[hotrodder]

I have looked into the musty A/C vent smell issue for those of you having that problem (too much idle time after surgery.) It appears the origin of the smell is caused by fungus, bacteria and other microbes growing inside the evaporator core. This dark, moisture laden environment is very conducive to the growth of these organisms----makes sense. Ford and GM address the issue on a customer complaint basis only. Ford uses a Purge Module and GM an Electronic Evaporator Dryer (EED.)
These units, along with others available such as AirSept's, allow the blower motor to run after stopping and turning off your vehicle. This drys out the evaporator so the little critters can't grow. These units are expensive in my book, anywhere from $250 to $500. These modules have about 5 bucks worth of parts in it and are very easy to wire in. I'm looking into having some built overseas. It is a great concept, our house HVAC uses a system sort of like this, but it will not work on vehicles equipped with Automatic Temperature Control.
A quick fix that will last a month or two is to turn your A/C on outside air (off of Max Air,) turn your blower motor on high and spray a lot (1/3 can) of Lysol into the passenger side cowl area in front of your windshield.
After about 5 minutes, turn your A/C control to Max Air and allow to circulate inside the car for 10 minutes. She'll smell fresh as new.

 

[Tim Vance]

I've never really had this problem...but then again, I'm in the habit of turning my A/C off a couple of blocks from where I'm going, and just letting the fan blow until warm air comes out...
7 years, and no issues...

 

[HondaFan81]

You replace the cabin filters?

 

[desinia]

A quick fix that will last a month or two is to turn your A/C on outside air (off of Max Air,) turn your blower motor on high and spray a lot (1/3 can) of Lysol into the passenger side cowl area in front of your windshield.
After about 5 minutes, turn your A/C control to Max Air and allow to circulate inside the car for 10 minutes. She'll smell fresh as new.

And now, how will I get the throat clogging reek of Lysol out of my car? There must be something available for this that doesn't make the problem a hundred times worse.

 

[gin hako]

This stuff works. http://www.amazon.com/Einszett-einszett-Klima-Cleaner/dp/B002LOSZ1Y I had to use it on my GTI and it does work. Don't let that smell get too bad though because it does become hard to kill. It is easy to use you have a long hose you insert into the center vent. It is a bacteria killing foam. It also leaves a clean fresh scent.

 

[hotrodder]

And now, how will I get the throat clogging reek of Lysol out of my car? There must be something available for this that doesn't make the problem a hundred times worse.

Use the Linen Fresh stuff and let it sit for an hour. Then when you go driving, put the windows down for a few blocks. It should smell pretty good after that and not too overbearing. Good luck to you.

 

[HondaFan81]

From my experience with these newer Hondas, then this smell occurs it is because the cabin filters needs to be replaced. On our Elements, they are located behind the glove box, very simple procedure. Someone on here has a DIY on it.

Doing the process mention, will soak these cabin filters with whatever media used and that is why that smell remains. If you have ever replaced these filters, you will realize how dirty they become, not just smelly.

 

[ramblerdan]

Cabin filter replacement thread here.

 

[asp]

how to prevent smells in air circuits

I never turn the fan off, ever. It is always on the lowest setting even if I don't need or want any air significant air flow. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which is the root of all biological growth in the the air system. No water, no biological life, no smells.