Weird Cabin Smell

[Morfeeus]

Usually, when I turn on the vents, I set it to auto which triggers the AC. Today, it was warm, but not warm enough to warrant the AC(and extra fuel usage) so I turned off the AC. All of the sudden, I noticed a smell comin from the air blowing out of the vents. Almost a musty smell. When I turn the AC back on, it goes away. My SHO is only 3 months old with just over 2k miles on it. I cant imagine the cabin filter needs replacing already and if it did, wouldn't I notice the smell all the time? Even with the AC on?

 

[mjhpadi]

Any update on the smell? I am curious to hear what caused it.

 

[shobote]

The musty smell can only mean there is mildew in the system, as that is an unmistakable odor, and it is also unhealthy inhaling those mildew spores. Condensation may be dripping from the AC which has accumulated in a place when it is supposed to be draining.

 

[mjhpadi]

I did have that problem with the AC on my 98 F-150, the condensation from the drain was dripping onto the oxygen sensor and actually caused it to malfunction. Extended the drain and problem was solved.

 

[Morfeeus]

I'm gonna try and take it in for service next week. I'm going to have them investigate the smell and also fix the front brakes which are showing symptoms of the recent TSB for front brake noise. I also am getting a slight intermittent whistle noise comin from the drivers door area while moving at highway speeds. I will update as soon as I get it looked at.

 

[Phokus]

What does it smell like? I've noticed in my Focus in the summer time if I turn on the fan with no AC it smells bad and gets all humidy which forces me to either use AC or open window. But it's done it since when it was newish its an 09 with 36k miles now

 

[Morfeeus]

The best way I can describe the smell would be like a wet towell left to sit a couple days in the laundry basket. Just a musty kind of smell.

 

[SuperHO]

ask your wife to kindly crack a window next time she busts ass?

 

[BKSHO11]

I'm thinking....egg salad sandwich's the day before.