Has anyone experience a terrible smell coming from the vents? Well I experienced a skunk smell coming from the vents and after turning on the AC it got worst. I have read many articles that say to leave the car running for 15 minutes with all windows closed and the heater on HIGH. Then to go in and spray both front vents with LYSOL, yeah this might work, but the problem might come back.....After completely taking apart my car to find out what the problem was and breaking the vent cover, i FOUND OUT THE SMELL IS COMING FROM THE IN-CABIN MICROFILTER...Who would have guessed? Any ways i took it out and sprayed it 3 times with Lysol and assembled everything back..BE CAREFUL when you turn on the AC because a blast of LYSOL will hit your face..(IT HAPPENED TO ME)...NOW THE SMELL IS COMPLETELY GONE! ......ENJOY YOUR NEW LYSOL SMELLING CAR....HAHA!...Dont worry about the smell of Lysol it will go away in 2 days.

 

Nice, good discovery. But wouldn't it be better to replace the filter?

 

Well you can do that too, but i just replaced mine 3 months ago...FOR ME, It was easier and cheaper just to spray it down...A $5 Lysol can is all it took instead of paying $25 for a new in cabin filter.

 

I'll definitely do this soon. lysol smell good?

 

where are the micro cabin filters? i need to do this.

 

Depends on which scent you get...Smell them before you get yours..Shoot a quick breeze into the air and smell it before you buy it..REMEMBER you will be smelling it for a bit so buy something that you like.

 

OPEN THIS LINK! Here are the instructions for replacing the in cabin filter...MUST REPLACE EVERY 12,000-15,000 miles...So it comes out to replacing every year with normal driving conditions.

 

if it smell theres def something wrong with it
also if anyone changes the filter and still has the smell try cleaning the evaporator core. Someone told me mildew also builds up in there.

If you use your AC turn it off 15 mins before arriving to your destination. helps dry the moisture on the core

 

I found OUT how the smell started....It happened because i spilled a drink on the left rear carpet when i made a tight turn..(Rear cupholders are terrible)...I had a lemonade spill on the carpet, mat, and on the seat..After a while the smell must have gone to the vents. I could tell because everything was still a bit wet.....I guess this is what happens when you leave the vents on circulation instead of getting air from the outside.

 

omg you bring drinks inside your G!?!? the only food or beverage that ever sees it into the inside of my G is a water bottle!

 

sort of related question touching on this point...

I have a slight smell trapped in my filter, and Im planning on switching it out (its near the age limit). Is it correct to postulate that disabling circulation, and using the outside air only will keep the filter from getting smells in it (such as transporting something particularily garlic-smelling, but it's too hot outside to open the windows..)

Would very much like someone to touch on this

 

I would fabreeze it or replace the filter!

 

I have the same mildew smell, but it only seems to be noticeable when it rains. Has anyone noticed this, or is it usually a mildewy smell, rain or shine? I'm trying to figure out if I've got as bad seal somewhere or if I just need to change the filter...which I just learned about today.

Thanks

 

I'd replace the filter as well, it's not that expensive and a much better solution IMO.

 

I hate that musty smell, living in the desert makes it unfeasible to turn off the ac 15 minutes prior to my destination. I use the Lysol method and Chemical Guys SoFastOdor remover. The combo works great for me and leaves a green apple scent behind.