Smelly Air Conditioning

[chitowndad]

Guys, any ideas why my A/C smells moldy when I first turn it on? Is there something that needs to be cleaned?

-Steve

[CJ_Boxster]

Originally Posted by chitowndad

Guys, any ideas why my A/C smells moldy when I first turn it on? Is there something that needs to be cleaned?

-Steve

You need to replace your cabin filter, when it gets old, it stinks. Pop the hood and remove the cowl cover to the right/passenger side of the battery cover and you'll see it. One clip on the left of the filter needs to be uncliped by hand and then you can pull the old filter and pop in the new one.

[Lil bastard]

A smelly AC is almost always due to water collecting in the system. Be sure your drains are clean. The water promotes the growth of mold and mildew.

Replacing the cabin filter is a start, but will not likely eliminate the smell already there. For this, it's recommended that you use an anti-mildew spray, sprayed directly into the car's ductwork. There are several of these products available such as: http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einszett-klima-cleaner-air-freshener.html or http://www.allergystore.com/mold.htm. You can use Lysol, but this won't be as effective, will take longer (more applications to work) and you may not like the fragrance it leaves.

The way to prevent future mold and mildew is to switch off the compressor a few minutes before your destination and just run the fan, drawing in outside air to evaporate any moisture in the ductwork and the evaporator and to make sure your drain(s) are clean.

[chitowndad]

Thanks guys! My cabin filter is pretty dirty so I'll try that first.

-Steve

[Burg Boxster]

aside from spraying a disinfectant into the duct work which is the back end of the real problem, you need to be concerned about mold/mildew growing in the evaporator (especially if drain has been plugged up).

There are 2 solutions to the root of the problem. One is a foam spray you use by forcing it up to the condenser thru the drain tube and let it work it's way in all the crevices and kill the mold/bacteria/etc. Not sure if they're Porsche approved but here are some examples of product you can usually pick up in a local parts store or at a dealer. Wurth I think makes a few variants too:





The other solution is simple....... with the engine fully warmed up, run the engine for 30-45 min w/ the heat set on max and make sure the A/C is on (snowflake lit up). Occasionally, rotate thru the various vent settings (to kill any mold/mildew around the blend door and or various ducts). It'll get more than 'toasty' so do this w/ the top down while driving some day. You may have to repeat this once or twice before the odor is gone completely and maybe once a year afterwards....

Good luck

[chitowndad]

Silly question but where is the drain tube located?

Thanks,
-Steve