Cat pee smell in the a/c!

Sparky2009

Hi Guys, Toyota Yaris 2002 - had it for about a year. In the last couple months when I switch on the a/c I get this blast of rank smell like cat urine. Has anyone any idea how I can fix this and what it might be? For a while I actually thought a cat had peed on the car but when I pop the hood after driving for a while and stick my nose in, the engine pretty much smells the same. Mold in a/c system? Advice? Thanks a million.

keithclancy

Sparky2009 wrote: »

Hi Guys, Toyota Yaris 2002 - had it for about a year. In the last couple months when I switch on the a/c I get this blast of rank smell like cat urine. Has anyone any idea how I can fix this and what it might be? For a while I actually thought a cat had peed on the car but when I pop the hood after driving for a while and stick my nose in, the engine pretty much smells the same. Mold in a/c system? Advice? Thanks a million.

Change the Interior Filter.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Toyota_Yaris_1.5_2002/b/Valeo/p/Car-Parts/Engine-Parts/Filters/pollen-filter

Its probably manky

Matt Simis

Get the A/C System cleaner in Halfords, you just put the A/C on recirc. and let it do its thing.

Also stop posting in Black text.

Anan1

Unless a cat did pee somewhere around the fresh air intake?

Matt Simis

Anan1 wrote: »

Unless a cat did pee somewhere around the fresh air intake?

Or its bacteria buildup in the washer tank. The smell is just like ammonia, ie cat pee. If it is the washer tank, bleach (couple of capfulls well mixed in the water) will kill the smell and bacteria, just dont use the washers for 36hrs. After 24hrs bleech turns to somewhat harmless salt and water, give it 36hrs to be safe.

These smells are actually serious heath concerns, this is how one gets Legionaries Disease.

bazz26

Usually lack of use of the air conditioning system can cause bacteria to build up inside the ventilation system causing the smell.

I'd try the cheap and simple fixes first.

First use something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.ie/CAR-PRIDE-AIR-CONDITIONING-CLEANER-PURIFIER-/220729610196?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3364828fd4

You open the can with the air con on full plast with all the windows and doors closed for about 10 mins. Worked a charm for me on my previous car. If that doesn't work then I would replace the pollen filter next.

Air conditioning needs to be used regularly even if only 10 mins a week as the system cleans itself.

EPM

Happened my dad before. Cats started sleeping in the engine bay for heat during the winter and peed on the manifold.

Sparky2009

Thanks everyone for your suggestions so far. Quite apart from the stink, I am actually concerned that if it is bacteria build up in the a/c then it's blowing it straight in my face. Not good. :eek:

shamwari

EPM wrote: »

Happened my dad before. Cats started sleeping in the engine bay for heat during the winter and peed on the manifold.

Cat Pee has to be the vilest smell there is. I had a cat do its business a few times around my car and without dowsing the thing with hot water and disinfectant, I'd be driving nowhere. If only I could catch the little f**ker in the act :mad:

Fey!

Our neighbours cat waits for Mrs Fey to get home, and climbs up into the engine bay as soon as the front door closes. It then scarpers home as soon as the front door is opens again so that we can't catch it.

Engine block is consatantly covered in ginger cat hair, so she gets the smell of burning hair as well as that smell of pee!!

ArphaRima

Or buy an air rifle.

jayok

LIGHTNING wrote: »

You can get a spray that cats hate and it stops them for doing the above. I cant remember the name of it though.

Rothweiller?

jayok

LIGHTNING wrote: »

I dont think the Rothweiller would like be pressed into a spray can format

I didn't say how big the spray can would be!