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Old May 28, 2017 | 08:35 PM
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Default Sour odor

I just fired up my C7 after sitting all winter and there is a sour smell coming into the cabin...It's coming from the vents and it smells like wet paint. I thought it could be a mouse but I know what a dead mouse smells like and its not that. I drove it for about 20 min. and the smell is still pretty bad.
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Old May 28, 2017 | 09:31 PM
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Have you checked the cabin air filter ? The OE one is not charcoal impregnated. Also, it could be mildew in the system.
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Old May 28, 2017 | 09:50 PM
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Sounds like a mildew issue. I know my Wife's Mercedes had this issue and after doing some research is was a common problem with MB cars. However, this is the first time I've heard about it on the Corvettes.

The fix was to use a cleaning process (found a video on YouTube when I search 'bad odor in MB' ). After I got rid of the odor I had her turn off the A/C about 5 minutes before parking in the garage. Also leaving the window cracked to help control the moisture. We haven't had any issue since then happen the first time. I bought some extra cleaner just in case.
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Old May 28, 2017 | 10:00 PM
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Default Sour odor

Originally Posted by MikeyTX
Have you checked the cabin air filter ? The OE one is not charcoal impregnated. Also, it could be mildew in the system.
When I find it the air filter compartment I'll check that air filter out....my neighbor thinks it could be a mouse urine..uggg
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Old May 28, 2017 | 10:02 PM
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Originally Posted by eamespm
Sounds like a mildew issue. I know my Wife's Mercedes had this issue and after doing some research is was a common problem with MB cars. However, this is the first time I've heard about it on the Corvettes.

The fix was to use a cleaning process (found a video on YouTube when I search 'bad odor in MB' ). After I got rid of the odor I had her turn off the A/C about 5 minutes before parking in the garage. Also leaving the window cracked to help control the moisture. We haven't had any issue since then happen the first time. I bought some extra cleaner just in case.
I don't think its mildew.....
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Old May 29, 2017 | 07:35 AM
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I opened up my cabin filter box....HUGE mouse nest including a crispy dead mouse that I didn't realize was a mouse until I pulled it out with my fingers!
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Old May 29, 2017 | 07:47 AM
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YUK! Glad you found it.
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Old May 29, 2017 | 07:53 AM
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Welcome to the forum!
Hope that doesn't show up on the CarFax.
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Old May 29, 2017 | 08:28 AM
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I'm glad you found the problem. I guess next winter you'll have to put some bait underneath your car to help control the problem :-)
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Old May 29, 2017 | 08:32 AM
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Scented dryer sheets! Place them all over the car, interior, exterior. In exhaust tips, etc.
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Old May 29, 2017 | 08:37 AM
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Originally Posted by B&BVettes
Scented dryer sheets! Place them all over the car, interior, exterior. In exhaust tips, etc.
Been doing this for years with my C5, the car smells super fresh for weeks after coming out of storage.
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Old May 29, 2017 | 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by c5c6c7
I opened up my cabin filter box....HUGE mouse nest including a crispy dead mouse that I didn't realize was a mouse until I pulled it out with my fingers!
As I mentioned, replace it with one that is impregnated with charcoal. Also, while the filter is out, fire up the ac and spray disinfectant/deodorizer into the opening. That will go a long way to getting rid of any smell that lingers. So glad I moved to TX from Chicago 45 years ago. At least I can drive the Z and V year round. Excepting the occasional ice storm.

Last edited by MikeyTX; May 29, 2017 at 09:12 AM. Reason: add to post
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Old May 29, 2017 | 09:55 AM
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Moth ***** would work but I always found that getting their tiny legs apart was a real challenge.
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