Ok I just got my 2003 S-type last week. Car is great expect it has a musty smell from the ac when you first turn it on. I replaced the cabin filter but that didnt fix it. The car has 55k. Any advice?

 

Probably next thing to try is an a/c de-odour can. Probably $15 or so from autozone.

 

Looks like you've made a start vegas, and some good advice from jagv8 too.....I've used these "bombs" myself in the past and they work a treat

Do a search as there's loads of threads on this I'm sure.
One piece of advice I offer is from now on, either leave your A/C on ( mine stays on all the time ) or at the very least ensure you use it very regularly.
If you don't various things can happen, not least of which is the build up of bacteria leading to a foul smell not unlike sour milk / rotten eggs / cabbages etc etc.

 

+1 on all the contributions... That is normal actually as a car ages...

Remember, low miles means many things sat unused on your car. It is 8 years old...

My 85 Dodge gets real bad at times. I personally just run the air as often as I can since I don't want to risk things by digging into the car if I don't have to..

Oh yea, the manual does state that they recommend that you leave the climate control on Auto all the time... I do, and no stinky air..

 

Even after late night feasts at Taco Bell?

 

LOL... I have three kids.. There are no more late nights for me....

 

Vagus - You may have a partially blocked condensation drain tube. As a normal condition , condensed vapor collects in the ac system and drains out under the car thru a tube. Algee and what not can grow in and around this tube allowing water to collect in the system which then gets smelly.

Blow out the tube from the bottom with compressed air. Not too much pressure. Just enough to clear the blockage. Do not poke anything mechanical up this tube!!!! I have heard of guys puncturing the ac condenser with a wire and you don't need that. You can also blow a little detergent in there to help break up the goop and retard further growth. Again, not too much, just a little.

Do keep us posted on this.

 

Hey..... Cool tip...I never thought of that....

Now... where did they put that darn tube on the Dodge...

 

Been there done that and good advice!

 

Did anyone mention the pollen filter? I'd say you should change that, it's also worth squirting some anti-bacterial lysol behind the filter while it's out.

I'd expect a vegas car has had the AC well exercised, but it is good advice to keep it on all the time, use the auto mode, it works for me in PHX.

 

norri, the OP did replace the cabin/pollen filter.

 

Parking outside led to plant material cogging the condensation tube,careful use of probe and lysol behind cabin filter solved it

 

wow those are great ideas and I will try them. I think I will start with the can from autozone. Yes out here we use the ac often. I love the car except for that smell. At least it is winter time now and I can just roll the windows down and not use the ac lol. So where is that tube located at?

 

I like your idea of cleaning nature out of the drain and I will try it in mine. When I wanted to freshen up my car (Rav4) and sprayed Fabreze in the car and closed the doors. I liked it so much that every time I wash my cars I spray the carpet. I like it!

 

I've been having this problem also (although very very slight). I just haven't had any time to look into it. I will use some of these tips when I have time to resolve it. I'll put this thread in the S-Type FAQ.

Thanks everyone for the input!

 

There are several products out there like seaform for ac and other to clean the ac evaporator. I always just turn on the ac full blast with the recirc air turned off so i draws air from outside. Pull the pollen filter and spray to your hearts content. And you cant get to the drain on the stype its hidden by shields above the trans

 

No wonder nobody else suggested it then.

 

Thanks for that! I never have found the outlet.
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Is there a pic of this tube anywhere? Is is accessible under the hood or under the car?

 

Probably a diagram of sorts in JTIS but access next to none. Have a look and see! Try a dentist's mirror or borescope or the like.......