quick a/c question for a 2007 avalon

[terrrrible]

this might be a simple question but i'm not that knowledgeable about cars. whenever i use my a/c or when air flows into the cabin of the car it has a moldy smell. my first guess is the cabin filter is moldy or dirty so i changed it but it is still smells. any idea?

[Amaury]

Based on your experience, it would be better to take the car to a good mechanic, or to the dealer if that makes you feel more comfortable. Either one of these guys will need to access the A/C evaporator core (and also the heater core, which seats just in front of the evaporator) and spray both of these units with a disinfectant to kill the mold and mildew, which right now are happily living in your evap and heater cores. They may run the fan so that some of the disinfectant spread through the ductwork, which may also be infected with these little creatures.

When you use your A/C, water droplets form in the evaporator. The heater core could pick some of this humidity because of its close proximity to the evap. This humidity (both in the evap and heater core) combined with the warm temperature and stagnant air your vehicle provide when you leave it overnight is all mold and mildew need to exist. The problem is more pronounced in humid climate and during the summer. No much of an issue during winter, since the air is far less humid and the temperature is way too cold for the tiny creatures to survive.

This is the most efficient way to eliminate your problem. The condition is preventable however.

Amaury’08 Limited

[glangfield]

How do you pevent the probblem. thank you

[r1-superstar]

I'm still experiencing this issue with my 07. I made an appointment for Wednesday. I'll report back with their findings.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by glangfield

How do you pevent the probblem. thank you

The simplest solution is to turn off your air conditioner five to ten minutes (depending on how humid it is outside) before you arrive at your destination and turn the engine off. That gives the system time to dry out, which prevents the old moldy sock smell. If you live in Florida you've got major problems because of the humidity, but like here in California where it's drier five minutes works perfectly for me. The only setback it that many people are too finicky about going five or ten minutes without A/C and refuse to use this technique. Depends on how badly you want to eliminate the smell without incurring costs such as evaporator cleaners, etc.

TrailDust