Funky Odor

[kenman1300]

My 96' Elantra Wagon has been nothing but wonderful for the past 8 years. Always starts, air runs cold, etc.
The only problem is a funky odor that sits in the car. I'm not sure what it's from, but it's sure not fun.
I tired taking out my old mats, putting in new ones, spraying lyscol outside of the vents, so it would blow through them, and so on. I even bought one of those Ionic Breeze's from Sharper Image. NOTHING has worked.
Any ideas on how to get the smell out of the car?

[gregalanmoore]

The Funky Smell is, unfortunately, common in Hyundai cars. The fix is relatively simple: the Evaporator Core accumulates all kinds of crud and then mold forms and it STINKS. The evaporator core (or also called 'coil') is were air from outside enters the car's interior. It gets cold when the air is run and then water builds up on it which attracts dust and every other particle passing by it. This eventually creates mildew and mold which, among other things, stinks. You have to disinfect the evaporator core's fin's and most models have a filter there, as well. It has to be cleaned.

I can't offer much more info. I just had this complete proceedure done 'under warranty' on my 2002 Elantra. They wanted $100 to do the job but I complained enough since I have only had it 15 days! You can do this yourself but it is difficult to get to.

Greg

[kenman1300]

would spraying lyscol into those vents, and then turning on the fan, do anything? Febreze? I just want taking it to the dealer to be a last resort (I'm a student and my wallet is a little tight right now).

Any chance you can give me a step-by-step on how to change the filter, or how to clean out the area?

Thanks.

[Chinese_cobra]

dude my car is 2 months old and its been having the problem for a while now so im taking it in 2nite 100 bucks huh? i dont have that type of money

[twospirits]

Originally Posted by kenman1300

Any ideas on how to get the smell out of the car?

There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin for those that do not know) on Hyundais Webtech site that deals with the 1992-1998 Elantra AC Odor problem.
TSB 97-97-005 A/C Ordor - Cleaning Procedure

Originally Posted by kenman1300

Any chance you can give me a step-by-step on how to change the filter, or how to clean out the area?

Thanks.

As for the Step by step for the filter, go here...
TSB 03-97-003 Cabin Air Filter Application

TS out