I have a 2006 Chrysler 300 and it all of a sudden has a musty-stagnant water smell that comes on for a few seconds right after turning the air conditioner on. The Chrysler mechanic says it wouldnt be covered under warranty but I’m seriously thinking of bringing it in anyway.
He even told me that running the recycled air all the time is bad for the air conditioner. And that I should use the ventilated air as much as possible. I live in Los Angeles so I’d rather not smell the outside areas of my car when I’m driving.
Can anyone please help?????
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Chrysler has always stated not to run on recirculate all the time. Only when trying to cool the interior after when the vehicle has been setting for a while and is hot. After initial cooling turn back to normal to get fresh air into the system. The evaporator can then "breathe" and prevent mildew and mold from growing. The odor from outside is a given and sorry for the outside odor but which do you prefer.
Chrysler warranty SHOULD cover this for 3 yr/36000mi. Talk to the service mgr., not the service writer. They will run a cleaner through the system and if the odor returns they could replace the evaporator.
Yes, AC units are covered under warranty (or at least they are for Toyota!). What I think you need to do is make sure you turn off your AC before you turn your car off. When you don’t do this, it’s creating the cold particles that remain in your car after you’ve turned it off, which thus creates the mildew-y smell. I would suggest running the heat or running the system without the AC on for just a bit when you turn it on and before you turn it off just so it evaporates the moisture a little bit. Also, if you go to some manual car washes, I believe they put an air freshener in the venting system. Hope that helps!
as far as the smell, not that i am aware of. and on the recirc vs fresh air it makes no difference. sounds as if your ac drain is clogged. if its clogged with leaves or debris then no, it will not be covered.
sorry
the filter has mold in it, tell him to replace it, tell him you called corporate, running on recycled air makes the car colder, when pulling outside air into the system it will increase temp, but mold is mold,
There may be a filter you can change, they don’t cost a lot and are easy to replace.
On my car it is called a cabin filter.
It all depends on you particular warranty. Chrysler warranty is 3/36 and I am almost sure there is a TSB, technical service bulletin dealing with this issue. All they will do is change the interior filter (if applicable) and spray an anti-fungus solution into the interior duct. Talk to the service manager vice the technicians for the rest of the story.
Take it to the dealer and make them repair it. The new cars have Filters that help purify the outside air before it enters the car. and its still under warranty,,, it may have had this problem long before you bought the car and it need to be fixed you know factory design flaw.
if they dont fix it than trade it in for another 300 and get the differance in $
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