Mold or mildew smell in defrost mode?
#1
03-27-2013, 09:36 AM
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Richmond VA
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Mold or mildew smell in defrost mode?
I have a 2010 MC that I bought new 10/2010 - it smells strongly of mold when I hit the front defrost air blast button (winter, summer - whenever I need to clear interior fog).
I mentioned it at the last service and they exchanged my mold smell for a much worse baby-powder-on-steroids smell. That's thankfully gone, but now the mold smell is back.
Is there a technical bulletin or non-smelly solution for this problem? I'm allergic to mold and have noticed that while I don't smell it when just the heat or a/c is running normally, I've had more low-key sinus/eye issues since I bought the car.
Thanks in advance!
I mentioned it at the last service and they exchanged my mold smell for a much worse baby-powder-on-steroids smell. That's thankfully gone, but now the mold smell is back.
Is there a technical bulletin or non-smelly solution for this problem? I'm allergic to mold and have noticed that while I don't smell it when just the heat or a/c is running normally, I've had more low-key sinus/eye issues since I bought the car.
Thanks in advance!
#2
03-27-2013, 09:47 AM
Have you changed the cabin filter? You can try this http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...14922|L2*15020
#3
03-27-2013, 09:58 AM
I'd start with Braminator's suggestion and change the filter first. Then I'd follow up with 1Z Einszett Klima-Cleaner. You can find it at Autoality.com or Detailersdomain.com. You basically just run your climate control on high and place a can of this cleaner near the footwell air intake for the climate system. Open the can and it gets drawn in and cleans the ventilation system.
#5
03-27-2013, 11:29 AM
Platinum Sponsor
+1 on the cabin filter. Once you get the old one out inspect the cabin box and make sure there is nothing else in there. Then give is a good spray.
Recommend the active carbon cabin filter after you are done.
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/64319127516/
Thanks
Recommend the active carbon cabin filter after you are done.
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/64319127516/
Thanks
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#6
03-27-2013, 11:57 AM
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Richmond VA
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Thanks guys! I looked over my July invoice and they replaced the cabin microfilter, ran Valvoline Heat & A/C cleaner into evaporator in two 10-minute segments, then used a "special" Valvoline deodorizing formula inside the intake vents. I called and the tech suggested BG as an evaporator cleaner.
I found a video showing how easy it is to replace the filter: youtu.be/Y63iLutLNzY but am still searching for the thorough cleaning method for the evaporator. The tech said the water that comes out is black and disgusting, so I'd like to try cleaning that without a deodorizer smell. Any ideas? I am somewhat mechanically inclined.
The reviews online for the Interdynamics product aren't great, but I'd try a well-reviewed easy-to-use product if I could find it.
I found a video showing how easy it is to replace the filter: youtu.be/Y63iLutLNzY but am still searching for the thorough cleaning method for the evaporator. The tech said the water that comes out is black and disgusting, so I'd like to try cleaning that without a deodorizer smell. Any ideas? I am somewhat mechanically inclined.
The reviews online for the Interdynamics product aren't great, but I'd try a well-reviewed easy-to-use product if I could find it.
#7
03-27-2013, 12:56 PM
Thanks guys! I looked over my July invoice and they replaced the cabin microfilter, ran Valvoline Heat & A/C cleaner into evaporator in two 10-minute segments, then used a "special" Valvoline deodorizing formula inside the intake vents. I called and the tech suggested BG as an evaporator cleaner.
I found a video showing how easy it is to replace the filter: youtu.be/Y63iLutLNzY but am still searching for the thorough cleaning method for the evaporator. The tech said the water that comes out is black and disgusting, so I'd like to try cleaning that without a deodorizer smell. Any ideas? I am somewhat mechanically inclined.
The reviews online for the Interdynamics product aren't great, but I'd try a well-reviewed easy-to-use product if I could find it.
I found a video showing how easy it is to replace the filter: youtu.be/Y63iLutLNzY but am still searching for the thorough cleaning method for the evaporator. The tech said the water that comes out is black and disgusting, so I'd like to try cleaning that without a deodorizer smell. Any ideas? I am somewhat mechanically inclined.
The reviews online for the Interdynamics product aren't great, but I'd try a well-reviewed easy-to-use product if I could find it.
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#8
03-28-2013, 01:24 AM
I had that dirty sock smell whenever the fans ran. The dealer changed the CAF when maint. was still valid and it didn't go away. Went back, and the dealer did a cleaning of the ducting. Not sure what they used, but they had to drill a small hole for injection. IIRC, it was a $70 service, which was waved under the maint program.
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