Mold inside evaporator 2012 Sportage

[shoebuilt]

Never done the forum thing - so if you would bare with me.

Proud in owner of 2012 KIA Sportage. Just turned 4,000 miles on it. There is a mildew smell when climate control is on cool setting. Pulled the in carbin air filter, completely blugged. Car has never seen a dirt road. Anyone else having the same problem? Thanks

[GottaCruise]

Greetings,

That definitely does not sound normal - possibly the fresh air vent control was left (open) during transit, or a "critter" or two decided they liked your new car purchase when you got the vehicle home..

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I'd discuss w/ the dealership where you picked up the car - this should have been caught in the delivery prep,

Regards,
GottaCruise

[shoebuilt]

Thanks,

No critters, that would be to easy. Looked every where. Replaced air cabin filter and the smell gone instantly but the filter has no oder? Fixed for now.

[conwelpic]

shoebuilt - was exactly does "completely blugged" mean? and what specifically was in the filter?

[1saxman]

And who doesn't know that cars with AC practically always develop musty smells, depending on the local climate and how the system is operated. I'm in a very humid clime and it was a hot summer, the second one on this car. I have yet to have any mustiness in it and the cabin air filter has yet to be changed. Just goes to show 'Different strokes for different folks'. Plus, since the problem was solved be changing the filter, what point is made by taking it to the dealer? Who thinks that any dealer checks the cabin air filter on a new car prior to selling it? Why/how could it possibly be contaminated? I have no doubt the filter was 'blugged' after the sale.

[T-Sportage]

i find it helps if the air circulating switch is left open rather than close. definitely decreases any musty odor. 9,500 miles and no smell. hope this works for you.

[twinscroll]

There's been a thread in the forum on the subject before -- mildew from the condensate.

There are "air conditioning duct cleaners", a aerosol that is sprayed into the AC intake, I'd assume to sanitize. I don't know how well they work.

[shoebuilt]

The smell is back. We are heading to dealer this week. Filter is full of pieces of leaves, bug parts, and dirt. Mind you the car has never seen a dirt road. My 2008 Toyota has no problem with the dirty moldy smell. We live in a try climate.

[spongebob218]

Originally Posted by shoebuilt

The smell is back. We are heading to dealer this week. Filter is full of pieces of leaves, bug parts, and dirt. Mind you the car has never seen a dirt road. My 2008 Toyota has no problem with the dirty moldy smell. We live in a try climate.

Sounds like you have environmental problems, not a problem with the car. The car didn't come with all that stuff in it, its from wherever you park it and drive it. Just because its never seen a dirt road doesn't mean dirt can't show up.

[Server]

For what it's worth, there is a TSB on foul smell from vents. The dealer will order a cleaning kit for your car. Someone else mentioned this tsb already but can't remember who or which forum but I believe it applies to all A/C units that has a bad smell.