FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Honda/Civic/9th Generation (2012-2015)/why does my Honda Civic smell musty inside when the AC is running

why does my Honda Civic smell musty inside when the AC is running

Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium1-2 hours
3 min read
547 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix the musty smell in your Honda Civic's AC system. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Component
HVAC
Repair Time
1-2 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Always ensure the engine is off and the battery is disconnected before working on electrical components.
  • ⚠Be cautious of hot engine components if performing this step soon after driving.
  • ⚠Use gloves and goggles to protect skin and eyes from chemicals.

Symptoms

  • •Musty smell inside the cabin when AC is on
  • •Increased humidity or dampness inside the vehicle
  • •Visible mold or mildew on AC components (if inspected)
  • •Water pooling under the dashboard or in the footwells
  • •Reduced airflow from the AC vents

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Inspect the cabin air filter for dirt and moisture accumulation.
  2. 2Check for blockages in the AC drain line to ensure proper drainage.
  3. 3Examine the evaporator core for signs of mold or mildew buildup.
  4. 4Test the AC system for proper refrigerant levels and operation.
  5. 5Look for any leaks or water intrusion in the vehicle’s interior.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather necessary tools and parts.
  • Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the engine is turned off.
  • Disconnect the battery to avoid any electrical issues.

2. Replace Cabin Air Filter

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Locate the cabin air filter access panel, typically behind the glove compartment.
    2. Remove the glove compartment by detaching the clips or screws.
    3. Take out the old cabin air filter and inspect for dirt and moisture.
    4. Install a new cabin air filter, ensuring it is properly oriented.
  • Tools Required: Screwdriver
  • Safety Warnings: Always ensure the engine is off and the battery is disconnected before working on electrical components.

3. Clear AC Drain Line

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Locate the AC drain line, usually found on the passenger side beneath the vehicle.
    2. Use compressed air or a flexible wire to clear any blockages in the drain line.
    3. Check for any moisture draining from the line after clearing it.
  • Tools Required: Compressed air source or flexible wire
  • Safety Warnings: Be cautious of hot engine components if performing this step soon after driving.

4. Clean Evaporator Core

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Gain access to the evaporator core by removing the dashboard or AC housing as needed.
    2. Use an evaporator cleaner spray to treat the core, following the product instructions.
    3. Allow it to dry completely before reassembling.
  • Tools Required: Evaporator cleaner spray, screwdriver set
  • Safety Warnings: Use gloves and goggles to protect skin and eyes from chemicals.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Screwdriver
  • Compressed air source
  • Evaporator cleaner spray

Parts Required

  • Cabin air filter
  • Evaporator cleaner (if needed)

Additional Information

Component

HVAC

Repair Time

1-2 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

3 items

Parts

2 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. how to find a steering fluid leak in my Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015)

    Learn how to find and fix a steering fluid leak in your Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repa...

    Component:Steering
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light may illuminate due to low fluid levels
    • •Difficulty steering or increased steering effort
    • +{count} more
  2. my Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015) stalls when I come to a stop, what should I check?

    Learn how to diagnose and fix engine stalling issues in Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repa...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Engine stalling when the vehicle comes to a stop
    • •Rough idle before stalling
    • +{count} more
  3. how to check for worn struts on Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015)

    Learn how to check and replace worn struts on Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic steps and repair instructions...

    Component:Suspension
    Symptoms
    • •Excessive bouncing or swaying during driving
    • •Uneven tire wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges
    • +{count} more
  4. why does my Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015) battery die overnight when the car is off

    Learn how to diagnose and fix battery drain issues in Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015). Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and ...

    Component:Electrical
    Symptoms
    • •Battery drains completely overnight
    • •Difficulty starting the vehicle in the morning
    • +{count} more
  5. what does it mean when the ABS light is on in my Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015)

    Learn how to diagnose and fix the ABS light issue in Honda Civic 2012-2015. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instruction...

    Component:Brakes
    Symptoms
    • •ABS warning light illuminated on the dashboard
    • •Reduced braking performance or sensitivity
    • +{count} more
  6. why does my Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015) have poor fuel economy

    Learn how to diagnose and fix poor fuel economy in Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015). Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and rep...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Decreased miles per gallon (MPG) compared to manufacturer specifications
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation