Getting rid of HVAC odor

BrandonT

Wondering if there is any mod or fix specific to the 370Z that can stop the odor of the HVAC? I've seen the sprays and threads on other cars but since mine only does it when you turn the AC off and about a minute later it smells for about 5 more minutes. So I assume there is a specific place building moisture (and mold) until you turn off the AC and air start flowing through this area?

1325

Here's what I used and it helped to a degree: 1Z einszett Klima-Cleaner.

The odor is back though, especially after a day of sitting in the sun. I must've applied mine three months ago and may need another treatment.

ukmastermind

I installed a Cabin Filter with Baking Soda already in it and 80% of the smell went away.... still bugs me when I try to get "frwsh" air into the car

WhiskeyHotel

I just looked these up the other day. I have no first hand experience with them though.
Odor bombs

kenchan

I think the best way is to keep the ac on auto and let it dry itself out. Keep it in defrost setting for a few weeks so that the ac is forced to turn on constantly.

Also check to see if the evaporator hose is blocked under the car where condensation drips out.

On my Z there is no smell. I set the temp to 75-78F in the summer and 65-67F in colder months.

wilsonp

Turn the a/c off a minute or two before parking.

__________________
2014 Cayman S PDK Sport Chrono White/Black
Was 2009 370Z Touring Sport+Nav 7AT Metallic Black/Persimmon
Was 1991 NSX Auto Black/Black

happytheman

I cannot imagine setting a fogger off in my Z. You first! Report back with your results, k?

__________________
--Brantly--

WhiskeyHotel

My thoughts exactly.

kenchan

lol yah, let's fix the source first, not just cover it up with some stink bomb.

cheshirecat

The 350 had this same problem- the above suggestion ended up being the only fix that worked 100%.

kenchan

that's werd cause neither my 04 G35C nor 09 370Z have this problem..

no trick for me, just kept it in auto at the temps i noted. no smell.

cheshirecat

From what I experienced, it only happened on very hot days with the AC blasting. More condensation=more smell.

Luckily my 370 hasn't exhibited this yet. Maybe it's some kind of draining issue.

fuct

you need to keep the outside circulation on when you turn off the car. that lets the rest of the moisture evaporate. if not it collects and smells.....

Bonzo

My post may be totally useless for this car, I don't know. But I can tell you that it totally worked on my old Chevy Tahoe. I had a nasty moldy smelling air conditioner, and couldn't figure out how to fix it. One day I read an article by the car guys in the newspaper, and what they said to do totally fixed my problem, 100%. What I did was mix a 20% bleach 80% water solution and then poured it down in front of the windshield. As it turns out, the drain path for water going down in front of the window also rinses through the air conditioner water drain, which is where the smell was coming from.

Again, not sure if the Z is made this way, but it certainly worked on the Tahoe. Might be worth a try. Can't see how it would hurt.

kenchan

Bonzo, isn't that the mixture for fixing ejector pump stench in the basement?