Curious early morning AC smell

[BBDAD]

Since it has turned warmer, I notice what I can only describe as a smoky smell, like something electrical is hot, that comes from the AC vents upon start up in the mornings. I have tried to make sure climate control is not on recirculate thinking it's just left over stale air, but that doesn't seem to have any effect. I usually leave the AC on eco, 72 auto all the time and it does it's auto recirculate thing. The car is plugged in all night in the garage. Has anyone else experienced the same smell...should I be concerned?

[ShannonVolt]

Weird, same thing happened to me yesterday morning. Doesn't smell electrical but as you described, smokey. Almost like a wood burning stove kind of smell. Went away fairly quickly after several seconds.

[BBDAD]

It may be coincidence that the battery service was performed a few weeks ago and it has been doing it pretty much since, but nice to know I am not alone.

Just wondered if there is a direct link with the battery cooling system and the cabin AC? Or maybe the battery cooling system's overnight "exhaust" is just picked up by the cabin AC upon start-up? Maybe I'll try leaving AC off until I pull out of the garage and then turn it on to see if that cycles in fresh air.

[hunseder]

I've noticed a smell as well, but it's more like old socks. Car is 1 month old, no laundry in car! It's just the first 20-30 seconds of air that reeks, then it is fine. It's like the air trapped in the ductwork isn't allowed to free-flow once the car is off.

[Red Volt]

I've never smelled that, though I did install a cabin air filter, one imbedded with charcoal, which might helps with any odor.

If you want to intall one, searched on past threads about cabin air filters.

[BAZINGA]

Smelly AC ducts are a common complaint with the Corvette community, aside from ensuring the AC drain tube isn't clogged, GM can clean the ducts by spraying a disinfectant into them, in addition GM issued a TSB suggesting folks run the FAN with the AC off for a few minutes just prior to shut down. In fact on my 99 they actually allowed the HVAC blower/fan to run a few minutes after shut down to help DRY the system out.

I did have these symptoms on my 99, 06 and 07 Corvette's. I suspect a TSB is eminent.

[mmcc]

Tom is correct. I also believe it's just residual moisture that was on the evaporator coil when the car was parked the previous day. I have always shut the A/C off and ran fan only for a minute or so on all my vehicles. This also helps to dissipate heat from the condenser prior to parking in garage for the night.

[ElectricBowtie]

To prevent stinky air ducts, I have always switched off the ac a few blocks away from home to run warmer air through so the condensation doesn't build up when I park.

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

@BBDAD,

I have not heard of an electrical burning smell from the A/C vents. I have however heard of a musty odor. Under certain climate and operating conditions, a musty odor develops from mold growth in the evaporator core face. This odor is generally temporary. As climate conditions change, the odor will disappear and repair automatically. If this odor you are experiencing persists though, I would make a trip to the dealer.

[ShannonVolt]

Smelly AC ducts are a common complaint with the Corvette community, aside from ensuring the AC drain tube isn't clogged, GM can clean the ducts by spraying a disinfectant into them, in addition GM issued a TSB suggesting folks run the FAN with the AC off for a few minutes just prior to shut down. In fact on my 99 they actually allowed the HVAC blower/fan to run a few minutes after shut down to help DRY the system out.

I did have these symptoms on my 99, 06 and 07 Corvette's. I suspect a TSB is eminent.

Thanks for the info, I will run the fan a few minutes after cutting off AC. May even try the heater as well.