every time I get into my car (specially in the morning) It smells horrible in there. Not the exhaust, but the cabin. It goes away after 1-2 minutes when the A/C is running

My cats are probably not working because I hear a rattle, but This smell happens while the car is OFF. Does it matter? Could it still be the cats? Any ideas?

I'll be changing the cabin air filter as soon as I get out of work and report back.

 

This exact thing happened to me. Weird smell when you get in the car then goes away after a few minutes. Took it in to the shop to get looked at and turns out a gasket? (not sure if I'm using the right word there) needed to be replaced and it was causing water to back up and come out on the passenger side under the glove box. Not only was the passenger side floor mats getting wet on a regular basis but also underneath the floor panel on the passenger side there is sound deadening foam that had gotten soaked causing the smell. This all had to be removed and dried out and whatever caused it in firewall was replaced. It's something that can be done(atleast the removal and drying of material underneath the floor board) at home if you have the time and know how but I chose to have it done by professionals as I don't have the time. Cost me about $400.

 

Change The cabin air filter

 

^^^^^^^

What he said!

I have to wonder when the last time the op changed his?

I change mine once a year.






Easy to do. Takes about 15 minutes
Search for DIY videos

Telcoman

 

I've never changed it man, I've had the car for less than two months. I wonder when the last time the previous wonder did though. Maybe that's all it is and I'm freaking out for no reason haha...

 

Try this first, Eagle One Odor Eliminator Fogger:
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...Nd0BoC0qfw_wcB

Works really well. Then I would do the cabin air filter.

Another option is this but I have not tried it before, A/C and Heat Duct Cleaner:
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...MgzxoCs_3w_wcB

 

how would this stink up the car when it's off any not running.

If the smells goes away when the car is running. I have no clue.

What does it smell like? musty? mold? ****? maybe rat infestation? do u park outside?

 

I had the same issue and couldn't figure out for the longest time what it was. It was a nasty smell, almost like urine. Only happened when the car had been sitting and on hotter days. I came across a thread at some point where somebody traced it back to condensation from the AC system not draining properly. They recommended turning off the a/c a few minutes before parking to avoid it. Super inconvenient and annoying, I just learned to deal with it.. Of course I can't find the thread anymore explaining exactly what the issue is, but if I come across it I'll update.