter....problems solved...lol

LOL, at least you won't smell the craziness growing in the vents anymore............

I agree that it is likely mold in the vent and ducts. I have not tried this but have heard of others having luck with it. My Xterra needs it. I will probably try it there.

How to Clean Mold in a Car's Air Conditioning System | eHow.com

and...

How to Prevent Mold in Your Vehicle's Air Conditioning System | eHow.com

1Z einszett Klima-Cleaner - A/C Odor + Bacteria Cleaner

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