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Stinky AC -- PLEASE HELP!!!

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Old May 14, 2006 | 03:48 PM
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Unhappy Stinky AC -- PLEASE HELP!!!

Has anyone had a problem with their AC smelling when they turn on the AC? Does anyone know what I can change so the AC wont smell?? I looked at the AC Filter in the glove compartment but its clean. I dont understand why it smells..
it usually happens when my AC is on the circulate button.. and when the AC starts getting cold...

PLEASE HELP
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Old May 14, 2006 | 03:55 PM
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Replace the AC filter and spray the new filter with your favorite cologne. I just picked a used GS3 and it reeked - did the AC filter routine and had the interior shampooed as well.
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Old May 14, 2006 | 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by nyczdave
Has anyone had a problem with their AC smelling when they turn on the AC? Does anyone know what I can change so the AC wont smell?? I looked at the AC Filter in the glove compartment but its clean. I dont understand why it smells..
it usually happens when my AC is on the circulate button.. and when the AC starts getting cold...

PLEASE HELP
Happens to my dad's as well. I'd like to know how to fix this. he's already had it fixed once, but it only lasted 3 or 4 months...
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Old May 14, 2006 | 04:59 PM
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The solution to this problem which is really mildew smell is extremely simple and will not cost you a dime.

The next time you drive in the city and can leave the windows open (read that is in not driving very fast on the highway, but more of slow city driving with lots of stops etc), turn up the heat to maximum and the fan setting to maximum and drive like that for a good 20 mins with the AC button on. Do that a few times in two days and voila, the smell will be gone for the whole year.

I have done this personally myself once a year in both cars (my wifes Maxima and my GS) and it works like magic. Does not cost you a cent and cures the problem completely.
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Old May 14, 2006 | 05:27 PM
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that is actually quite amazing! burning the mildew out haha
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Old May 14, 2006 | 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by djjt
that is actually quite amazing! burning the mildew out haha
Yep, that's exactly what it is and it works like magic.
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Old May 14, 2006 | 05:44 PM
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Thank you so much Hameed for your post. I have the same problem and was about to take my car to lexus. Thanks for saving me money
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Old May 14, 2006 | 06:21 PM
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interesting..
i will def give that a try and let you know how it goes...

thanks..

i will also do the cologne spray on the AC Filter..every little thing helps..
ahhah

Originally Posted by Hameed
The solution to this problem which is really mildew smell is extremely simple and will not cost you a dime.

The next time you drive in the city and can leave the windows open (read that is in not driving very fast on the highway, but more of slow city driving with lots of stops etc), turn up the heat to maximum and the fan setting to maximum and drive like that for a good 20 mins with the AC button on. Do that a few times in two days and voila, the smell will be gone for the whole year.

I have done this personally myself once a year in both cars (my wifes Maxima and my GS) and it works like magic. Does not cost you a cent and cures the problem completely.
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Old May 14, 2006 | 08:47 PM
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my A/C stunk for a while. Turns out it was a small mouse that somehow got up into the ac filter, take the filter out and stick a good vaccum hose in the glove box, hopefully this will help.
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Old May 15, 2006 | 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by skurks507
my A/C stunk for a while. Turns out it was a small mouse that somehow got up into the ac filter, take the filter out and stick a good vaccum hose in the glove box, hopefully this will help.
Well sounds like yours wasnt mildew smell, like most of us describe.
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Old May 15, 2006 | 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by dmanbluesf
Well sounds like yours wasnt mildew smell, like most of us describe.
I have the problem too so I was going to buy the blitz filter hoping it would get rid of the mildew smell.
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Old May 15, 2006 | 10:11 PM
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i just got the blitz ac filter...so that took away all the bad smells
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Old May 15, 2006 | 10:23 PM
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Can also try one of the products in this post
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/automotive-care-and-detailing/81943-mildew-smell-from-ac.html
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Old May 16, 2006 | 04:05 PM
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Hameed, I tried this for 35 minutes and it did not work. I had the hot air going to the floor the entire time.

Should I try it in the vents?

Should I try it again a couple of times?

Can you tell me the significance to having the compressor (AC) on?

I have a 2004 GS. You htink the later model has more of aproblem?
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Old May 17, 2006 | 04:46 AM
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Originally Posted by genesis211
Hameed, I tried this for 35 minutes and it did not work. I had the hot air going to the floor the entire time.

Should I try it in the vents?

Should I try it again a couple of times?

Can you tell me the significance to having the compressor (AC) on?

I have a 2004 GS. You htink the later model has more of aproblem?
You have to have it going through the dash vents as well. That mildew is everywhere. Try it again for a good 20 mins at full blast.
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