jlcartersr

I puchased a 2002 last year so I'm not sure if my SC430 was used on or near a farm but when I turn on the AC, I initialy get this musty farm odor. It gradually get less potent but it really annoying. I took it to the dealer to check it and it cleared up for about a month. It's back again. I've cleaned & Febreeze the AC air filter first. All indications point to the AC condenser. It gets worst the longer I leave the AC off.
Is there help for this?

PROY

iTrader: (1)

Have the AC system flushed. Draining and refilling might help.

DropTop430

Have the dealer spray a product called "frigi fresh" into the system, its cheap and kills all the bacteria and mould. That is more than likely causing your problem.

Hope that helps

tfischer

Obviously it's in the air handling part of the system rather than in the compressor. Something is in the ducts or in the filter.

I would not think "flushing" the system will do anything to help your problem. You need to have all of the duct work cleaned out to get rid of the smell.

You have sick car syndrome.

antigeek

I've got the same problem. It started last summer.
Smells like a bread factory when the AC starts, then fades (until the next time).

I've had the dealer replace the air filter (which they said was the problem), and later put in Frigi-fresh. Each time resulted in a minor (and temporary) improvement.

I have heard that the system is tucked into the car so it's hard to physically clean out.
If anyone comes up with a solution, please post it!

JCtx

I don't keep my cars too long, and that's probably why I never had this problem, rather than the supposed solution I was given once. Here it is anyway: Shut the compressor off a minute before you turn your car off, or just enough so the air is not that cold before shutting off your engine.
Supposedly, the ice cold condenser causes the musty odor over time. Sounded convincing enough to me, and doesn't hurt to do it.

vvking

I had the same problem - 02 SC delivered in April 01. Dealer replaced the cabin air filter (which is up behind the glove box) and the smell seems to have gone away (at least for the past month).

Umbo

I've had this problem with almost every car I've owned. It is due to moisture condensing on the cold a/c coil from humid air. Mold grows on the moisture and farm stink is the result. Running the fan on high with the a/c off for several minutes before turning the car off helps.