Another of the "5" Vegas owners here to confirm the ac smell in the first few minutes of entering the car. I would assume this is amplified by the heat and also having cabin protection with ac on, although my car is primarily stored in the garage its still hot enough here that the cabin protection turns on at home thus draining the battery overnight. I have a carbon filled filter on its way from China so I cannot do any tests yet for longevity but will report back after cleaning and install
I'm curious if getting the aftermarket filters for the frunk would be helpful.... but doubtful it would prevent the moldy smell.
**UPDATE for prior post** *XTechnor "HEPA Filter Replacement"*
Just received the XTechnor filters today (ordered July 28th 2020) - For anyone considering these thought I'd write up my experience and suggestions as this was made quite difficult as a FHFB (Fat Hands, Fat Boy).
· These are not completely original ideas as they were taken from multiple youtube videos just adding my spin on it.
- Performed on a 2020 Model 3 (Dual-Motor) [Dec 2019 Edition] - Should be same for all models I believe.
Following
I was able to get everything off without much of an issue or breaking any clips
Comparison of filters: (XTechnor comes with removal tool and TORX15)
*Recommend using a ratcheting screwdriver for easier removal of air panel*
*
Recommend taking the TORX15 in/out by hand to prevent possibly dropping it into the center console *
*ENHANCE*
**Picture below shows the REVISED Xtechnors with the pull tabs on the proper side (right) however the plastic frame was not updated on the filter side and incorrectly states "Air Inlet"
Proper install: CARBON-> FILTER)**
Cleaner: Kool-IT Evaporator foam cleaner - I experienced how difficult it is to position yourself half way in/ out of the car to then angle the cleaner at the coils (towards yourself/back of car).
I devised a "channel" to bounce the spray towards the evaporator while placing my hand behind it to effectively distribute the foam over the coils. With a ridiculously over engineered idea, a piece plastic packaging and a few zip ties
so it wouldn't get pulled off if I caught a edge when taking it out… well.. this…
The contraption worked well, good coverage up and down the coil, left it for 15 minutes then 15 minutes on AC recirculate LOW, part one done.
· Now for the install of the new filters
I found it quite difficult to get the first filter in thus getting it stuck halfway down after HULK smashing it - partially tearing the tab while getting it out. After a break.. and repairing my stupidity, Attempt two went a lot better.
I used the other filter and PATIENTLY shimmied it downward using a devised right angle (panel removal tool) to evenly drop the filter down *Realizing after I could of wet down the filters foam better slide it into position.
Placed all the panels back … and done.
Not fully confident these are actual HEPA as there is no noticeable reduced air flow.
· Will report back in a few months on if this resolved the
smell
· I wish luck and patience to my future self when I replace these filters in a few years’ time.