I'm sure most people have experienced that nasty mildew smell when cranking the air after not using the a/c for awhile.
What do you clean to get rid of the smell?
I did not get the optional filter that goes under the glove box for cabin air. Is there another filter?

This topic seemed maintenance-related to me...correct me if this belongs in another forum.

:)

I would like to know about this also.

Mikey:)

you should get that filter....they use them for a reason, filters out dust and bacteria that normally come in...you can also get an aersol called Free-Air that will get rid of the smell.

jeremy

Originally posted by HndaTch627
you should get that filter....they use them for a reason, filters out dust and bacteria that normally come in...you can also get an aersol called Free-Air that will get rid of the smell.

jeremy

But where do you spray it? There must be some sort of filter at the entry point of the cabin. Something in the air path holds on to that smell.
Actually, my service manuals just arrived. Perhaps I'll just look in there. :)


EDIT: hmm...can't seem to find any preliminary filter or cloth that could hold mildew/mold in the manual.

Get a can of unscented Lysol and spray about half the can into the intake vents in front of the windshield while the AC is running on high and set to fresh air.

that smell is retained on the evaporator itself and the evaporator casing(styrofoam). That is where the mildew tends to grow. The snorkle for the MAX(reciriulating air) should be right at the passengers feet or behind the glove box.

Jeremy

http://www.scoobymods.com/mods/impreza/images/cabinaircompare1.jpg

:eek:

mmmm....tasty.

gotta love those HEPA filters, man do they rule, no wonder they want them replaced every 1 year or 7500 miles...scoobies tend to pick up ALOT of dust i have noticed. WE do those ever 30k in the accords, odysseys, crv's and the new civics and they are RARELY that dirty.

Jeremy

See why you need that filter now??

The part # from Subaru for the replacement filter, for MY98 - 01, is G3210 FC000. From most Subaru dealerships (walk in) will run around $45.

I checked Subaruparts.com and they quoted me $27.83 plus shipping. Well worth ordering online

They are just plain air filters not HEPA, those filter down to 0.3 microns, it would clog in less than a week and cost a bunch. They still do a pretty good job I think.

Are there HEPA filters avail. for the WRX, and if so, where?

As for spraying, I went to www.autopia.com, they have a link there to Classic Motoring, and that's where I online ordered my Wurth A/C Cleaner spray. Just spray once a year, should take care of smells: it's a neutralizer and gets rid of the bacteria/mildew stuff too. I just did my car today, smelled lemony.

I have found that if I turn the A/C off, then crank my fan on high for a few moments that the smell is greatly reduced.

You can get the filter for the WRX at SubaruParts.com.

Was hoping that someone might have a link to some diagram showing how to replace my hepa air filter.

Car smells horrible and want to fix it this year.

Dealt with it for 2 years and now it is unbearable!


I believe I havethe filter, but can't locate where to change it.
I do not want to just spray something to "cover" it up.

I bought 1 car manual and it does not detail where this filter is located.
Perhaps some has another manual name/ISBN to offer, that shows this part's location.

Thanks!

It's not a HEPA filter, just a filter element.
You'll find helpful info in this thread, including the filter location and how to make your own-
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=476514

If the filter is old and has never been replaced it may be the source of an odor through the vents. However the more common cause (or an additional one if the filter is indeed at fault) is mold or mildew in the AC evaporator inside the HVAC box. This occurs due to standing water that remains behind after the AC has been run and shut off.
If you replace the filter and still have the smell, or you don't have a filter to begin with, you can spray some Lysol or other disinfectant into the opening where the filter goes while the vent fan is running. Take the filter out of course while doing this. Spray down into the fan and the spray will be drawn through the evaporator and heater core. If it's bad enough multiple treatments may be needed.

edit never mind, should've read the whole thread first.

I have found that if I turn the A/C off, then crank my fan on high for a few moments that the smell is greatly reduced.

You can get the filter for the WRX at SubaruParts.com.

can't find one for 02 wrx.

Wow - talk about digging up an old thread!

I believe I have the filter, but can't locate where to change it.

you remove the glovebox assembly - the filter is behind a plastic door right on top of the blower. All of the 02+ cars have the filter tray, so even if you don't have an element in there, you can just slip one in.

can't find one for 02 wrx.

You need to look harder... click on 2002, then click on Impreza, then click on utility and convenience - it's a ways down that page.

I just purchased one of the large 3M Filtrete filters and cut it up as I need it (the top of the line one is around $15 (they are pretty much all the same price regardless of size, so get the largest one and use that) and you can make 8 filters out of it)