Air Con Smell .......

[npuk]

Got a weird problem. When running the climate control with AC off there is a smell coming from the vents but if the AC is on on it goes away?

Anyone had this before? Could it be to do with the pollen filter? If so does anyone know where it is on the W169?

Thanks.

 

[ringway]

Bacteria forms in the air-con system. Time for a clean-out.

 

[npuk]

I thought that but the weird thing is the smell comes when the fan is on with the AC off. If I then press the AC button to turn it on the smell goes?

 

[ringway]

I thought that but the weird thing is though the smell is when the AC is off?

That's right. When cooled the smell won't be noticeable. I had this problem with my Omega.

Take it for an air-con service (cleaned system and re-gas) which costs around £75 IIRC.

 

[sebastianforbes]

consider trying something like this first ;-)

Aircon Cleaner anti bacteria freshner easy Air Con Bomb on eBay (end time 23-May-10 15:55:56 BST)

 

[topdown]

Halfords have this in stock most branches.

 

[npuk]

Thnaks. I read about the Comma air freshner cleaner halfords sell and it has some good reviews so will give it a go.

 

[N7OGP]

They do work, and you will not believe how bad the smell was until you smell the clean air. it's also time for me to buy.

 

[hercules]

Verry interesting
And where do you spray this in the case of a W164

 

[momomo]

You dont spray it anywhere. Its like a smoke bomb. You just let it go off in the car with the air conditioning on and let it circulate through the whole system for how ever long is required in the instructions. It will do all the work and leave the system clean and bacteria free.

 

[hercules]

it really works.
It has for me anryway

 

[crockers]

I use this once a year in both our cars - it does smell better afterwards

 

[npuk]

Is it best to set the AC to hot or cold when using the Comma cleaner? Instructions dont specify what temp to use.

 

[crockers]

Max cold max air flow

 

[sirius9]

I have the same problem on my 1.5 years old w204 c class.

I used the Comma air con cleaner from Halfords and had it deoderised by the dealer too. Only reduced the smell but not elminate it. Always still ahving a tinge of musty odour when the air con temp is abve 20C.

Finally insisted in them changing the pollen filter and seems to have sorted out the smell then.

hope this helps.

 

[markjay]

I have the same problem on my W203. I had the dealer clean it (£50), but to no avail. Changed the pollen filter, but the smell still stays. It is most noticeable when using the fan AFTER switching-off the aircon. Did not try Comma's aerosol, will try that next....

 

[crockers]

I think the secret for a "healthy" A/C system is to run it continuously. Mine is always on auto.

 

[markjay]

I think the secret for a "healthy" A/C system is to run it continuously. Mine is always on auto.

Maybe so... but once it does get to a point where it is smelly, you can't run in in Auto mode any more because it is impossible to stand the mouldy stench...

The bad smell comes-on after the aircon switches-off, and with the aircon cutting in and out the situation is just intolerable

 

[npuk]

Markjay that is the same problem I have. I went to Kwik Fit to have them cleanse the system for £20. It did improve things for a short wheile but the smell is back. Will be trying the Comma Cleaner today.

Not had the pollen filter changed yet, I think on thw W169 it involves removing the wiper arms, scuttle panel etc!

Finally insisted in them changing the pollen filter and seems to have sorted out the smell then.

hope this helps.

How much did MB charge to change the pollen filter?

 

[crankiejohn]

euro part have carplan aircon debac for £5.99 i going to try one