Musty Smell from Vents at Start Up

[Wolfgang427]

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n \r\n \r\n

I\'d check the cabin filter.

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

Agree, usually its the cabin filter that got clogged......\r\n \r\n

[viper24820]

\r\n \r\n My 2013 ATS has the same problem, it has been to the dealer 3 times for repair. They have changed the cabin filter and changed the programming on when the water condensation is supposed to be drained from the car (it wasnt draining on shutdown, instead it drained when the car was later started). If some one has finally figured out a way to solve this, any help would be much appreciated.\r\n \r\n

[Cadillac Customer Service]

\r\n \r\n Hello viper24820,
\n
\nI am sorry to hear of the ongoing vehicle concern you\'ve been experiencing with your 2013 ATS. I understand you are seeking advice from other forum members, but please feel free to send me a private message to further discuss your situation. I can set up a case file for you in our system documenting your vehicle concern and comments, and reach out to your dealership on your behalf. I can be reached via private message or email at socialmedia@gm.com. Be sure to include your full contact information, VIN, current mileage and dealership name and location.
\n
\nSincerely,
\n
\nLaura M.
\nCadillac Customer Care\r\n \r\n

[tomby]

\r\n \r\n I too, have had problems with the musty smell upon startup on my 2013 ATS. just got it back from the dealer where, of course, they didn\'t smell it, and even went so far as to reply in the service order comments that it was a pet urine smell. ( make it the customers fault, right?) Anyway, they sprayed some stuff in the cabin which didn\'t last 2 hours. Can someone please help? Spend this much money on a new car and have to deal with this?
\n
\n
\n
\nSent from AutoGuide.com Free App\r\n \r\n

[Rodriguezm19]

\r\n \r\n I am having the same problem and my car it\'s a 2014!! I was thinking taking it to the dealer but if all they do it\'s spray something on it it\'s not worth it. I will take it tomorrow to see what they say.\r\n \r\n

[Cadillac Customer Service]

\r\n \r\n Hi tomby and Rodriguezm19,
\n
\nI am sorry that both of you are experiencing this foul odor in your vehicles. If you would like, I would be happy to reach out to the dealership on your behalf to express your concern and schedule an appointment. Please feel free to PM me your VIN, mileage, dealership and contact information so I create a case file and get started. If it is more convenient, you can email me at socialmedia@gm.com with “ATTN: Austin” in the subject line.
\n
\nHope to hear from you soon,
\n
\nAustin J.
\nCadillac Customer Care\r\n \r\n

[rrmays]

\r\n \r\n I just took my 2014 ATS to the dealership (Tom Peacock in Houston) for the same problem. I\'ve been noticing the smell for about the last 3,000 miles (I have 9,000 miles total on the car). The shop manager said this was a common problem with the ATS and it involves the A/C evaporator holding condensation after the car is turned off. He said there is a fix that involves installing a part that keeps a fan running to evaporate the condensation after the car is turned off (along with drying everything out and replacing the cabin air filter). According to the shop manager there is a service bulletin detailing this problem. I was starting to have serious respiratory problems and I mentioned the odor coming from my A/C vents to the doctor and he suggested that was the cause of my respiratory issues. We will see if a warranty visit solves $500 in doctor bills.\r\n \r\n

[Cadillac Customer Service]

\r\n \r\n Hello rrmays,
\n
\nWelcome to the forum! Sorry that you have been noticing a musty smell from the air vents in your 2014 ATS. I am glad you are working with your dealer to resolve this issue. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to send us a private message. We are always happy to assist anyway that we can.
\n
\nRegards,
\n
\nLaura M.
\nCadillac Customer Care\r\n \r\n

[Nikkmcole]

\r\n \r\n I have the Same problem only the smell is every time I use the a/c system and it\'s continuous. I just received my car back from dealership and they sprayed some deodorizer on it making it worse. It made myself and my son gag and our eyes water. I\'m taking my car back on Monday and they had better fix the problem I can\'t even drive my son around in a $50,000 car! Are u kidding me?!\r\n \r\n

[Cadillac Customer Service]

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n \r\n \r\n

I have the Same problem only the smell is every time I use the a/c system and it\'s continuous. I just received my car back from dealership and they sprayed some deodorizer on it making it worse. It made myself and my son gag and our eyes water. I\'m taking my car back on Monday and they had better fix the problem I can\'t even drive my son around in a $50,000 car! Are u kidding me?!

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

Hello Nikkmcole,
\n
\nI understand how this must extremely frustrating. I am happy to provide an additional layer of support while you are working with the dealership today. Please send me a private message with your VIN, current mileage, contact info and the dealership your vehicle will be at.
\n
\nKatie O.
\nCadillac Customer Care\r\n \r\n

[Lawrence]

\r\n \r\n I have the same problem, had it since I drove it off the lot last spring. I was told it in mold in the system, I hope the mold is not hazardous to your health, nothing worked for me Freeze, Lysol, alcohol, etc. A Service Bullitin comes out on 6/15/15.
\r\nHope it is not a health issue.\r\n \r\n

[rrmays]

\r\n \r\n The smell is now gone.
\r\n
\r\nCAUSE: MUST ODOR FROM EVAP CORE REFER TO 99-01-39-004E
\r\n4480118 Apply Cooling Coil & Install Electronic Evap Dryer Kit
\r\n459 WARC
\r\n1 12377952 Deodorizer
\r\n1 10054 Airco Fresh Kit 2-Part
\r\n1 13356914 (S) Filter
\r\nFC: PART#: 12377952 COUNT: 1
\r\n
\r\n9010 ODOR 4480118 0.80 A/C HAS A MUSTY ODOR PER BULLETIN 99-0139-004E NEC. TO CLEAN AND DISINFECT CORE AND ADD COOLING COIL COATING AND ENABLE AFTER BLOW SYSTEM.\r\n \r\n

[bfeldmann]

\r\n \r\n I too, have had problems with the musty smell upon startup on my 2013 ATS. I dropped my ATS off this morning at the Dealership and was called a few hours later and was told by the service manager that an A/C Tube needed to be replaced according to a bulletin out on the ATSs. After reading the posts on this forum I assume he is meaning the A/C Evap Core is holding condensation. The service manager stated to do this it would require 9 hours as they would need to remove the engine, transmission and front suspension.... I do not believe this would be the correct means to replace the faulty Evap Core and etc. Can someone tell who has had this fixed tell me what had to be done to the vehicle to correct the issue. Getting a little frustrated with Dealerships answers to an issue!
\nThank You\r\n \r\n

[Trav]

\r\n \r\n I purchased a certified used 2013 ATS in February 2014 and after about four months started getting a foul odor from the air conditioning at start up. Finally got around to taking it to the dealer on 6/25. They did a service as per the service bulletin 3665305. In the past few days the odor has returned. They did not replace the cabin air filter because the service manager said it was not time yet. Mileage was just over 13,000. It is a real hassle to go back to the dealer so I plan to try spraying a can of "Frigi-fresh" into the air intake. I may also get AutoZone or someone similar to replace the cabin air at my expense. It makes no sense to me that the dealer didn\'t do this as part of the service. If the evaporator core had a musty growth the filter surely is holding spores.\r\n \r\n

[Cadillac Customer Service]

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n \r\n \r\n

I purchased a certified used 2013 ATS in February 2014 and after about four months started getting a foul odor from the air conditioning at start up. Finally got around to taking it to the dealer on 6/25. They did a service as per the service bulletin 3665305. In the past few days the odor has returned. They did not replace the cabin air filter because the service manager said it was not time yet. Mileage was just over 13,000. It is a real hassle to go back to the dealer so I plan to try spraying a can of "Frigi-fresh" into the air intake. I may also get AutoZone or someone similar to replace the cabin air at my expense. It makes no sense to me that the dealer didn\'t do this as part of the service. If the evaporator core had a musty growth the filter surely is holding spores.

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\nHi Trav,
\r\n
\r\nI’m happy to hear your dealership was able to locate a solution to your original concern, but I apologize your cabin air filter was not replaced during that visit. Have you notified your dealership about the odor returning? I understand getting back to the dealership can be a hassle, but if you do want me to reach out to them on your behalf please let me know. I’m happy to help.
\r\n
\r\nKatie O.
\r\nCadillac Customer Care\r\n \r\n

[Trav]

\r\n \r\n Thanks, Katie. I have a great Cadillac salesperson named Herman Butler at Andrews Cadillac in Brentwood, TN. When I expressed my concern to him that the smell was still an issue, he offered to get the cabin air filter replaced. Herman picked my ATS up at around 8 this morning and had it back to me by noon. Hopefully, we now have a resolution.\r\n \r\n

[Cadillac Customer Service]

\r\n \r\n Glad to hear it, Trav. Please let us know when you get your ATS back and if the odor concern was resolved. Feel free to message us in the meantime if you have any additional questions or concerns.
\n
\nHave a great night,
\n
\nAustin J.
\nCadillac Customer Care\r\n \r\n

[Redfoot]

\r\n \r\n Have the same problem with our 2013 ATS. I guess it will be another trip to the dealer. So whats that a dozen or so.....\r\n \r\n

[Cadillac Customer Service]

\r\n \r\n Hello Redfoot,
\n
\nI apologize that you’re experiencing this odor from your vents and I can understand how displeasing it would be. I know I already responded to another post of yours, but I just wanted to reiterate that we are here to assist if you are interested.
\n
\nHave a great day,
\n
\nAustin J.
\nCadillac Customer Care\r\n \r\n

[ATS CANADA]

\r\n \r\n ************************************************** **********************\r\n \r\n

[ATS CANADA]

\r\n \r\n ************************************************** **********************\r\n \r\n

[turbine50]

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n \r\n \r\n

Refer to GM Technical Bulletin No.: 99-01-39-004F Dated August, 2014
\r\n
\r\nAir Conditioning Odor (Install Evaporator Core Dryer Kit and Apply Cooling Coil Coating)
\r\nModels: 2015 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Trucks All Equipped with Air Conditioning
\r\n
\r\nPrint this out and take it to your dealer: http://www.archwayprints.com/uploads...1407761811.pdf

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

Printed and headed to the dealership.....\r\n \r\n

[Lawrence]

\r\n \r\n Doyou know where I can obtain a copy of the June 15, 2015 Service Bulletin? The smell in my car is very bad, am concerned about breathing in an odor from mold.
\nThank you.
\n;392474]Printed and headed to the dealership.....[/QUOTE]\r\n \r\n

[Fran DeLuca]

\r\n \r\n I have a 2014 Cadillac ATS Luxury I purchased last August and the horrible Urine Smell started about 2 weeks ago. It is so strong that I almost gag, at times I have to turn off my AC and open the windows. I use to love the new car smell in my car, the smell of leather, it\'s GONE. I took it to the Cadillac Dealer in Charlotte, it was there for a week and they assured me the smell was gone, they replaced the vents, dried the system out. Afterhaving the car dropped off, the car sat in the sun all day, when I got in and turned the car on, the same smell, just as strong!!!! I was so mad!! I called the dealership this morning and while waiting for a return call, I decided to do a search and was shocked to see so many people having this problem. The people at Cadillac when I brought it in weren\'t aware of any Urine smell issues??????? The Service person called me back and said there is a new Service Bulletin coming out June 15, 2015 to correct this, something with charcoal. After June 15 they will call back to make an appointment to bring my car back. I\'ve seen comments for febreeze and such NONE of this helps, I even sprayed my vents with Lysol, Put one of those air freshener clips on, nothing works. This smell is strong and just horrible. If they don\'t get this fixed, while I loved being a first time Cadillac owner, I will be seeking to replace my car with another luxury car and will look on line FIRST to see if there are issues. This issue has been a problem since 2011??????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!\r\n \r\n

[Cadillac Customer Service]

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n \r\n \r\n

I have a 2014 Cadillac ATS Luxury I purchased last August and the horrible Urine Smell started about 2 weeks ago. It is so strong that I almost gag, at times I have to turn off my AC and open the windows. I use to love the new car smell in my car, the smell of leather, it\'s GONE. I took it to the Cadillac Dealer in Charlotte, it was there for a week and they assured me the smell was gone, they replaced the vents, dried the system out. Afterhaving the car dropped off, the car sat in the sun all day, when I got in and turned the car on, the same smell, just as strong!!!! I was so mad!! I called the dealership this morning and while waiting for a return call, I decided to do a search and was shocked to see so many people having this problem. The people at Cadillac when I brought it in weren\'t aware of any Urine smell issues??????? The Service person called me back and said there is a new Service Bulletin coming out June 15, 2015 to correct this, something with charcoal. After June 15 they will call back to make an appointment to bring my car back. I\'ve seen comments for febreeze and such NONE of this helps, I even sprayed my vents with Lysol, Put one of those air freshener clips on, nothing works. This smell is strong and just horrible. If they don\'t get this fixed, while I loved being a first time Cadillac owner, I will be seeking to replace my car with another luxury car and will look on line FIRST to see if there are issues. This issue has been a problem since 2011??????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

Hi Fran,
\n
\nI am extremely sorry to hear that you have been experiencing this musty smell coming from your AC unit. We are happy you decided to join the Cadillac family as a first time owner, and can completely understand how frustrating this must be. I’ll be sure to let our internal resources know, and we will continue to keep your dealership updated in this process. However, please feel free to send us a private message with any questions.
\n
\nAll the best,
\n
\nShane M.
\nCadillac Customer Care\r\n \r\n

[Lawrence]

\r\n \r\n I have a 2014 Cadillac ATS, 10,000 miles, it\'s 14 months old now. I first noticed the extreme odor when I started up my car last summer, I took the car to the dealer, they cleaned the evaporator with Lysol, and the problem went away as winter came to New York, the smell was just faint. Now this spring the smell was/ is extreme, went to the dealer again today, they cleaned the evaporator again, the smell is still there. The dealer told me there is a Service Bulletin that is to be issued on June 15, 2015 that replaces the parts that have the mold build up and causes the smell. I hope the mold is not hazardous to your health as the odor in my car is extreme and lasts 2 to 3 minutes.\r\n \r\n

[Christopher Keiner]

\r\n \r\n Thank you for sharing your ideas!\r\n \r\n

[Pstutes]

\r\n \r\n Ready to NEVER drive Cadillac again\r\n \r\n

[adisekarm]

\r\n \r\n I have the same problem. My car has been in the dealership for two times. Still it hasn\'t been fixed. :-(
\nLike Pstutes says, planning to take to a different dealership & give it a try.\r\n \r\n

[Lawrence]

\r\n \r\n Note I sent you a message with my experiences.\r\n \r\n

[jpmchale80]

\r\n \r\n My car has the same smell and I could not figure out what it was until I just read this. I thought there was water leaking in the car somewhere so I\'m glad I\'m not the only one having this issues. Has anyone confirmed the mold issue and I only ask because I\'ve
\nhad 3 sinus infections and my allergies have been horrible since I\'ve purchased the car 6 months ago. It could be nothing but strange that it all has happened around the same time.\r\n \r\n

[Lawrence]

\r\n \r\n I sent you a private message.\r\n \r\n

[Lawrence]

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n

\r\n \r\n \r\n

My car has the same smell and I could not figure out what it was until I just read this. I thought there was water leaking in the car somewhere so I\'m glad I\'m not the only one having this issues. Has anyone confirmed the mold issue and I only ask because I\'ve
\nhad 3 sinus infections and my allergies have been horrible since I\'ve purchased the car 6 months ago. It could be nothing but strange that it all has happened around the same time.

\r\n \r\n

\r\n

\r\n

I sent you a private message.\r\n \r\n

[lenfinegold]

\r\n \r\n I had the exact issue. I brought to dealer (Sewell in Houston, TX) and they solved the problem. they had to keep the car overnight and remove the whole dash but whatever they did worked, and it was all under warranty.\r\n \r\n

[dalton111384]

\r\n \r\n I\'ve been having this problem since 3 months after I bought the car, I find it very annoying and a good enough reason to not buy another in the future because its disgusting to have to smell that every time i start AC. other than that I do like the car. by reading this forum it sounds like the dealerships are just docs ring stuff up temporarily and not actually fixing the problem which is making sure the moisture doesn\'t sit in the evaporator... that\'s upsetting :-(\r\n \r\n

[dalton111384]

\r\n \r\n Doctoring* , and please Cadillac customer care unless you\'re going to actually solve the problem please don\'t attempt to talk to me and waste my time, a temporary fix does nothing for me I can do that\r\n \r\n

[thump12]

\r\n \r\n I\'m having the same proble with my 2013 ats and it only has 14000 miles\r\n \r\n

[Nikkmcole]

I have the Same problem only the smell is every time I use the a/c system and it's continuous. I just received my car back from dealership and they sprayed some deodorizer on it making it worse. It made myself and my son gag and our eyes water. I'm taking my car back on Monday and they had better fix the problem I can't even drive my son around in a $50,000 car! Are u kidding me?!