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You have to clean the air ducts from and to the evaporator/filter box. Also, don't forget to clean the evaporator coils.
Are you really in the Cayman Islands? The humidity there might explain it.
But you need to spray a lot of the coil cleaner and then turn on the system to suck it through.
With filters (the small ones not the HEPA big ones) I use 2 cans of KLIMA. The cans are large so use it all. Follow directions on timing and running system to vent. No odor doing that. I repeat every 6 months in high humidity.
I didn't use THAT much cleaner on mine and it is fine now. But you do need to spray enough so it sucks through.
Also check the intake. Leaves can end up in the back of the intake where there is a screen.
In my case the intake baffle had come loose but there were still leaves in the filter, little ones from the tree in front of my house. The baffle isn't held in by much, but I haven't looked again and haven't tried the duct tape yet.
I am in the Philly area, cars are parked in my garage, with periods of high humidity.
Model 3 2020
Model Y 2021 with biodefense/HEPA
For both cars, I've had to clean coils and replace filters every 6 months, around March and Sep. (What a pain!!! I hate it that Tesla does not acknowledge the issue and provides a permanent solution.) I stopped using the original Tesla filters as I could not see any advantage in performance or recurrence of the odor. I now use EPAuto from Amazon which works well and costs less.
I've used Klima for most cleaning cycles, as they claim to use non-toxic chemicals, but over the last few months I could not get rid of the smell in my Model Y, even though I did a cleaning cycle in June and then in July again. The smell was REALLY awful when it rained outside. Here is what I just did:
Model 3 2020
Model Y 2021 with biodefense/HEPA
For both cars, I've had to clean coils and replace filters every 6 months, around March and Sep. (What a pain!!! I hate it that Tesla does not acknowledge the issue and provides a permanent solution.) I stopped using the original Tesla filters as I could not see any advantage in performance or recurrence of the odor. I now use EPAuto from Amazon which works well and costs less.
I've used Klima for most cleaning cycles, as they claim to use non-toxic chemicals, but over the last few months I could not get rid of the smell in my Model Y, even though I did a cleaning cycle in June and then in July again. The smell was REALLY awful when it rained outside. Here is what I just did:
- I replaced the frunk carbon/HEPA filters. One of the carbon filters had a faint smell! There were also a few dry leaves and the filters were a little dirty. I used the BASENOR set from Amazon for about $60 - much less than OEM, which fit very well. I have not noticed any performance difference with this new filter (nor I care about true HEPA filtration.)
- I decided to use KoolIT this time. Also before the cleaning, I ran the AC on high for a few minutes, waiting for a lot of water to come out of the drain. My assumption was that if the drip pan is wet, it may help spread the cleaning solution better (not sure.) Then I followed the instructions (apply, wait 15 min, fan on low without AC for 5+ min)
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I use 2 cans Klima and follow the directions for running system. I keep record and AC off while running just using fan to push foam into coils.
Added a clarification to my original post. I ran the AC before the application and then followed directions.
stopcrazypp
Well-Known Member
I came across this video in my recommends that suggested that the vent drain system may be pulling in water (when fan is on 10) and cause the filters to be wet and that may be the cause of the smell, although that clearly is not the case for many here.
But I still wanted to post it in case it might be the issue for some people.
But I still wanted to post it in case it might be the issue for some people.
I like this mod. However, I have a hood seal installed and with the rain deflector there is no clear path for air to get to vent intake. Record. while raining could be a work around after seeing video.
This video just appeared in my YT feed as well. He is very thorough in his explanation. I figure the aftermarket gasket can't hurt so I've already ordered it. My one piece of skepticism is that when I pulled my old filters they didn't really smell. And others have said that as well. If it were the filters replacing them would help but most people say it doesn't and it requires the coil cleaner to actually remove the smell.
exactly this.
if the filters would get soaking wet and moldy... the filters would smell and merely replacing them would fix the issue but as others have stated it doesnt really fix the issue for more than a few weeks/ months.
The smell in the car is kind of overwhelming and if it were the filters they'd stink too, but they didn't. It likely is moisture related though so keeping the moisture out will help. I think both the filters and the coils get moisture and mold buildup, so changing the filter and cleaning the coils solves the problem and the gasket will prevent it.
I have rubber trim around my hood for noise reduction. Looking at it in order for the AC to get air I would need to remove some or all. Otherwise with the water seal and noise trim hard for air to get to intake.
Work Around:
Wipers On - Recirculate On (closes the diverter door in the video)
Wipers Off - Recirculate Off. Fresh air slows molds forming.
Work Around:
Wipers On - Recirculate On (closes the diverter door in the video)
Wipers Off - Recirculate Off. Fresh air slows molds forming.
This video confirmed my theory back in 2021, when I took delivery of my MYP. Going to try the rubber gasket to see if it will help.
Sweet Solvent/Chemical Smell from AC (NOT mold/mildew related)
So I have had my M3 to the dealer twice to try and get rid of a fairly often occurring "sweet" solvent/chemical smell. I don't know exactly what ethylene-glycol smells like, but my guess is this might be it. This is NOT the mildew/mold/dirty sock smell people have had lots of issues with. I've...
teslamotorsclub.com
I agree with the other posters saying their filters don't smell. None of mine have either but it still stinks. Another flaw with his theory is model ys with the HEPA filters also smell, and I don't think water can get by those filters.
I'm not convinced this is the root cause of this issue. He did put a lot of effort into his video, though.
I'm not convinced this is the root cause of this issue. He did put a lot of effort into his video, though.
insaneoctane
Well-Known Member
Has anyone seen any methods for removing the filters and cleaning / disinfecting them to allow more frequent "treatments" between replacement?
