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Musty Smell in 2020 Model 3 - Time for Cabin Air Filter DIY?

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Eric V. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:27 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus

Hey everyone,

I've noticed a really musty, almost mildew-like smell coming from the vents in my 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus lately. It's especially noticeable when I first turn on the AC or the fan speed is higher.

I've heard from other Tesla owners that this is often a sign that the cabin air filters need replacing. My car is coming up on its fourth year, and I haven't changed them yet, so it seems like a likely culprit.

Has anyone done this DIY themselves on their Model 3? Is it a straightforward job, or are there any tricky parts I should be aware of? I'm pretty handy but want to make sure I don't mess anything up.

Any tips, specific tools I might need, or recommendations for aftermarket filters would be super helpful! Thanks in advance!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:27 AM

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ClearTheCode Admin Answer:

Hi Sarah, you're absolutely on the right track! A musty smell from the vents in your 2020 Tesla Model 3 is a classic symptom of old, dirty, or moldy cabin air filters. These filters are crucial for keeping the air inside your vehicle clean and free of allergens, dust, and odors.

Causes of the Musty Smell:

  1. Accumulated Debris: Over time, the filters collect leaves, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
  2. Moisture Buildup: In humid environments, moisture can get trapped in the filter media, leading to mold or mildew growth, which causes the musty odor.

DIY Cabin Air Filter Replacement Steps: Replacing the cabin air filters in a Tesla Model 3 is a common and manageable DIY task for most owners. You'll need a few basic tools:

  • New Tesla Model 3 cabin air filters (there are two of them)
  • Torx T20 screwdriver
  • Plastic trim removal tool
  • Flashlight
  1. Prepare the Vehicle: Power off your Tesla from the touchscreen (Controls > Safety > Power Off). Open the passenger side door.
  2. Access the Footwell: Gently pull down the passenger footwell cover. You'll need to disconnect the small light and speaker wire attached to it.
  3. Remove HVAC Duct: Locate the HVAC duct. There will be a Torx T20 screw holding it in place. Remove the screw and carefully pull the duct out.
  4. Open Filter Access Panel: Behind the HVAC duct, you'll see a rectangular plastic panel with a tab. Pull the tab to release the panel and remove it.
  5. Remove Old Filters: You'll find two filters stacked vertically. Note the direction of the airflow arrows on the old filters. Carefully pull out the bottom filter first, then the top one.
  6. Install New Filters: Insert the new filters, ensuring the airflow arrows point towards the front of the vehicle. Install the top filter first, then the bottom one.
  7. Reassemble: Reverse the steps to put everything back together: replace the filter access panel, reattach the HVAC duct (don't forget the screw), and finally, reconnect the light/speaker and reinstall the footwell cover.

When to See a Shop:

  • If the musty smell persists even after replacing the filters, it could indicate a deeper issue within the HVAC system, such as mold growth on the evaporator coil. This would require professional cleaning or inspection.
  • If you're uncomfortable performing the DIY steps, a Tesla service center or a qualified independent shop can perform this service for you. Tesla generally recommends replacing cabin air filters every 2 years or 20,000-30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
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