Bad Odor from Air Vents

[biggrock77]

I have a 2012 Nissan Rogue SL, for the past few weeks whenever I turn on the AC or Heat there is a terrible smell coming from the vents (like a moldy old sock type smell).

I read somewhere to spray lysol in the car and run the air on circulation and it'll solve the issue, now I just have Sock Mixed with Lysol smell coming out of the vents.

What could the issue be? Is it something I could fix on my own without having to go in for service?

[Rogue One]

Where is the cabin air filter?? Does anybody know? Maybe you can explain how to change it? cabin-air-filter-t321326.html

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3PrPSCsYWw[/youtube]

[TrevorK]

What could the issue be? Is it something I could fix on my own without having to go in for service?

It could be the cabin filter (directions in the post above), or it could need the AC system cleaned. There are actually chemicals made for cleaning such as:
http://www.1z-usa.com/einszett_klima_cleaner.html

Directions:
http://www.1z-usa.com/klima-cleaner_application.html

Einszett is a great brand, but might only be available through a detail shop. Your local parts store might have other brands to sell you, but I cannot comment on their effectiveness.

[ImStricken06]

cabin filter, rodents built a nest in your evaporator box, or you have mold growing in your evap box due to the drainage line being clogged.

test:
1. turn on the AC. does it leak water under the car, from that little pipe right under the passenger side floor board?
2. leave the windows open, and run the heat for 20 mins (without A/C) / then try with A/C
3. change the filter (and repeat steps 1 & 2)

[autumn47]

Hi All,

I have a 2008 Rogure, 85,000 miles. I've been noticing a foul smell coming from my vents when I first turn on the A/C and now when I first turn on the heat. It seems to go away after a few minutes, but at first it's just awful! Sometimes it smells like burning plastic and sometimes it smells as bad as cow manure. Has anyone else experienced this or know what could be the cause? As far as the temperature of the air coming out, it works fine. I've been noticing this for the past 2 months.

thanks!

[phjake]

Some suggestions. When was the last time the cabin air filter was changed? Also if you drive with the fan setting on recirc then shut the vehicle off without changing it to fresh (outside) air for 5-10 seconds, that can also cause it. Lastly if leaves or other debris has built up on your windshield cowling, which is where fresh air is pulled from, that can cause it.

[darylzero]

There could easily be a dead animal in your blower fan. Most likely a mouse or rat.

[Rogue One]

Hi All,

I have a 2008 Rogure, 85,000 miles. I've been noticing a foul smell coming from my vents when I first turn on the A/C and now when I first turn on the heat. It seems to go away after a few minutes, but at first it's just awful! Sometimes it smells like burning plastic and sometimes it smells as bad as cow manure. Has anyone else experienced this or know what could be the cause? As far as the temperature of the air coming out, it works fine. I've been noticing this for the past 2 months.

thanks!

Welcome to NICO!

I've merged your thread with an existing one. I think you'll find your answer in the posts above.

[phjake]

There could easily be a dead animal in your blower fan. Most likely a mouse or rat.

Yea, a dead animal would do it, and easily trumps any smell coming from moldy leaves and debris...