Tesla Model Y - Changing Air Filter to Get Rid of Smells

[@g00gullSUX]

Thank you! You did a great job positioning the camera. I appreciate your efforts to help make the Tesla experience better for all. Dealerships charge about $250 to change the cabin air filter. Who knows if they clean the evaporator coil while they are doing it? The famous quote of unknown origin attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte: "If you want a job done right, do it yourself!" is my motto.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

I totally agree! I am not claiming anyone is doing anything wrong at a dealership, I just like the peace of mind by doing it myself. Back in the day of oil changes, I used to request they skip the Carwash. I didn’t want them doing even that lol

[@mdickinson]

I had it done today at the local Tesla service center. It cost $58 total.

[@RyanNovaktheFirst]

The service center in Pleasant Grove, Utah just told me today that they do not offer evaporator coil cleaning. $80 for a mobile tech to just replace the two air filters. I will be attempting to do this myself now haha.

[@Rockitgirl2022]

Thanks for the video! Just got a slightly used Model Y and the musty smell was bothering me. This was super easy to do. I used Kool-it cleaner from Amazon for $16 and Shufudja filters for $20. The cleaner has a bit of a minty smell. The filters came with the tool for the screw removal and the orange prying tool. In my opinion you don’t need to unplug the speaker. I didn’t have a tool for it and it wasn’t really in the way of me doing the job. Also, for anyone wondering (it’s hard to tell from the video) but the filters are in the passenger side. Tesla recommends changing the filters every 2 years. It’s an easy DIY for sure. Happy with my new fresh air!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Easy peasy

[@industries249]

I just did this air filter change, thanks to the video. Some pro-tips: The filter pack came with the little tool needed to unscrew the filter panel. The foam tube blew off at one point, so make sure it stays on during the spray (it got in my eyes and all over the interior). I found you don't necessarily need to remove the speaker wire plug to access everything, just move the panel to the right out of the way to save time. The panel tool is necessary. The side panel had a bottom center clip that sorta broke off, so be careful pulling that one out. Other than that, everything went back together very easily. The spray and filters totally fixed the smell! Also, the foam spray didn't have much of a fragrance smell or chemical after-smell, which was really nice.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Glad it all worked out. Thanks for sharing your personal tips!

[@ldenorio]

what does tesla recommend for the changing interval for the filters?

[@jsdpanp]

Thanks for the video! Replacement cost less than $50

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Thanks so much for the tip! Glad this brought you value!

[@lenimbery7038]

Thanks for the video. I would have thought that if Tesla was going to bother to change the engineering of this that they would have gone the full mile and make the filters accessible through one simple door on the side of the console. This is still way harder than it should be to change the filters

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Agreed

[@mdickinson]

I love almost everything about my model Y - but the placement of these filters is incredibly dumb. “Let’s take something that needs to be done once or twice a year, and should take 2 minutes for the owner to do himself… and make it virtually inaccessible, so that multiple parts have to be removed to get to it!” 🙄

[@KINGSPOINT.NY.2024]

@@mdickinson agree.. had MB GLA and GLC and Honda Accords and never did i do any of that filter changing stuff...

[@vonn793]

Tesla wanted $129 for a mobile service to come change the filter. I said nope, just watch this video.

[@lenimbery7038]

@@vonn793 they quoted me $73 to come out and change mine and I supplied my own aftermarket filters and they charged me $23

[@patriot0971]

Horrible placement of cabin air filter. I just did it for my Model Y and it was a bit of a pain but thanks to your video I was able to accomplish it without any issues. I have done CAF replacements for many types of cars over the years and, this one was by far the most time consuming.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yea, its interesting the placement of the filter. Quick maintenance items like those air filters are generally engineered in place for easy replacement at the shop. This one is unnecessarily complex lol.

[@robh3518]

I live in Arizona and had this problem almost immediately. My Y was only 4 months old and noticed a vinegary musky smell inside the car. We swapped the filters to aftermarket carbon ones and it was gone. Once they were removed it was easy to confirm. You could smell it in the filters themselves.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yea, crazy that in such a dry climate it seems more prevalent

[@obie_G]

I am not mechanically inclined at all and I was able to do this by myself! I had some trouble trying to get the speaker cable off, so I decided to just leave it. Thanks for the easy to follow tutorial!!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Of course, so glad it was helpful!

[@davidroth8659]

Thanks for the video man Btw to anyone this is relevant.. you don’t need to disconnect the speaker wire.. it’s probably easier, but if you don’t have the tool for it, just put it aside, just be careful not to rip it 🙏

[@22tbond]

Moving that screw to the bottom was a game changer. I have a 2019 Model 3 and the hardest part in changing the filters was getting to that damn screw at the top. 🤦‍♂️

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Simple and smart

[@tammyhischke4296]

Thanks for the video! The hardest part was replacing the plugs! I had to walk away a few times and come back. Finally got the last one to snap into place.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yea, it’s hard to line up those snaps on the back of the panel

[@harpmudd]

I watched this video when you originally put it out and glad I remembered. Exactly 1 year of owning our MY, we're now getting a funky smell rolling out of the vents. I just placed my Amazon order for filters and cleaner. Thanks BTG!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers!

[@pleaseholdadvertising7883]

I just cleaned the coil with the degreeser and replaced the filters. Your video is a must see for anyone wanting to do this DIY. My kids are so happy the modly smell is gone! Thank you again BTG!

[@jsdpanp]

Excellent video! Just finished the install. Pro tip: 1. When installing the 4 bottom clips near the speaker and light. Be sure to have the inner part of the clip pulled out when installing. This drove me nuts. I was unable to get the clip pushed in because I was installing with the two pieces pushed together. 2. I was unable to get the lower center clip of the side panel released. I did the install with it in place. Be careful not to break it. 3. Be sure to have something under the car to catch the liquid from the cleaner. Thanks again for the video!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@ericcamilia5390]

Thanks for the video. Very clear and helpful. Reminder; If you shake well the spray, you get a really good foam.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Great tip!

[@nicolemoreno1837]

Thank you for posting and for providing detail. I just changed my model Y filters on my own. Felt very accomplished. And it smells much better!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers

[@mikewise06]

Did you use that extra cleaner or simply replace the filters?

[@jarthos123]

How many miles was your car at when you changed it?

[@kakeilee]

Hey, thank you for your video. I just did it today following through. Simple & easy. Your video is clear & explain well! Tips: make sure you watch the entire video before you get started. Get all the tools before you start.

[@garybean2205]

I have been under the impression for years that condensation that develops in the vents after running the a/c might be a source for bad smells. I always try to run the vent (a/c off) when approaching my destination. Seems to have helped.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

That will help for sure

[@musk-eteer9898]

i've been doin that for years and never ever get that musty smell

[@brianwhoreadsobjectiveinfo1122]

Removing the source of the smell by disinfecting is more effective. Blowing air across a surface is not the same as applying a germ-killing substance.

[@beltrams]

I think the filters' proximity to the evaporator allows the former to wick and absorb moisture from the face of the coil and then the filters take longer to dry. I do agree that running the fan w/o the AC for a few minutes can dry the evaporator. In the Tesla case, when the filter(s) get wet, however, they may take longer to dry than I have patience for.

[@jaoliver999]

Great video tutorial! Like others that added some great tips I wanted to add some tips since I just completed the task myself. * Bonus* If you want a “temporary fix” to get rid of the smell run the heat on the highest setting with the windows down for about an hour parked. Learned this from Reddit and it lasted for a few weeks until we got really rainy and damp again in Nashville. Must have killed off some milder or mold with the heat. 1. If you’re having problems with the panel “popping” off on the right of the center console a long flathead screwdriver can help by pushing in on the top of the white parts of the clips from the top. I was doing this in the cold-ish weather and they were really sticking. Pushing in on top got them to release and I was able to work my way from “top down” getting them to release and pull away with a real long thin flathead screwdriver. 2. Place a piece of old cardboard under the car if you’re don’t want the coil cleaner to run onto the floor in your garage or driveway. The A/C condenser drain is near the middle lined up behind the front fender wheel edge / mud flap. Not sure if it would have stained but I wanted to catch it with something. If you have an old unused “oil drain pan” that would work too. 3. The Kool-It cleaner recommends waiting for 15 minutes then running the vehicles A/C on low for 5 minutes to help distribute and drain it the rest of the way out. Not sure of the necessity of that step but I ran it without the filter and with the filter lid cover on for about 5 minutes before installing filters. 4. I put some essential oils on the cabin filters to see if I can make a built in air filter at least for a bit… Hopefully it won’t hurt the cabin air filter.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Thanks for sharing

[@EricWonderley]

Thanks for the instructional video. Used the same air filters and condenser cleaner. Smell is gone, so relieved. 22 month old filter!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yea I just ordered another set. It’s time again

[@EricWonderley]

@@BeardedTeslaGuy hope you got at least a year. Just did some recall updates at Tesla. The rep suggested air filters every 6 mos. Seems like that’s too often.

[@Channel-jj9zw]

Very helpful. Two things little things. One I simply could not get the speaker plug out despite pushing in the pin it only came out half way so I just disconnected the light which was easier and gave me the room to maneuver the new filters in, and second the video show but doesn't explicitly say that for the light/speaker piece to put the base of the pin in first then push the other piece in. Great video pretty easy even for an old guy.

[@mrmeach1967]

Thanks for the explanation of the problem, including the irony of it being more of a west coast than Midwest thang. I’m the second owner of a Model Y that was purchased from a California (via the Tesla used inventory) . The Sales Center folks here in Vegas didn’t know what to tell me about this issue. As per your product link, I’ve purchased the filter and foam but I’ll probably have the Tesla service do the work.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

I think Tesla was relatively reasonable on cost to do it

[@Heyme232]

In my previous ICE cars I had replaced cabin air filters annually, regardless whether there was a smell or not. Intend to do the same with my Y as well.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

It’s good to do

[@JohnyTechReview]

Your voice is so soothing! And thank you for true well explain video man 🤌🫡

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

haha, thanks!

[@adamdeaves2498]

I just skipped the kick plate removel. The filters are flexible enough to squeeze out then into the hole and pop back into shape. Cuts out 80% of the work and risk.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Good tip, thanks for sharing

[@slyguyaction]

I had looked in to replacing the filters and getting a spray cleaner for the A/C coil online and after shopping around it cost more then having Tesla Mobile Service come out and do the work. Just a couple clicks, it was scheduled and within a few days, Tesla mobile service came out and did it for less. Great service. Highly recommend.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Nice

[@afrose71]

Appreciate the video. Surprising that it's not a little easier to install, but this vid will definitely help. The Ioniq 5's filter is right behind the frunk and was hoping my Model Y would be similar. Thanks.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Most cars are pretty simple to do…this is quite a bit more complicated than it should be lol

[@bigbob5603]

Today's project was filter replacement. There was a considerable amount of debris and insects at the bottom of the bottom filter. Once filters were removed I cut a 16" piece of flexible vinyl hose and jammed it in the end of my shop vac. I was able to use the open end of the hose to remove the items that fell onto the bottom of the air box. Hardest part of removal was finding the right size tool for the filter door.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Nice tip thanks for sharing

[@robertguzman3282]

Thanks for your video didn’t know where the hell it was and how to clean the compartment out. Great video!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Glad it helped!

[@reapinwombat]

great instructions! I did not unwire the speaker/light kick panel--just let it dangle and it was fine.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers

[@raphymartinez]

I find it amazing that we are all ok with having to do this. I’ve owned over 10 new vehicles in my life, not once did I have to do this besides on my Teslas.

[@beltrams]

Many late model cars have cabin air filters and that's a good thing rather than blasting dirty, outdoor air through the cabin and/or gunking up the AC and heater cores. I think one thing that is possibly worse in the Teslas, however, is that the air filters seem to sit right up next to the evaporators which may allow the filters to wick up moisture and stay wet longer and more often than other car filter setups. My '21 RAV4 Prime, for example, seemed to keep its cabin filter dry. Even without cabin filters, car AC evaporators can grow gunk. My first car, an '84 Rabbit, used to have smelly AC from time to time.

[@KINGSPOINT.NY.2024]

WHEW!!!..just changed my MY filters and that it really feels great knowing i did it myself..THANKS for your video for the reference. Cheers from NYC!!...(note: i did not detached the speaker and light cables...)..

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Great job!

[@mattgrace2970]

A most helpful video, thanks. I was not able to disconnect the speaker cable and did the test with it connected with no problems.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

A lot of people have been reporting being able to do it without removing the speaker cable

[@JKFlaker]

Super helpful. My wife was complaining about how bad my car smells. (I live in a dry climate) Sure enough filter looks dirty. Hopefully new on will help. Thanks 👍🏼

[@Keyframe007]

Thank you very helpful, just doing this for the first time in FL.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Glad it helped!

[@jeng646]

Thanks, this made it easy. I gave up on pulling out the speaker and light wires, really hard. I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to continue but I worked around it.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers

[@petabb]

Just finished this watching your video again. 15min job and your video made it super easy. I did not remove the speaker cable as I figured there was plenty of room to work with. Thanks so much.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers

[@knightymous]

I just tried this. And huge thanks for the video. In my case I had an issue with the degreaser. I think the hose has a hard piece of plastic inside and it was not cored out to fit the red nozzle off the can. I had to drill it out. The test went without a hitch! I did find my Tesla was missing one of the button clips in the process … figures lol. Thanks again!

[@usmanashraf3673]

After following these instructions, my A/C no longer is blowing out cold air. I bring my temperature lower but it doesn’t feel as cold as it did prior to replacing the filters. The orientation for the new filters is correct.

[@donaldm4846]

Your actually spraying the evaporator. The condenser is a different part of the a.c. system but I get what you ment. Thanks for the video

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Haha sorry

[@arash3250]

Thanks!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!

[@jonbiggs7582]

This is one of your best videos ever! The instructions accompanying video is incredibly helpful. Perfect!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers

[@abrown7375]

You always make any work look so easy!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

this one really is though

[@chris-demers]

I really wish you had showed more detail on how to remove the speaker clip. I just broke mine. 😢

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

oh no! Sorry that happened. Very fragile

[@AndrewMatteson]

I struggled with that as well. I ended up just not unplugging the speaker. You can just have enough slack to move it to the side.

[@dineshsc2620]

Yup! Leave the speaker clip plugged.

[@Paulsandesu]

In vegas and got a Sox smell. I bought what you listed hope you make some money from it. Thanks for your video!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

This will fix your issue! I do get a small percentage of Amazon sales, so yes, thank you for supporting the channel!

[@WHATSINSIDEFAMILY]

Super helpful

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yes 😎

[@chrismcgovern8450]

Great video. Had the damp sock smell happening. Was able to replace without disconnecting the wires. Thank you - simple & clear video. Awesome channel

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

welcome!

[@waileungchan1058]

I had a difficult time disconnecting the wire. So I left it and was very careful when removing the panel.

[@mikeinco]

Thanks again. I just changed my MYLR filters. I also did the Kool-it cleaning. It is required to remove the plastic panel with the light and speaker. I was able to pull the old filters out without removing the plastic panel but could not get the new filters in with it in place. The liquid I collected from the cleaning process was slightly brown with some sediment.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

That’s good results, means it cleaned it out well

[@tobindavis9351]

The ASE equivalent to the 6mm socket is 1/4", which iirc is the same size as most screwdrivers with replaceable tips. Double check to verify, but if so, no socket wrench is needed. Excellent video, btw. Can't wait for my Model Y to arrive (late Sept).

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Thanks for sharing that! And congrats, the wait is almost over!

[@josephsalazar6428]

As soon as I saw that hex screw, I was like, that’s an easy 1/4 hex. Take out your quick change hex extensions bit, and that will fit perfect.

[@jaoliver999]

1/4 did not fit. Too much slop on my magnetic bit holder, sockets, and bit driver. 6mm fit perfectly. Why Tesla did this I’ll never know. 1/4” = 6.35mm which doesn’t engage.

[@whattheschmidt]

​@@jaoliver999almost all vehicles use metric! Tesla exports vehicles. Much better to use metric in the auto industry.

[@devilsmetsfan6393]

Thanks for posting this video. It was super easy to change filter with your video!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers

[@ThePiperapache]

Mine had this issue at 26k in southern Oregon. Much better now thanks.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yep, it appears its time for me to do this again as the smell is here

[@Darrenhd2]

Thanks for the video, I just did mine tonight. I didn't use the Klima Cleaner as it is fairly expensive. Instead I used AC Safe Foaming Coil Cleaner which was only $11.99 CAD. Has a bit of a lemon smell but that probably will go away in a few days. The smell I had (which was sort of a wet-sock smell), is totally gone now.

[@YCRubin-ng1lu]

What a great channel and thank you for your helpful tutorials. I followed this process on my Model Y this morning. Super easy. Thank you again.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers!

[@michaelsiva1017]

I always appreciate how he does everything himself with teslas. Hands down best Tesla KZbinr!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Thanks so much!!

[@ted101975]

Our 2018 model 3 had this issue and I live in Chicago. Went to Tesla and fixed it for free.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Good thing they sorted it for you

[@ted101975]

@@BeardedTeslaGuy actually my wife told me it just came back. So 10 months and the smell is back

[@Pdrunkle]

Great video. Easy to follow, even for a non-DIYer. Thank you for posting.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

cheers

[@bryjb10]

Excellent video. One comment. Tesla uses metric only. You were correct in your assessment it’s a 6mm to remove the filter cover. Great video

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

cheers, thanks for the clarification.

[@bryansnell]

This was very helpful thanks! I had a bit of a musty smell and so I ordered the 2 filters and changed them out with the help of your video but found that they didn’t look dirty at all. I have just over 21000 miles on a 2022. We’ll see if they help anyway. I didn’t do the spray like you did.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

cheers

[@bl5derunner]

Not an incredibly complicated DIY, but probably the most involved air filter change of any vehicle I’ve had. Hell even in my last (Mercedes) it was as simple as going to the back of the glove compartment, 5 minutes in and out. Btw, correct socket fitment is 1/4

[@jaoliver999]

Not sure if you’ve actually done this but 1/4 is NOT the correct socket fitment. Doing a 22 MYP and every 1/4 I have is too big. Makes sense since 1/4” is 6.35mm. 6mm from metric set fits without spinning on the head. Not sure why Tesla did 6mm. Maybe they bought the cheapest 1/4” screws ever lol. Just wanted to let other DIYers know they’ll need a little metric set if they were thinking their 1/4” but holder would work like I assumed.

[@justinc5356]

Great video one comment for you is that you need to be careful to make sure the clip at the top of the filter door cover is engaged, it’s easy to put the cover back on and miss that clip which causes a bad air leak

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yea, don’t do that! Ha

[@justinc5356]

@@BeardedTeslaGuy agreed! Glad I tested before I closed it up, heard a noise and felt wind and realized the filter tab was blocking the clip.

[@erintanner4025]

Thank you for this video I didn’t myself:) and my husband is impressed

[@Slowjo1221]

My wife complained about the smell in my Y last week. I’m replacing the filters today

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Nice

[@dmccalldds]

There is SUCH a punch line waiting here. …

[@OmarEldasher]

Love it. Funk is gone and i feel like a new man.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

It’s such a quality of life improvement! Lol

[@petabb]

I was getting ready to do it. Mine is 8 months old but living in Houston, it smells pretty bad. I decided to run Ozone generator for 2 hrs with the air fan circulated on high. It got rid of the smell now so I may wait a few days to see if it comes back or not. If it works, this would be an easy way to deal with if you live in high humidity environment.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yep, that may be a good temporary fix from time to time to keep up with it

[@wheezy4157]

Did it come back

[@petabb]

@@wheezy4157 I changed the filter 3 months after that but no, it did not come back within the period.

[@ericsnapat3903]

Thanks for the great video! I just hate that damn speaker plug that is so hard to detach as well as popping out the side trim can be really challenging at times too.

[@alittleofthisnthat5665]

I'm in San Antonio Texas and have had to change out twice now in the first year on my Model Y

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yea I’m not surprised.

[@deg3363]

Best installation video thank you. Well explained, encouraging and WELL LIT. THANK YOU 👍🏾

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers

[@Orion801airsoft]

You have the best and informative videos. Keep up the good work

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers!

[@zac1157]

Excellent. Thanks for all the great vids.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

My pleasure!

[@KIRYANBUGE]

Thanks a lot for this straightforward video, very easy to follow for DIY-ers

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers

[@DEEP6PAK]

Interesting about the "dry climate" mention. Were in CO and are having issues with smell. Dry as a bone here.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yea it’s strange

[@nicholaspolifroni6693]

Maybe no one will see this but I fixed my Y by having the HEPA filter conversion kit installed in the frunk. Since the conversion last year I have not had any smell. I believe the reason is that the new instillation seems to revert water much better away from the air intake under the frunck panel.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Perhaps, but the hepa filter has nothing to do with the cabin filter setup

[@MarvKirsch]

Superb video, I feel when the time comes, I might be able to tackle this myself :-)

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Oh yea you definitely can

[@NWaitinas]

Replacing the cabin filter on my wife’s Accord takes me about 1-2 minutes. I’m surprised it’s not just as simple as opening up the glovebox and pulling open a couple tabs on the Tesla! I guess without the need for oil changes, they had to engineer some extra steps to keep the technicians busy lol. Great video!

[@mariamarakixoxo]

I have an accord too and it's way easier to change the air filter. Not excited to change this when I get myY. 🙁

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Haha

[@Montu4g63]

Yeah this is on the harder side for an in cabin air filter, about the same as our fiat 500e but other cars are a screw in the glove box area as well.

[@MrPlasmo]

I’ve needed to change my M3 filters every year for the past 3 years now due to smell. I’m surprised that out of all my (non-Tesla) cars that I’ve had in the past, this smell issue was never a problem

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

It’s the design of the system. Moisture is getting trapped and causing the smells

[@jeffmcentire3779]

As a native Californian, the answer may be the air and environment is dirty on the west coast. 2 weeks after I moved out of the Los Angeles basin to the Midwest of the US, I stopped wheezing in my sleep. So, in my opinion, the filters can only do so much.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Very well could be

[@thomasjacques5286]

Odd, my Y delivered on July 28th 2020 with 8K+ miles here in HOT and HUMID St Louis (Mississippi River Valley) and my AC still smells nice and fresh.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Mine too

[@TheHelpAsian]

This happens with every car not just the tesla. What you should do is before you reach your destination. If you just press the a/c button to actually turn of the “compressor” it’ll let the moisture that builds up in the evaporator (heat pump) cycle through the train tube. That’s why you’ll see some cars with water after being parked with the ac on. Quick fix and it’ll stop the smell from happening.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yea, it’s moisture getting trapped. I’ve never had a car do that before

[@sentino68]

Thanks for the video. Tesla changed both filters and a month/ half later smell is back- again. They are skirting around the problem each time. It's so embarrassing when driving other people in a car of this quality and cost. No other car we have, or have EVER had does this. It's obviously a design flaw. We shouldn't have to run the air on high to dry the blower at the end of a trip, or do anything like this.

[@wheezy4157]

How do u dry the blower

[@buddhstyle]

Thanks for the overview. Got it done real quick like

[@beltrams]

Maybe humid-area cars release *so* much condensate water that the higher flow better cleans the dust and other contaminants off the face of the evaporator than in a dry climate, leaving the coils still wet, but somewhat cleaner? I know that comparing 2 home central ACs - one on my cousin's Hemet, CA house and one on my MA house years ago, the flow from my condensate drain in the humid climate was easily 10 or 15X what was coming off the desert home's condensate drain on a typical summer day. (Both houses were of similar size.)

[@1pCarlos]

I have about 9,300 miles on my 2021 M3, and this bad smell started about a month ago. I live in Houston, TX.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Time to switch out the filters

[@1pCarlos]

@@BeardedTeslaGuy hello! I did change them today, the old ones didn’t smell bad at all. Just a bit dirty but nothing crazy, and I used the entire van just in case though. Thank you this video was very helpful 👍

[@andrewbell8837]

T20 works okay. Or socket. Great video.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers

[@ICThruU]

One thing you left out that is critical. If you don't shake the can of cleaner, it doesn't foam. The fluid just ran out the bottom of the car and didn't coat the evaporator because it didn't foam... and I couldn't tell because you can't see in there. It was an expensive can and I wasted most of it! I only figured it out at the end. Very frustrating! Please add this to your video (maybe a text message over the appropriate part! Thank you.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Haha, yea I guess I didn't show that, but yes, you need to shake the can up before spraying

[@ICThruU]

@@BeardedTeslaGuy: It is not a small thing. It isn't obvious you should do that and if you don't, the liquid just squirts out and runs out the bottom. It isn't like shaving cream where it foams automatically.. and you wouldn't think to shake your shaving cream can. I think you should edit in an overlay so someone else won't make the same mistake as me! BTW, now that I am a few days out, my car has the faint smell of fried chicken when I put on the A/C. I expected it to smell more chemical, but it smells more KFC. Hoping this goes away soon.

[@kanwaryuvrajsingh]

It might not be obvious _where_ on the car are these located. I would suggest including some footage of you walking to the door/trunk and opening it and showing the area where you are working in the future.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Sorry if I didn't make it obvious. I am on the passenger side floor up front under the screen.

[@Nurse8812]

Try Pureflow air filters they have American Lung Association ratings.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

nice, thanks for sharing.

[@FranciscoRamirez-gb6zc]

I have that problem here in FL and never had it in a different vehicle. Only 14k on it

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

It’s the location of the evaporator. It traps moisture after use which then kind of rots

[@robchiste3638]

I live in Arizona and my M3 only has 12k miles on it and sometime it smells like dirty feet coming from the HVAC.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

yea, this is the issue. Its moisture getting stuck in here that makes the smell

[@philipabastillas333]

Great video! The link on the compressor cleaner not working, do you know the brand name? Is it nextzett? Thanks!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Just fixed it. Here it is for your convenience. Thanks for letting me know. amzn.to/3K68dQQ

[@robertocantero5538]

Thanks for teaching us how to do it !!!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Welcome!

[@BFArch0n]

Just did 2 of mine, 1.5 yrs 25k miles, 2 yrs 30k miles, both were like new spotless already.....so doesn't need to be done often apparently....Id say 3 yrs minimum before changing, but I suppose driving environment matters. (Colorado and NY for me)

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yea, different environments will dramatically change the timeline needed to change these out. In our new home in Florida, this has become a once a year thing. In Indiana, it seemed to be more like every 2 years.

[@2008israelramos]

Don't need to undo speaker wire. It's not easy to get off. Just move it over to the side.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Seems there’s enough room for that

[@Kenjiwing]

I live in northern ky and have this issue every year

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Yea gotta clean out that air vent

[@brianh2787]

SAE 1/4” is the closest US for the bolt. I thought the 6mm was a better, tighter fit though. Great vid, my MY was the same setup, bought about a year ago.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Thanks for sharing

[@CyberTransport]

It seems like it would be good to rinse the cleaner off after it has done its work. Otherwise the surfaces may attract and hold more crud than they did before. If anyone that has already done this could do a follow up and share what they find it would be much appreciated.

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

It doesn’t stay. When you blow the air on full it takes care of what’s left

[@TheDnguyenc]

Great video I need to replace mine asap. Thank you for easy instructions

[@trojansky2348]

Where do you live and how long have you had your Tesla?

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

Cheers

[@joseruiz6847]

great video,,, will pass on the degreaser, part, don't want to be inhaling that stuff

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

It’s somewhat strong. But it burns off in a couple hours

[@beltrams]

This evaporator cleaner and procedure is a fairly typical HVAC service for evaporator fan coils, especially in commercial buildings. I was on the facilities team for a large school and our HVAC company would come in once a year to wash the evaporator coils on our 4 air handlers - and we're talking air handler ducts big enough to stand in, next to the evaporators. While I wouldn't immediately go for a ride in the car right after a coil wash, the cleaner is pretty common and well-accepted as quick-evaporating and harmless.

[@rc211v5]

The top red tab is sticking out when u bolted the cover😅

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

thats ok, wont hurt anything

[@jamoisson1]

I could not see the cleaner you used, what exactly is it or is there a brand you use/recommend? Thank you for your video

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

There's a link to it in the description. It is a really good cleaner made specifically to clean these out.

[@mastermike3940]

Great video! I recently had to do this on my Model Y. I recommend not removing the speaker plug because it's very fragile and can easily break. Also, I've had to do this twice in the first year I owned the car, but the second time I tried the new aftermarket filters. I guess we'll see if that helps long term. It definitely smells fresh now. I also live in Utah where it's a dry climate. I wonder if it really is a dry climate issue? Thanks for posting!

[@BeardedTeslaGuy]

So strange. You’d think it would be wet humid climates

[@MichaelinLosAngeles]

Yep my Y smells the worst.. I’m right in Los Angeles California too. Wish Tesla would make the car aware of the likelihood of this happening and auto-run the fan when you arrive at home or said destination 🤦🏻‍♂️ This just has to be dealt with come Cyber time etc.

[@MichaelinLosAngeles]

Has to be some way they can design a better/modern method that avoids this typical new car with shittyAC smell problem always developing in most modern cars.. Can’t expect people to remember to turn the fan on before arriving every-time. Life is busy/hectic enough.

[@e_Dak]

which aftermarket filters did you use? I'm needing to do this.

[@addictedtopussy69]

So after a year now, how did the after market HEPA filter compare to the original?