Why does my A/C smell like a musty wet rag when I come to a stop?

Lately when my A/C is on (at any level) and I come to a stop sign or park w/ my car running it starts getting a funky smell.


Its set to let out fresh air, not the recirculated air.

Why does my A/C smell like a musty wet rag when I come to a stop?
if it's an older car your ac drains could be plugged or it,s possible you need a new cabin air filter this is a filter usually behind the glovebox or under the front windshield cowell that filters the fresh air coming into the vehicle when it gets dirty it can cause a musty smell. any local garage should be able to check these for you for a reasonable price if none of these are the cause they make an aftermarket deoderizer for your A/C evaporator it's best to ask a garage about this as it can be a pain in the butt to do yourself. hope this helps.
Reply:The answer that it is condensation is probably correct, but I'm not sure that it's mixing with the freon, which is inside the system.





The condensation forms on the cold evaporator coils, and drips off them into a tray which should have a drain that allows the water to run out under the car. That drain may be plugged by debris, or possibly someone (a previous owner?) might have seen water dripping from it (probably a small rubber pipe) and plugged it up. If the condensation isn't allowed to flow out, the evaporator unit may be constantly wet, allowing mildew to form.





On a humid day, with the A/C running, you should see some water dripping out from underneath the car, usually near the front passenger foot well.
Reply:Do you notice a temperature change in the air? If the air gets warmer and smells musty then you have a probelm with the refrigeration system, maybe low on refrigerant or malfunctioning radiator fan.
Reply:Look outside under the hood on the firewall next to the a/c evaporator housing,look under or near the bottom there is a drainage tube and it may be stopped up and letting water from your a/c stay in your car and possible getting your carpet wet,on the passenger floor.you need to clean it out.
Reply:Newer model cars have an in cab air filter for the a/c. Try changing it. You can purchase one at your local auto parts store. Ask them where it is located in the cab. There are vents on the outside of your car that allow fresh air to come inside (between the hood and windshield). There could be some debris in there collecting water and growing mold. If the in cab air filter does not fix this problem, then dismantle the fresh air intake outside the car and clean it. You can also try putting an air freshener inside your air ducts.
Reply:Your air freshener that you use smells like a donkey! Thats your problem!!!!
Reply:Have your cabin air filter replaced. Also mold and bacteria can build up in the ducts ,making you sick
Reply:It's the condensation in your A/C vents mixing with freeon.





It's otay. Nothing to worry about.

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