C5 Musty A/C smell
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
C5 Musty A/C smell
Helping my parents with a few things up in Detroit, and noticed in their 2004 C5 coupe, among other things, a musty/mildew smell in the vents when running the fan. It smells both when the a/c compressor is running and not running (fan only). . .and perhaps a little worse/more "musty" when the fan is running without the a/c compressor.
I did not notice this problem when I visited last, over Christmas, so it is relatively new. It is not TERRIBLE, but it is absolutely noticeable.
Is this a common problem, and can anybody shed some light on:
1.) causes
2.) fixes
And is this a warrantable fix? I spoke with my dad this morning, and they purchased a GMPP/Majorguard service contract a couple of years ago.
Any help would be appreciated. I grew up with a C3 and currently have a C6, so C5's are new to me.
thanks!
Mark
I did not notice this problem when I visited last, over Christmas, so it is relatively new. It is not TERRIBLE, but it is absolutely noticeable.
Is this a common problem, and can anybody shed some light on:
1.) causes
2.) fixes
And is this a warrantable fix? I spoke with my dad this morning, and they purchased a GMPP/Majorguard service contract a couple of years ago.
Any help would be appreciated. I grew up with a C3 and currently have a C6, so C5's are new to me.
thanks!
Mark
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: Mattituck New York
Hey Mark, My 04 coupe does the same thing, I bought it new and never smelt it untill a couple of months after. Its seems to come and go ,when I use the car alot I don't smell it. It has about 20,000 miles on her and its still there once in awhile.I know most of all the new GM cars now have a A/C filter in it like a house does,i'm not sure if the Corvette does. I never looked into it. The new cars that I have seen them in had to have half the dash out to replace it,and it was dirty and kind of looked like it had mold on it. Im sorry I can't help with the fix but at least you know another car does it, and if any one does know how to fix it, It will be here! good luck Jim
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 14
From: Gig Harbor WA
Check the air filter and inlet system for guests like mice. Does anyone smoke in the car? (That may contribute to odors.) Does the car sit outside or in a humid area? (Condensation in ductwork may lead to mildew in most cars.) Consider putting a fabric softener sheet (as used in clothes dryers) under a seat to offset aroma. (Change monthly.) Hope this helps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: West Palm Beach Florida
Googled:
I've heard that the best way to remove a mold smell is to get a can of Lysol and spray it in the vents while the A/C is running full blast. It is recommended that you run the car for 10 minutes with the A/C going to get it circulating, then leave the door open and spray the Lysol in the vents on the windshield- use quite a bit. Shut the doors and let it run for 10 minutes more (don't stay in there or you'll get sick!). Then give the car time to air out. The Lysol kills the mold and gives a fresh, clean scent!
.
I've heard that the best way to remove a mold smell is to get a can of Lysol and spray it in the vents while the A/C is running full blast. It is recommended that you run the car for 10 minutes with the A/C going to get it circulating, then leave the door open and spray the Lysol in the vents on the windshield- use quite a bit. Shut the doors and let it run for 10 minutes more (don't stay in there or you'll get sick!). Then give the car time to air out. The Lysol kills the mold and gives a fresh, clean scent!
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