Car AC Smells Bad
A musty, moldy, or dirty-sock smell comes from the vents when you turn on the AC. This is usually mold and bacteria growing on the evaporator or cabin filter.
Find a TechnicianCommon causes
- Mold/bacteria on the evaporator core
- Clogged or old cabin air filter
- Blocked AC drain holding water
- Debris (leaves) decomposing in the intake
- Damp ducts from short trips
Frequently asked questions
Why does it smell worse when I first turn on the AC?
Moisture sits on the evaporator between drives; when air first blows through it, the trapped mold smell hits hardest.
How is the smell fixed?
Usually a new cabin filter plus an evaporator cleaning/treatment, and clearing the AC drain so water doesn't pool.
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