I just got my model Y about a month ago. Every time when I start the car, it smells like a rotten apple or vinegar. It goes away after running AC for 2 minutes. I don't know what is going on. Does it happen to anyone else?
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My Model Y smells, does it happen to yours?
- Thread starter Wjli2020
- Start date
steve841
Active Member
Im guessing the a/c.
My MS did it all the time but worked perfectly so I wasnt about to take it in.
Nothing on the Y yet.
My MS did it all the time but worked perfectly so I wasnt about to take it in.
Nothing on the Y yet.
I agree - likely the A/C though after 1 month, that's a bit odd. I just cleaned out my condenser coil on our M3 when it started to have that musky mildew smell after two years. Haven't seen it on our MY yet but if it's built similar to the M3, the cleaning could be just as easy.
I watched this vid before doing my M3 (in case it's similar to the Y):
I watched this vid before doing my M3 (in case it's similar to the Y):
TomServo
Active Member
I have a sensitive nose and my 5 week old Y has a nice clean scent emanating from the HVAC system. I was surprised the “new car” smell was very weak and has gone away in a few short weeks.
VaxAce
Member
Dr.JohnnyD
Member
Mine smells like a new car. If it clears after the AC is in seems it must be something in the passenger compartment? Sorry probably not very helpful. Hate to say it but maybe driving it to clear the smell then using the nose to sniff it out after you park?
Just a thought. Did you get windows tinted recently? I had my 3 tinted 2 years ago and when I took my Y back, he asked if I noticed a sour (vinegar) smell. I told him I did but didn't know it was from the tint all that time.
Spacep0d
Active Member
I can corroborate this. I have an amazingly good nose and smelled the same thing with newly-tinted windows.
VaxAce
Member
its the Ac guys - bacteria builds up and causes that smell.
Weird Car Air Conditioner Smell: What It Means and How to Fix it
Weird Car Air Conditioner Smell: What It Means and How to Fix it
Is it bad to keep the climate on auto all the time? Your link says to check the drain tube. Has anyone had any issues with this? I notice a lot of condensation (?) dripping under the car when it's parked after driving.
VaxAce
Member
I have info. So - Ive had the Y since July. Never turned on the rear AC until today - just because. MAN it stunk! So - Ive use the front Ac for 2 months - no smell - I turn on the back - stink. I wonder if its not bacteria rather some adhesives they used in ducting.
RoBoRaT
PoPeYeD'SaiLoRDuDe
Had same issue with Model 3 - vinegar/musty smell few minutes when first turning on the AC.
Fixed the problem by cleaning the ducts (with foam cleanser as previously posted) and replacing the cabin filters.
I use AC the whole time on my 1.5 hour daily commute - most of the time in recirc on due stop and go traffic.
One way to prevent the smell from reoccurring, for me, is to disable recirc mode few minutes before end of my drive. And vent the windows several hours at end of day/drive to let the ducts/AC fixture dry up.
I don't have the same issue with my Model Y since delivery in March.
Fixed the problem by cleaning the ducts (with foam cleanser as previously posted) and replacing the cabin filters.
I use AC the whole time on my 1.5 hour daily commute - most of the time in recirc on due stop and go traffic.
One way to prevent the smell from reoccurring, for me, is to disable recirc mode few minutes before end of my drive. And vent the windows several hours at end of day/drive to let the ducts/AC fixture dry up.
I don't have the same issue with my Model Y since delivery in March.
VaxAce
Member
drove about 100 miles today -- from when I entered the car what - a - stink. to me - this smell isn't your usual AC/standing water smell. This smell is more like a chemical smell - yes vinegar - but with a chemical base. Hope its not hazardous besides being gross. I have an appointment in 2 weeks - I'll make them look at it. they will probably wreck something else in the process.
Are all you Vinegar smelling guys based out in the West coast? Back when we had our first hot weather streak in July, I noticed my other car developed a vinegar smell for the first few minutes of running the a/c. I checked the cabin air filter(last changed 2 years ago) and it was filthy. Changed it out with a new one and smell was gone. Its pretty obvious, bacteria was festering in the heat but I found it odd that this is the first time its happened in the 7 years i've owned this car.
rxlawdude
Active Member
That smell popping up within 3 months of new is something Tesla should be willing (happy) to fix under warranty. It typically takes at least a full year, and the smell starts in Spring or Summer, at least for the M3.
Last one to report a smell was in NJ - and I don't want to hear any snarky comments about New Jersey smell!
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