Why does my car air conditioner smell like mildew when I turn it on?

Why does my car air conditioner smell like mildew when I turn it on?

If your car A/C smells like mildew or mold, it could very well be actual mildew or mold! As your vehicle ages, bacteria can grow in the system where moisture typically collects — particularly on the A/C’s evaporator. When this happens, a pungent, mildew-like smell can get blasted into your cabin through your A/C vents.

Why does my car heater smell musty?

Smell Two: Mildew The second most common bad car heater smell is caused by mildew that can grow when the heater box remains damp instead of drying out. Whenever something prevents the heater box from draining properly, water can collect in it, and you can end up with a moldy, musty, mildewy smell.

How do I get rid of the musty smell in my car AC?

Start your car. Turn the air-conditioning on normal and run the fan on high (leave windows open) Spray (a commercial AC Odour Eliminator spray) liberally through all intake vents located in the cowl area of your vehicle (usually outside the car, below windshield or under the dash)

Why does my AC smell like burning when I turn it on?

A faulty motor can lead to a buildup of dust, or a lack of lubrication – both of which can lead to overheating and, as a result, a burning smell. If the issue is stemming from the air conditioner motor, you will likely need to contact a professional to repair or replace the mechanism.

Why does my Toyota Camry have a moldy smell?

A proposed class-action lawsuit alleging the 2012 Toyota Camry air conditioning/heating system fills the car with a moldy smell so obnoxious it could awaken a corpse. This problem has popped up in the following Toyota generations. Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process.

Why does my Toyota air conditioner have a musty smell?

Toyota has blamed a musty A/C smell on microbes [i.e., mold] growing o the evaporator surface and now a lawsuit wants them to do something about it. The plaintiffs claim the vehicles have defective heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that cause smells and health problems from mold that collects on the evaporators.

Why does my air conditioner have a burning smell when I turn it on?

In the fall, the first few times the heater kicks on, it may emit a burning odor that can smell electrical and dusty. If you are just turning on your heater, this could be a problem which will eventually go away on its own. Give it 20 to 30 minutes and see if the smell dissipates.

How does the HVAC work on a Toyota Camry?

The Camry’s ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) uses an evaporator inside the vehicle’s dashboard. According to the plaintiffs, as cold refrigerant passes into the evaporator it mixes with warm air from the passenger cabin to create moisture.