Changed your cabin air filter lately?

[mowcowbell]

Noticed my A/C smelled a bit funky/stale, so I ordered a replacement cabin air filter. For those of you who don't know where it is located, open/remove your glove box. It is behind a black hinged door behind that, has just a couple of plastic clips you press to release the door.

The original filter had been in there since I bought the car in Dec '12. It was pretty dark, and definitely smelled pretty funky.

I ordered the replacement from Amazon ($16), which was a couple bucks cheaper than the local auto parts store.

Darin

 

[Papasonic]

Sometimes the odor coming from the HVAC system is caused by stagnant condensate and decomposed particulate matter in the evaporator coils and box. Sometimes professional cleaning is necessary to correct this problem. I make a habit of turning off the compressor a few minutes prior to shutting the vehicle down, and running the blower at high speed to help dry the evaporator coils and air plenum, in an attempt to minimize stagnant condensate from creating odors. It appears to work, as I haven't had this problem in any of my vehicles since I started doing this.

Running the AC controls in the normal mode, not recirculate also produces more condensate, and helps flush the evaporator coils to prevent odors.

 

[Stew]

...I make a habit of turning off the compressor a few minutes prior to shutting the vehicle down, and running the blower at high speed to help dry the evaporator coils and air plenum, in an attempt to minimize stagnant condensate from creating odors. It appears to work, as I haven't had this problem in any of my vehicles since I started doing this.

I've been doing this for years too, and like you haven't had any evaporator mildew issues. Great minds...

 

[steve333]

I do that in my Cobalt too, didn't know why, just seemed like a smart thing to do

 

[Twitch]

im sure the water leaking problem under the dash from the windshield that most sonics are having doesnt help the smelly filter problem. i will be replacing mine soon as well as getting that problem fixed. I saw a thread with a problem code for the dealership here on the forums

 

[steve333]

Most Sonics are having that issue? That doesn't sound good

 

[Sonicnw]

so I just bought a sonic in the state of Washington, we all know what it does up here. how would I know if my windshield is leaking behind the dash. what are the signs and where would the water be at.... thanks, just bought this car so if I have an issue like this I want to fix it right away. nothing like wet wiring to mess up your day

 

[KGB Pilot125]

I always turn off the A/C before getting out of the car and it helps with the smell. i also just replaced my filter at 12k miles. No big deal

 

[allstarchris]

I did for first time after 40k,found leaves in there, next time just shake it out.but I bought it from auto zone for like 45$$$.stp brand