2013 Vauxhaull Astra - bad smell from A/C

Hermy

I'm hoping this is a simple fix but what's the likely source of a bad smell in the car when I turn on the A/C [it clears after a few minutes running] and how do I get at or clean the source of the smell?

Thanks.

colm_mcm

Do you stop using the aircon on the non warm months?

Hermy

colm_mcm wrote: »

Do you stop using the aircon on the non warm months?

Yes.

colm_mcm

Probably bacterial problem then. You can get a disinfectant spray that fills the cabin, and runs through the system.

You should change your pollen filter too.

Hermy

Cheers - I'll try that

tphase

colm_mcm wrote: »

Probably bacterial problem then. You can get a disinfectant spray that fills the cabin, and runs through the system.

You should change your pollen filter too.

+1 change the pollen filter. Do it first, it may be all that's required. My missus A4 had the same problem, changing the filter fixed it. I used an activated-carbon filter for its anti bacterial properties, got it from Mister Auto

Hellrazer

Check the intake for the pollen filter for leaves,dirt etc.Youll find its probably stuffed up.
Its at the bottom of the windscreen under the bonnet.

If you fit a new filter without cleaning out the intake then you`ll just have the same problem in a few months.

Also check and see if the pollen filter is wet. Some of that year astra had an issue with water getting onto the pollen filter and the smell would knock you out.
Usually cleaning out the intake and drain channels fixes the problem.

Hermy

Hellrazer wrote: »

Also check and see if the pollen filter is wet. Some of that year astra had an issue with water getting onto the pollen filter and the smell would knock you out.

This sounds like my problem.

I'll be looking at it today so I'll let you know.

biko

If it is the pollen filter and you don't have another just rip it out anyway and drive without until the other filter arrives.

#LivingOnTheEdge

Hermy

Cheers Biko.

Got the old one out handy enough and local factors will have a new one in in the morning.

Hellrazer wrote: »

Also check and see if the pollen filter is wet. Some of that year astra had an issue with water getting onto the pollen filter and the smell would knock you out.
Usually cleaning out the intake and drain channels fixes the problem.

On that, I have a related issue I was going to ask about.

Say I drive to the shop 10 minutes away and park up.
Then when I get back into the car and turn on the air the windscreen fogs up.
Would that be indicative of damp getting in as you describe?

The filter was scruffy dry but the car hasn't been driven in the rain since the Covid lockdown.
But where are the access points for cleaning the intake and drain channels - I wasn't seeing anything obvious.

biko

If there is moisture trapped then it can fog the screen up.
You should always have air-con on if you can.

Hellrazer

Hermy wrote: »

Cheers Biko.

Got the old one out handy enough and local factors will have a new one in in the morning.




On that, I have a related issue I was going to ask about.

Say I drive to the shop 10 minutes away and park up.
Then when I get back into the car and turn on the air the windscreen fogs up.
Would that be indicative of damp getting in as you describe?

The filter was scruffy dry but the car hasn't been driven in the rain since the Covid lockdown.
But where are the access points for cleaning the intake and drain channels - I wasn't seeing anything obvious.

open the bonnet and right at the back theres a black grille.Thats the intake.See if its stuffed up with leaves.
The drain channels are in each corner.Imagine water running down from the roof--follow the channels that the water runs through.They can drain into the pollen filter intake especially if theres loads of leaves in them.

Hermy

Hellrazer wrote: »

open the bonnet and right at the back theres a black grille.Thats the intake.See if its stuffed up with leaves.
The drain channels are in each corner.Imagine water running down from the roof--follow the channels that the water runs through.They can drain into the pollen filter intake especially if theres loads of leaves in them.

Gotcha.

Hermy

Replaced the filter and all seems good again.

Thanks for the replies.

Hermy

That smell is back bad as ever so I'm going to buy one of those sprays that fills the cabin.

Is there one ye would recommend or are they all much the same?

Hellrazer

Hermy wrote: »

That smell is back bad as ever so I'm going to buy one of those sprays that fills the cabin.

Is there one ye would recommend or are they all much the same?

You need to get to the root of the problem rather than mask it with an air freshener.

Theres something up somewhere if the smell is back that soon.

colm_mcm

Hellrazer wrote: »

You need to get to the root of the problem rather than mask it with an air freshener.

Theres something up somewhere if the smell is back that soon.

The spray he’s talking about is a disinfectant for the aircon, which was unused since last year, as opposed to an air freshener.

Would agree that your earlier advice re checking for debris should be followed

Hellrazer

colm_mcm wrote: »

The spray he’s talking about is a disinfectant for the aircon, which was unused since last year, as opposed to an air freshener.

Would agree that your earlier advice re checking for debris should be followed

Those disinfectants are grand for masking smells but I do think the underlying problem needs to be found.

Op are you sure the smell is actually coming from the vents?
Is the passenger floor wet?

We had a spate of the washer hoses bursting just at the left front footwell - the hose runs from the washer bottle to the rear jet underneath the inner sill panel trim.
The smell was quite bad but the symptoms are a soaking wet footwell - and also an engine warning light as it leaked onto a block connector...pull the carpet back a bit and see if the underlay is wet.

colm_mcm

The underlying problem may be bacteria growing in the evaporator, given that it only came to light after the aircon was used recently. The spray kills the mould by running through the system.

Could very likely be something else of course,

Hermy

Thanks for the continuing replies.

I take the points that masking smells isn't a solution and based on the mixed reviews I've read about the different sprays available they seem to be of limited use.

But they're not too dear so I'll give one a go and report back.

Hermy

I got a can of Purflux air con deodoriser and used it yesterday.

Simple to use and only €8 so if it doesn't work no big deal.

No bad smells at the moment but time will tell.