sometimes when I turn on the ac it smells bad almost like septic water and it becomes unbearable, what might cause this?? please help!

 

Sounds like its time to change the cabin filter.
Also check that the drain holes are not clogged. (Have to remove wiper arms and the air intake cover to access drains)

 

Here's some info:
http://www.imcool.com/articles/airco...vap_stinks.php
I hope it helps.

Or Google "Automotive Air Conditioner Mold" for even more info.

 

I recently had the same problem, the dealer cleaned the AC system with frigi-clean or something like that.
Did you store it for the winter?

 

I live in so-cal so i didn't have it stored

 

Yup, its time to replace ye ol' cabin air filter. Do it yourself, don't take it to a shop because they will over charge you for a simple procedure. Here is a link to a site to get a good quality cabin filter.

http://www.germanautoparts.com/beta/...2/7593/4971425

This one is charcoal activated for getting rid of smells. The paper filters in the auto stores are not as good. Plus this comes with instructions.

 

I occassionally have the same problem. One thing that I found that helps is to use the feature that keeps the heater fan on after the car is turned off. After the car is turned off, hit the recirculation ( rest ) button. This seems to help dry out the A/C system resulting in no condensation to get stinky.

I have yet to experience the bad odor when I have used the REST feature.

I also suspect that my A/C drain hose may be plugged. I have yet to investigate this. I never see any water under car after using the A/C. The odor can't be due to a dirty cabin filter as I have a base coupe.

 

Where is the hose that would be clogged? I think I have to check that as well???


THANKS!!!

 

Similar issue with my old car. changed the cabin filter but odor still exist. My friend old me to turn off the a/c system about 5 min before turn off the car, which helps and the odor is gone. I think it is the same as what you mention, dry out the A/C system resulting in no condensation to get stinky.

 

My wife's VW gets mice in the air intake every spring. And those little furballs stink. Would not hurt to check.

 

where exactly is the air intake? and how do we prevent mice from getting in there?

 

I'd love to hear the answer to this as well.

 

I am new and this thread is almost a year old but I was having the same issue as well as extremely low air volume out of the vents, so decided to look into the cabin filter. The filter and air intake WERE both clogged by a mouse nest.

As long as I was under the dash I thought I would check the blower motor and picture two shows the "funky smell" vermin. They were both wet and slimey from the AC moisture.

I now have both air flow AND no more smell... Thank You All for the help!

 

That's a WHOLE FAMILY!!!

I'm calling PETA!!!

You're worse than Obama!!!

 

This is correct!!!!! I used to wonder why my A/C would smell like a mildew-y rag, and this fixes it!!! No condensation = no smell!

 

I would be worried where all that material came from to make that nest. Hope it didn't come from your car!

 

Wow EpicDesyre! That's almost disturbing!

 

Can someone tell me how exactly to remove the wiper arm. Ive tried, removed the cap and nut but it doesnt pull off..

 

Don't start by taking the car apart. Don't remove the wipers. All you need to do is this.... after turning the car off with the AC switch still on, press the reset button. While your car if off, the AC will blow the excess air through the system and dry out all the condensation. Leave it on for a while and let it do its thing! Our cars are lucky we have that feature. I had no idea about it until I read about it on this forum.

Or while you are driving turn the AC off and leave the vent open so the road wind can blow through the vent. You have to keep the moisture out and the smell will go away. DO NOT START REMOVING WIPERS AND COWLS. That won't do anything.

But I agree with everyone... change the air filter. It may help with the smell but it will give you cleaner air to breath. You may even find some leaves in there!

 

If you really want to see under the cowl area after taking the nut and cap off, GENTLY pry between the wiper arm and the wiper mechanism and the wiper will come off. Then you will be able to see and clean the drains if needed and you will also be able to see when the flap for the fresh air/recirculating air is open and closed