Anyone know if we have a filter of some sort when using just air and not A/C? Stinks like wet dog if not using A/C...

 

I'm using my A/C and still get that smell. I have no idea what's causing it. Sure would like to find out so I can fix it. Its embarassing when you have someone else in the car with you.

 

You and me both =P
I checked in the manual and it only points out the blower motors and ducts but nothing about any kind of filters that can be cleaned/replaced...perhaps the ducts are caked in road grime and bug guts...

 

Most likely the smell is from mold due to condensation - small amount of moisture really helps mold grow. I would insure that the outside vent was open to help dry out the moisture before turning off car. Check drainage for A/C, there should be a wet spot from passenger side.

In you may have to disassemble the box around A/C to cleanup.

Dealer may be able to retrofit a A/C filter, but generally it filters air prior to source of mold the condensation below the evaporator.

 

Mine is doing the same thing and it's brand new. Here's a little trick that has worked for me on other cars i've had. Buy a can of Lysol and turn the AC/Air on high and spray some in the air intake vents fromt he outside of the car. The Lysol kills mold and mildew. It's worked for me before

 

Is the air intake vents by the wipers?

 

Yep, those are the ones.

 

My salesman said all the cabin air comes through the viscous paper air cleaner filter. If this is true, high humidity may have caused water to condense on the filter with subsequent growth of mold. I don't know the cost of the replacement filters (which are supposed to last 60K miles), but perhaps you can dry yours out or replace it?

 

Wow...killer responses guys thanks...I'm gonna tear that puppy out during lunch tomorrow and breathe free again! Damn stank is knockin' my points with the hotties in the office =P
Not too hard removing that "grill" to get to the filters I hope...service manual here I come...