Smelly Air-Con

[appmacguy]

Noticed when using the blowers in my car, mainly at lower temperatures theres a fusty smell as if the filter or something is damp. My mini has climate control and wondered if anyone else has this or can help me out.

Thanks in advance!
Paul

[dcfkan]

I believe that is normal as I have not come across any air con that does not smell damp immediately after being turned on.

I have climate control too, and leave mine set to 16 deg C permanently


DK :apple:

[devilsushi2000]

I have the same problem, i asked them to rectify it at the service and when i got my car back, the aircon smelt great! Only for a day though then it smelled horrible again. It only smells damp when i first turn it on and only when the air is coming out of the front vents.

[andyupnorth]

Do you smoke in the car? If you smoke with the a/c on and especially if you use the recirc button, the stale smoke gets in the system and it's impossible to get rid of that horrible smell without major expense.

[piner]

Read something in auto express today about a product (Comma Air Conditioning clearner)which you spray onto your evaporator which kills bacteria and fungi. Works for upto 8,000 miles. could stop the smell

[SA-Cooper]

My 2 pennies worth - I had a similiar problem in my car, couldn't trace what the cause were. I took the car in for it's first service, and they replaced the filter unit for the aircon. The old filter was dirty as hell and had an aweful smell - maybe u should ask your dealership to have a look at the filter unit, and replace if neccesary.

[Leccy_Blue]

Just got my car back from the dealer today to have this problem sorted. They did a treatment on it, which apparantly isn't covered by warranty that cost me £10. It seems to have solved the problem though

LB.

[devilsushi2000]

I think im going to try the Comma Air Conditioning cleaner. Ill check halfords next time i go there and tell you how i get on

[jonkudla]

Condensation can form when the A/C is turned off and this can provide a fertile growing area for smelly fungus.

This happened somewhat frequently on my last car but I found it went away if I made a habit of turning the A/C off and running the fan to high, for a minute or two, once I start to get near my destination. Blowing non-conditioned air helps to evaporate any leftover moisture.

[racer-x]

I have this problem, I thought it was me FEET!

[Babaza]

Air-Conditioning boffins reckon you should turn off Air-Con 10 minutes before you end your journey with only the fan on.

[alicantecooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by Babaza

Air-Conditioning boffins reckon you should turn off Air-Con 10 minutes before you end your journey with only the fan on.

We do that all the time here. If not you can never get the damp smell away. Never had this problem in the UK but now we use the air con lots I just turn it off a few minutes before parking up! I reckon it keeps the smell to a minimum even though when you first turn it on it still smells damp for a few seconds.

[devilsushi2000]

Quote: Originally Posted by piner

Read something in auto express today about a product (Comma Air Conditioning clearner)which you spray onto your evaporator which kills bacteria and fungi. Works for upto 8,000 miles. could stop the smell

Found the comma air conditioning cleaner in halfords today. You simply put the air con on re circulate press the button on the cannister (in the rear footwell with the front seat back), close the door and leave it for ten minutes and the aircon is clean. Gets rid of moulds and fungi etc. No more smellyness! Would reccomend it!

[J1JPE]

got the dealer to clean & refresh mine for nowt the other day while it was in having it's rattles sorted; it's been cold & wet ever since so havent been able to test it .... coincidence ?

[devilsushi2000]

I got them to do that after the last service and it smelled fine for about 2 days then it was bad again!
This comma air thing works a treat though