Hey all. I have an 07 Caliber. No sunroof. I have that "funky" mildew smell going on when I first turn on the air. I leave the windows up and this smell is there even on dry days. Anyone else have this issue?

Is there a cabin filter to change?

Has anyone gotten the Simoniz System 5 Interior and exterior treatment? How do you know if they really treated the car? Wheres the proof?

And lastly. How can I check the transmission fluid level in a CVT if there is no dipstick?

 

The funky smell is the norm it seems,the source is the fact that on DEFROST
all cars use the AC pump and evaperator coils located in the dash to remove
water from the cabin atmoshpere which is the cause of fogged winows.
If you don't let the heating system run on just hot air which passes thru
the evap coils for several minutes after defroster use the coils stay wet
and eventually they have mould/fungus growing on them hence the funky
smell.
Turn your heater on high(no defrost) snd let it run to dry out the coils.
I have never looked at a SE but I know for a fact the SXT and RT have
a cabin filter,it's located behind the glovebox door,to get at it open the
glovebox,squeeze in the rear cornners of the glovebox to get by its door stops.
It will swing right down,watch how it swings out on pivots as it will come right off.
Use a flashlight and check the black plastic duct right behind the door,you will see
a removable piece abt 1.5 inches by the width of the duct that pops off and that's
where the filter goes @ abt $10.00 ea.
I had the smell and placed a FEW drops of liquid car freshener I bought at the
local autostore whose smell I thought I could live with right on the filter
and it does the trick masking any residual smells.
You can take it to the dealer and reports indicate they flush the airducts
while on high speed with a Lysol like product which will kill fungal growth
or you could do the same yourself.

The CVT is a sealed unit and if it is checked it should be done by the dealer
having said that there is an inspection port but I have not even bother to
physically look for it,read the service manual for the service interval.
I had my seats and interior scotchguarded but your right I've just got a
piece of paper saying it was done.
The outside was done also but I can tell when I wash it that it has a polymer
protective coat the water just fall s off the car an it shines without polish.

Hope this ramble answers most of your points.

 

Very interesting. I guess I am SUPPOSED to have a filter in the dash...but after looking there upon your instruction...it's missing. So, now I'm missing a filter and a flashlight. Anyhoo....I will see about fixing that. I see where the Simoniz doesnt cover stains caused by water. hmmmm weird. Anyhoo, I will use some lysol after getting a filter. And change the fluid at the interval. Thanks much.