air conditioning smell

[howards]

When I turn on the air conditioning after not using it for a number of days, the smell for the first couple of minutes is terrible. What is causing this smell and what can I do to stop it

[bill875]

I started having this too in my second year of ownership. I changed my in-cabin air filter about a week ago with no change at all

I think I found a solution:http://www.ac-evaporator-cleaner.com/ I don't know anything about this company, but the product descriptions tell why we are experiencing this smell.

[philipa_240sx]

This is a common problem with many cars.

I had posted the cause and solution awhile back but here it is again:

The A/C condenser coil produces condensate (water) while it operates. If you shut off the car while the A/C is operating, the condensate will stay on the coil. Mold/mildew loves cool dark, damp places. And the now damp condenser coil is the perfect spot for them to grow. The odor you get when you restart the car & A/C is the due to the stagnant water and a bit of mold growth.

Now, don't get to excited. Mold spores are all around us. They are naturally occurring. Many cars have the same issue with A/C smells. It's the nature of the design and is not specific to any mfg.

The solution?

A few minutes before you reach your destination:

- Turn OFF your A/C- Turn the fan speed to high- Make sure you select upper/lower vents and not the defrost mode- Make sure the A/C light goes OFF

This simple act will allow the condenser coil to dry off before you shut off the car. When you go to restart the car and A/C, the odor won't be there.

If you still find odor issues, you can have the condenser coil cleaned which will should remove any mold and odors.

[bill875]

philipa_240sx, thanks for the great info once again!

[bboard]

In addition to Philipa's solution... I found it useful to the temperature control to max hot ...just for that few minutes to warm up the pipes again