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When I get into my car and crank the AC, it puts out a terrible smell (someone called it "dirty gym socks" ) This happen to anyone else? Remedy?
Thanks!
Thanks!
AC put out bad smell first 5 minutes?
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2021 Forte GT w/GT2, Currant Red, SXTH Element Intercooler Kit, Evilla Exhaust, Takeda S2 Intake
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3,845 Posts
MILDEW!!!
Your dealer can run some cleaner through the system to alleviate it. You can use something like Fabreze to help with the smell but it won't be permanent.
One of the best ways to prevent it is by turning off your AC (defrost too) and turning your blower on high about a block before you end your trip (like coming home or getting to your work place) -- this will reduce the amount of water in your AC system (from the condensation on the evaporator). That water promotes the growth of the mildew.
This is common to all cars -- not just Kia.
Your dealer can run some cleaner through the system to alleviate it. You can use something like Fabreze to help with the smell but it won't be permanent.
One of the best ways to prevent it is by turning off your AC (defrost too) and turning your blower on high about a block before you end your trip (like coming home or getting to your work place) -- this will reduce the amount of water in your AC system (from the condensation on the evaporator). That water promotes the growth of the mildew.
This is common to all cars -- not just Kia.
thank you for the information my car is having the same problem ex model rather new, everytime i turn on it smell dirty sock , I only use the air condition in summer time how could this possibly happen only few months in a year I turning on the air condition?
thanks
teoz
thanks
teoz
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1,241 Posts
don't use max a/c also.
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devilsx - you talking about this one? just hit 15k miles today, i think its time for a new cabin air filter. btw... is this one good?
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Kia Forte KOUP Activated Carbon Air Conditioner Filter | eBay
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1,796 Posts
Here is a paste from the TSB.
TSB: CLI016
This bulletin provides information about an available deodorizer treatment for the climate
control system. Air Conditioning systems may at times emit a stale or musty odor from
the vents. Typically, this is most noticeable directly after vehicle start up, and is related
to bacterial growth on the evaporator core. Growth of such bacteria and the resulting
generation of the A/C related odors is dependent on several factors, including but not
limited to vehicle operating environment, length and frequency of A/C system use etc.
and is more frequently observed in higher humidity and higher ambient temperature areas.
To assist in addressing these concerns, a two part deodorizer kit is available via Kia’s
Chemical Program.
Prior to applying the deodorizer, confirm that the customer’s complaint actually relates to
an A/C system odor. The treatment described in this bulletin should not be used for odors
that typically originate elsewhere in the vehicle and are not coming from the inside of the
A/C system or evaporator housing.
Examples are: Odors linked to carpet spills, food residue etc. and odors described as
“dead animal” smell from articles left in the vehicle or from an actual carcass/remains, or
damp or musty interior smell from exterior water leaks into either passenger cabin or trunk
area. Treat any non A/C system related complaints by locating and removing the source of
the smell and by using an appropriate cleaning agent for the affected area.
If the odor is confirmed to be emanating from the A/C system’s evaporator, follow the
instructions in this bulletin.This bulletin provides information about an available deodorizer treatment for the climate
control system. Air Conditioning systems may at times emit a stale or musty odor from
the vents. Typically, this is most noticeable directly after vehicle start up, and is related
to bacterial growth on the evaporator core. Growth of such bacteria and the resulting
generation of the A/C related odors is dependent on several factors, including but not
limited to vehicle operating environment, length and frequency of A/C system use etc.
and is more frequently observed in higher humidity and higher ambient temperature areas.
To assist in addressing these concerns, a two part deodorizer kit is available via Kia’s
Chemical Program.
Prior to applying the deodorizer, confirm that the customer’s complaint actually relates to
an A/C system odor. The treatment described in this bulletin should not be used for odors
that typically originate elsewhere in the vehicle and are not coming from the inside of the
A/C system or evaporator housing.
Examples are: Odors linked to carpet spills, food residue etc. and odors described as
“dead animal” smell from articles left in the vehicle or from an actual carcass/remains, or
damp or musty interior smell from exterior water leaks into either passenger cabin or trunk
area. Treat any non A/C system related complaints by locating and removing the source of
the smell and by using an appropriate cleaning agent for the affected area.
If the odor is confirmed to be emanating from the A/C system’s evaporator, follow the
I need to get mine cleaned too. Smells aweful right after turning off AC. If I run the blower at full for 5 minutes the smell starts to go away. Once you turn on the AC again for a minute and turn it off the smell is back again.
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1,118 Posts
The FRAM FilterFresh cabin filter reduces the smell about 90% IMO....will be asking for the clean and sanitize on my next trip to the Dealer
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4 Posts
Replacing air filter is a waste of money for this problem. Carbon filters have no effect. The mildew at the ac evaporator and condensate pan has to be killed, preferably removed. Kia OEM 2-part AC Evap cleaner and AC system freshener are toxic and incompatible with anyone with weak or sensitive respiratory systems, Just as bad as the mold. Just read the Safety Data Sheet. Kia f’d this car up by creating a virtually sealed vent system and not allowing access to the blower motor. Very pissed at them for this because it makes this particular problem practically unsolvable without removing the dash and vent system, a very laborious and expensive process. The previous owner of my 2014 Forte sedan used the Kia OEM s**t and it a) did not kill or remove the mildew/mold, and b) rendered the car impossible for a family member suffering from a past chemical poisoning from ever riding in the thing. I am trying Nextzett Klima from Germany which appears to have much safer compounds according to the Safety Data Sheet. Results TBD...
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to remove the smell for ever use a ozone machine it works great look up ozone machine YOU TUBE
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You have to be extremely careful with ozone generators. Ozone is a highly toxic molecule that can damage lungs if breathed in sufficiently high amounts. If you run such a machine, you have to have the ozone circulating through the ac evaporator Core. Be sure to hold your breath and not breathe any of that gas.
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heres how i do cars i charge $20 per car , remove floor mats , have the air con preset to recircalute, car bonnet up. i have the generator on for a hour in the interior, open the door start the car idle for 40minutes , open all the doors and put a portable fan inside the car for 15 minutes too refresh the interior, i have done this too over 50 cars and every one is pleased with their car,,, yes ozone is bad for your health if u stay in a confind area,, but u all keep using thoose sprays if u want too keep repeating every 2 weeks.. im awaiting a large machine where ill be doing house odour removal as my little machines take too long,, 4 hours versus 1 hour
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