Mildew smell

[beefsupreme]

Greetings all. I changed the cabin filters (replaced with OEM) on my wife's 2010 3 a few weeks ago and we have noticed that there is a musty/mildew smell in the car. It was there prior to changing the filters but seems to be getting worse.

She is pretty good about turning the AC off 5 minutes or so before arriving at her destination to clear out some of the moisture that builds up.

Any thoughts?

[Vicarious Chair]

Mine does this, too. I'll notice it when circulating the air from inside the car and also when using the floor vents from start. Use the A/C from outside air and that usually clears up any moisture within the minute.

[beefsupreme]

Originally Posted by Vicarious Chair

Mine does this, too. I'll notice it when circulating the air from inside the car and also when using the floor vents from start. Use the A/C from outside air and that usually clears up any moisture within the minute.

Sounds good, we will give this a shot!

[JWhite]

I don't know if this will solve your problem or not, but we occasionally spray a bit of Ozium in the passenger floorboard area when we have recirculate on. I'm not talking about holding the spray button down for a long time, just a quick spritz or two maybe once a month.

[wingzero_]

Every car that I have ever owned with A/C does this. Not sure if it is the climate or what, but just roll your windows down for a second until the funk smell clears.

[Bryce]

Originally Posted by JWhite

I don't know if this will solve your problem or not, but we occasionally spray a bit of Ozium in the passenger floorboard area when we have recirculate on. I'm not talking about holding the spray button down for a long time, just a quick spritz or two maybe once a month.

The fix for this from Ford on a Ranger I used to have was to put the AC on with the normal dash vents on. It didn't have recirc, it just did it, but on our Mazda3s, put it in recirc and then squirt some Lysol spray near the lower vents. That will suck it in and spread it through the AC systema dn clear out the smell.

Also make sure your AC drain isn't clogged (when it's idling in place with the AC on, do you get a puddle on the ground). If there's no puddle, then water is sitting in the AC system.

[Vicarious Chair]

Originally Posted by Bryce

The fix for this from Ford on a Ranger I used to have was to put the AC on with the normal dash vents on. It didn't have recirc, it just did it, but on our Mazda3s, put it in recirc and then squirt some Lysol spay near the lower vents. That will suck it in and spread it through the AC systema dn clear out the smell.
.

That will probably do the trick. Ozium will work better, but it has a thicker scent.

[mazda3UR]

Turn off the compressor but leave the fan on high so it will evap the moisture from the evaporator(inside the car) I'll have to see how this can be done on the car. I honestly haven't looked into it.
Most cars you can hit a button to turn it off.

[beefsupreme]

Originally Posted by wingzero_

Every car that I have ever owned with A/C does this. Not sure if it is the climate or what, but just roll your windows down for a second until the funk smell clears.

Neither of my BMWs does this. My GTI before them didn't either

[Frnchplayr15]

Originally Posted by mazda3UR

Turn off the compressor but leave the fan on high so it will evap the moisture from the evaporator(inside the car) I'll have to see how this can be done on the car. I honestly haven't looked into it.
Most cars you can hit a button to turn it off.

I don't know if you know but when you have A/C off and the fan mode directed to feet only and to the right the A/C compressor is still on! Switch to the left or mix with half feet half body and the compressor doesn't run. I've noticed this due to the fact of mpg drop and hearing it run still one day.