# Earthy smell in ventilation intermitently

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/earthy-smell-in-ventilation-intermitently/75373>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** mdx, acura\
**Created:** [November 6, 2012, 3:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/earthy-smell-in-ventilation-intermitently/75373 "2012-11-06T15:44:29Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![raj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c0e974/32.png) [@raj](https://community.cartalk.com/u/raj)\
**Post date:** [November 6, 2012, 3:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/earthy-smell-in-ventilation-intermitently/75373/1 "2012-11-06T15:44:29Z")

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Occasionally when driving I get almost a earthy smell. Not mildew but more like pond water.

Any ideas? I checked the cabin filter it was dirty but had no smell to it.

It does have a front & rear HVAC system.

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**Author:** ![RemcoW](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/remcow/32/2471_2.png) [@RemcoW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RemcoW)\
**Post date:** [November 6, 2012, 5:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/earthy-smell-in-ventilation-intermitently/75373/2 "2012-11-06T17:10:56Z")

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Did you replace the filter(s)?  
The evaporator could have filled up with water or it may drain too slowly because its drain hose is clogged. Look under the car for a rubber hose that just dangles down, get a piece of trimmer string and run that through the hose to clear the obstruction.

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**Author:** ![knfenimore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9fc348/32.png) [@knfenimore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/knfenimore)\
**Post date:** [November 6, 2012, 8:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/earthy-smell-in-ventilation-intermitently/75373/3 "2012-11-06T20:07:13Z")

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Mildew on the evaporator coil. Clean it yourself with this or get it cleaned at a shop… [http://www.amazon.com/1Z-Einszett-961105-einszett-Cleaner/product-reviews/B0002Z2MKO/ref=dp\_top\_cm\_cr\_acr\_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1](http://www.amazon.com/1Z-Einszett-961105-einszett-Cleaner/product-reviews/B0002Z2MKO/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)