Hey guys,
Sometimes when I turn on my AC, it has a funny smell. Like a mildew like smell. I havent really kept track when it smells but I know sometimes it does. It only smells like the first few minutes. I thought maybe the air filter but changed it but it still happens. Is there another filter or anything? Or somewhere water is getting into to make the mildewy smell? If anyone knows what Im talking about, let me know.

i had this issue in my dodge truck. from what i understand it could be where the water drains outside the car , from when the a/c is on, might be blocked. either partialy or all the way, thus leaving water there to cause the smell. thats what ive heard.

I'm unsure if these cars have it or not, but a cabin air filter that is dirty can and sometimes will cause that smell.




- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new

i used to get that when my battery was going dead.. tured out it was leaking acid and the ac was pulling the smell in.

Sometimes condensation build inside of the air ducts and mold builds up. Sorry this isn' a Lexus that has a built in air filter in the A/C system that removes pollen and outside smells. Some dealerships offer to steam clean the air ducts to remove that smell and mold build up. The Toyota dealer here does, don't know how much.