A/C smell

[Creniac]

Hi guys, I've noticed over the last 2 months a putrid smell coming from the vents after turning the A/C on..... it only last a few seconds then its gone. To be honest it smells like vomit!! in those few seconds.
Is there a filter that can easily be replaced??

[Umai Naa!!]

Yes there is.

Under the glovebox there is a foam sheet. Remove the two thumb screws that hold it up. Above that, is a rectangular cover, that you remove by sliding to the left. A whole heap of leaves should fall out, and up in the cavity is a white paper filter. This is known as a pollen filter. It's a common part, so any VW dealer will have one on the shelf, and they're not that dear. Take note of which way it was fitted, as they only go in one way.

[Greg Roles]

Whenever I start to notice the smell, I get the very cheap pollen filter replaced, and hey presto, clean smelling air con!

[FIR-26T]

Like others have suggested, take out the Pollen Filter and give it a good clean (vacuum).... Or get it replaced at your next service interval, or even better, DIY.....

Another point to take on board to eliminate/minimise the odour in the future is by;
- Letting outside air flow through the vents for a couple of minutes, to get rid of condensation (in your vents) after every A/C use.... Most drivers tend to turn off the car while the A/C is still on... Condensation + Heat + Humidity = Bacteria = Odour...

I had a similar smell with my A/C as well......

Same symptoms and next thing you know one of the A/C piping developed a leak and the gas escaped.... I wonder whether that smell was the actual gas itself....

Long story short, replaced under warranty and bought some Meguiars Car Odour Eliminator which i sprayed over the Pollen Filter, after i gave it a good vacuum.... ATM, there is a slight hint of smell, still present, but i guess it will disappear after some time and a few more sprays of Odour Eliminator...

Take your car to VW Service Center and get then to look over the whole A/C system.... Maybe you have a cracked piping as well....

More then welcomed to borrow my bottle of Meguiars Car Odour Eliminator....
If you by somehting cheaper, make sure its alcohol based....

Hope that helps!!!!

[Maverick]

Another point to take on board to eliminate/minimise the odour in the future is by;
- Letting outside air flow through the vents for a couple of minutes, to get rid of condensation (in your vents) after every A/C use.... Most drivers tend to turn off the car while the A/C is still on... Condensation + Heat + Humidity = Bacteria = Odour...

There is really no need to do this, other than checking the drain is clear and using recirculate sparingly there isn't any need to take any additional steps.

Long story short, replaced under warranty and bought some Meguiars Car Odour Eliminator which i sprayed over the Pollen Filter, after i gave it a good vacuum.... ATM, there is a slight hint of smell, still present, but i guess it will disappear after some time and a few more sprays of Odour Eliminator...

Just replace the filter, they're $20 from spare parts!

Take your car to VW Service Center and get then to look over the whole A/C system.... Maybe you have a cracked piping as well....

They're only do this if the system is not cooling, otherwise you'll have to pay for it.

[pirelli]

Hi guys, I've noticed over the last 2 months a putrid smell coming from the vents after turning the A/C on..... it only last a few seconds then its gone. To be honest it smells like vomit!! in those few seconds.
Is there a filter that can easily be replaced??

just wondering, Do you use the M5 tunnel a lot? I have heard of similar complaints from regular M5 users.

[FIR-26T]

ppp

The Queen of "i know it all" has spoken.... HEHEHHE.... Thought you dissapeared from not replying to other threads....

Take your car to VW Service Center and get then to look over the whole A/C system.... Maybe you have a cracked piping as well....

They're only do this if the system is not cooling, otherwise you'll have to pay for it.

As a precaution why not!!!!!..... You sure the Service Center will make you pay for it.... Talking form experience once again???... Man you really have no luck with your local VW Service Center if they are not willing to look over things free of charge.... If so, you should work on developing a good relation with your Service Advisors...

Another point to take on board to eliminate/minimise the odour in the future is by;
- Letting outside air flow through the vents for a couple of minutes, to get rid of condensation (in your vents) after every A/C use.... Most drivers tend to turn off the car while the A/C is still on... Condensation + Heat + Humidity = Bacteria = Odour...

There is really no need to do this, other than checking the drain is clear and using recirculate sparingly there isn't any need to take any additional steps.

Why not take the additional steps & try to minimise future occurances.... It doesnt hurt unless your really lazy & time constrained...
Just a suggestion that will make your Pollen Filter last longer, when it comes to developing a smell/odour....