Aircon smells like stale 'wee-wee'!!!

[nictry]

My W210 1998 aircon smells really bad for about 20 secs after turning on then is absolutely fine but this happens every time you get in the car!!!

I have just had the pollen filter changed which I understand can cause 'odd' smells so it can't be that, any other ideas as although it only lasts a few seconds it is an awful smell and could get me some funny looks if I travel with someone that doesn't know it does it

 

[PJH]

Have you tried these threads ?

 

[nictry]

Have you tried these threads ?

Yes I did and most of them mention the pollen filter needing changing, mine has only started since the pollen filter was changed, it was fine until that was done a couple of weeks ago and now it smells like a cats just p*****d into the air vents!

Although the bacteria suggestions are mentioned in the posts you mention again can't see how this could have 'built up' in the last 2 weeks when there was no previous problem with smell! Should also mention that the smell seems worse from the central vents!

 

[fuzzer]

a cats just p*****d into the air vents!

!

quite possibly ...

 

[KillerHERTZ]

I had the same thing happen to me... except I realised I didnt have Air con, and the smell was my feet.

 

[Plodd]

I recently had my pollen filter changed and it did have a strange smell but it's gone now.

 

[nictry]

I recently had my pollen filter changed and it did have a strange smell but it's gone now.

Well hopefully it will go although it is odd that is was not there straight after the change and only appeared a day or two ago Perhaps I ought to check whether I have left an old sock hidden behind the dash though

 

[Howard]

Legionnarires disease ?

 

[Shude]

...it was fine until that was done a couple of weeks ago and now it smells like a cats just p*****d into the air vents!

Please remember that as a filter gets older it gets more effective, replacing it will allow more air (and anything airborne) through!

There are quite a few filters in the system, you could look into having them all replaced or you could try the cleaner/febreeze route

 

[BenzComander]

Mine has started smelling like the sea for a few seconds after you switch it on, not sure if this is good or bad

 

[Bugblatter]

Cats do have a habit of peeing on cars so it could just be that a cat has scent marked your car near the air intake. I have learnt not to touch the bottom edge of my up and over garage door whilst opening it as I have had stinky cat pee hands in the past. It is virtually impossible to wash off.