Air-Con odour

Mr. Manager

I have this terrible stench when I first turn on my A/C..

It goes away after about 10 seconds but the initial 10 seconds is pretty horrendous!!

I can't even describe what it smells like as it's so horrible and I've never smelt anything like it before.

Has anybody ever had or heard of the same problem?

Thanks!

djimi

You need to change the pollen filter. Depending on the car this can be a tricky job.

daveharnett

Cereal Rapist wrote: »

Has anybody ever had or heard of the same problem?

Assuming your pollen filters are clean, then the problem is probably mold living on the moisture the AC evaporates out of the air. This moisture should all drain away and drip out the bottom of the car, but some designs allow small amounts of water to accumulate.

You can get little aerosol bottles to 'fumigate' the system (set them off in the footwell, seal the car with AC on recirculate, leave to work for 20 mins). I've found them somewhat effective.

I found that spraying aerosol disinfectant into the external air intakes (bypassing the pollen filter) with the ac on full blast worked best for me.

In extreme cases, I have heard of people drilling access holes to problem spots in the system to allow direct access with aerosols/toothbrushes.

Pkiernan

This problem is usually caused as follows:

Warm outside air is condensing on the cold surfaces of the aircon compressor.
This condensate is then pooling up somewhere, promoting the growth of fungus which causes the smell. On a Ford I had, there was actually a drip tray beneath the compressor!!

If you can see where in the engine bay the liquid is collecting, you may be able to drill it to allow the water to drain away.

You can also get fungicidal sprays to spray down the vents, but these just treat the symptoms, and do not fix the problem in the long run.

djimi

Before you start drilling holes, I really would check the pollen filter. It needs to be changed every 30000 miles and is not done as part of most standard services.

Only once you have ruled out the pollen filter should you then start getting your drill out

nogoodnamesleft

As said previously replace the pollen filter and get a deodorizer.

http://www.micksgarage.ie/proddetails.aspx?pid=165705&pk=2278D818-712F-4E75-ACA5-9FE13E3F5C81&gclid=COyd6pfWk6ICFQ8_lAodyUUhjg

Some of them you can just activate with the air con on full blast for 10mins and come back and it will disinfect the a/c system.

bazz26

Cheapest solution first is to try something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Car-Pride-Air-Conditioning-Cleaner-Purifier-car-care-/270588396217?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f005342b9


I had a rotten egg smell from my air con and tried the above, just leave the can in the car with the air con on full blast for about 10 mins. Worked a charm and the odor hasn't been back.

If the above doesn't work then next check the pollen filter.

Mr. Manager

Thanks very much guys. Very helpful results!!

Will try the pollen filter first before i go ahead with a garage consult

nmacc

Definitely check the pollen filter

Pkiernan wrote: »

This problem is usually caused as follows:

Warm outside air is condensing on the cold surfaces of the aircon compressor.
This condensate is then pooling up somewhere, promoting the growth of fungus which causes the smell.

If you can see where in the engine bay the liquid is collecting, you may be able to drill it to allow the water to drain away

This is the case, but there should already be a drain in the plenum to carry away the condensate. Try & find it & see if it's blocked.

There is one other possibility.... I had this problem with a Ford in the States. Really foul smell; couldn't find it. Until I discovered a family of mice living in the plenum!!