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Smelly A/C?

William tom

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I’ve had my R1S for about 2 mos and 2500 miles now. I’m now starting to get a dreaded smelly sock/ vinegar-y smell when operating the A/C. I have dealt with this in my Tesla Y and it’s a known issue with them but haven’t heard of it with rivian yet. Anyone else dealing with it or know the fix?
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VSG

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Dead mouse in your vents? After 9 months I have no smell from my A/C, other than a slight "new car" type smell from the outgassing of the various plastics/rubbers/glues/etc. used in manufacturing.
 

ironpig

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I also had that smell with a Tesla. Have not had it yet with the Rivian. With the Tesla I would spray some Ozium towards the air intake every once in a while and that usually helped.
 

Lurksalot

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I've had my R1T 9 months and never smelled anything until today. I noticed the smell you describe with the A/C on or off only when I use recirculated air. When using fresh air setting, I didn't notice the smell.
 

Riviot

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I've had my R1T 9 months and never smelled anything until today. I noticed the smell you describe with the A/C on or off only when I use recirculated air. When using fresh air setting, I didn't notice the smell.

THIS.

I've noticed it for a while when doing recirculation without AC. Today's road trip has me doing that a lot to crank up the vent pressure since fresh air makes it super low pressure.

No dead mice. Might be time to replace the air vent?
 

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240vPlug

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zymolysis

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This happens with many different cars. My VW Jetta did it years ago. The evaporator coils need cleaning and at the same time a new cabin filter should solve this issue. Something like Klima clean is usually what it used if you take it to a pro. Not sure how to access the evap on the Rivian just yet.

https://www.amazon.com/nextzett-96110515-Klima-Cleaner-Conditioner-Cleaner/dp/B0002Z2MKO/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1XUMKBT1WBBKG&keywords=auto+a/c+evaporator+cleaner&qid=1685810511&sprefix=auto+a/c+evaporator+cleaner,aps,440&sr=8-4
Is there a cabin air filter? If so, does anyone know where it is, and what part fits? I've been wondering for awhile - my R1T sometimes has an odor when the A/C is first turned on.
 

iansriv

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I’ve had my R1S for about 2 mos and 2500 miles now. I’m now starting to get a dreaded smelly sock/ vinegar-y smell when operating the A/C. I have dealt with this in my Tesla Y and it’s a known issue with them but haven’t heard of it with rivian yet. Anyone else dealing with it or know the fix?
Might be time to have a talk with the other passengers riding in your R1 (j/k). I'd get a ticket in. It might sound like a small issue to others but you're the one living with it. Pls keep us posted. All the best.
 

240vPlug

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Yes, the cabin filter I believe is located under the plastic cowl cover. You take the vent cover off and there is a cabin air filter back there. I only know this because I saw a video showing 12v battery replacement and you can see a cabin filter in the video.

Certainly you can put in a ticket to have the smell addressed. I just know the procedure from dealing with it on the Tesla Y.
 

Soupdc

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I had it on my R1T, found it was actually something in my frunk that was the smell. There is an intake vent in frunk. So I just added an air freshener to frunk and it took care of it.
 

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mrodriguez

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I picked up my R1S on 4/1 and developed a smell around mid-May. I put in a ticket for a service visit already scheduled. I’ve been driving with windows down mostly now in the interim. It doesn’t seem as bad as it did at first but definitely not normal. Nothing in frunk or any other potential source.
 

BigSkies

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I had it on my R1T, found it was actually something in my frunk that was the smell. There is an intake vent in frunk. So I just added an air freshener to frunk and it took care of it.
So you're saying the frunk isn't the spot for my dirty gym socks?
 

Daily22ssv

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I have same issue with mine. It's pretty normal in humid climates. Our Kia EV6 has a fan drying mode when you got out of the vehicle that I hope Rivian could add one day. It works great!
 

Firewired

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I have same issue with mine. It's pretty normal in humid climates. Our Kia EV6 has a fan drying mode when you got out of the vehicle that I hope Rivian could add one day. It works great!
That is pretty cool.
 

Dark-Fx

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I had it on my R1T, found it was actually something in my frunk that was the smell. There is an intake vent in frunk. So I just added an air freshener to frunk and it took care of it.
Your frunk seal is defective.
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