Aircon smells vile..W204

[sceh]

SInce I have not used my aircon since last summer, it now smells rather like cow-dung when I use it. Merceds tell me it needs to have bacteria and things cleaned and there are products to do this.
Which is the ost effective in your experience?
They also said that either I remove the dash or there are products with tubes that go down the outlets since the inlets are hidden (?)
W204 2011 btw

any hints on the best and how to do it?
thanks

 

[whitenemesis]

I'd start with whatever Halfords offers and see how it goes before more expensive/involved procedures.
The moral of the story must be, always run the a/c, never turn it off even through winter. Keeps the system clean, keeps the seals lubricated, keeps the cabin dehumidified and allows the climate control to work as designed..

 

[Chrishazle]

There are readily available disinfectant bombs that are quite easy to use - basically get the engine on and warm, aircon set to max and temp to min, trigger the bomb, close the doors and leave to work!

 

[whitenemesis]

aircon set to max and temp to min

And on Recirc?

 

[Gbrowncls55]

I had a similar thing with my 211. It was the centre drain below the windscreen at the back of the bonnet. It was blocked and seriously fermenting bringing the smell in from the air inlet. . Clearing it with some wire and av good hose jet did the trick. Never returned.

 

[SpikyMikey]

I had a similar thing with my 211. It was the centre drain below the windscreen at the back of the bonnet. It was blocked and seriously fermenting bringing the smell in from the air inlet. . Clearing it with some wire and av good hose jet did the trick. Never returned.

Those scuttle drains do appear to be very prone to blocking; on my S204 they constantly get bunged up. Poor design IMO.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

An Aircon fella once told me at the end of a journey when Aircon was used , for the last 10 minutes turn everything up to hot and it dries out any moisture throughout the system.

 

[sceh]

I can't see any blocked holes. Has anyone ever removed the aircon inlet cover inside the engine bay and why don't Mercedes say you should inject disinfectant directly into this? I don't want to mess aorund with it unlees I am sure I will not make matters worse. It is the big plastic cover near the bulkhead under the bonnet

 

[sceh]

Those scuttle drains do appear to be very prone to blocking; on my S204 they constantly get bunged up. Poor design IMO.

anyone point me to where they are on the W204. I am not sure I am looking in the right place now

 

[SpikyMikey]

anyone point me to where they are on the W204. I am not sure I am looking in the right place now

 

[DSM10000]

Also, change the cabin air filter. They can be a source of unpleasant odours and if damp can have mould growth on them.

 

[sceh]

View attachment 125222

thanks!!

 

[SpikyMikey]

Looking at my pics, I think a bit of detailing is called for

 

[Gbrowncls55]

Looks like its not yet recovered from the desert dust storm rain of a few weeks ago. That orange dust got everywhere . all rubber seals, loads under the bonnet . took me ages to clean it all out and i'm still finding it in the most unlikely places.

 

[SpikyMikey]

Looks like its not yet recovered from the desert dust storm rain of a few weeks ago. That orange dust got everywhere . all rubber seals, loads under the bonnet . took me ages to clean it all out and i'm still finding it in the most unlikely places.

Yep, you're right. A couple of hours later and it's all looking a bit better now, but that orange dust is a b*gger to get rid of.

 

[DSM10000]

SInce I have not used my aircon since last summer, it now smells rather like cow-dung when I use it. Merceds tell me it needs to have bacteria and things cleaned and there are products to do this.
Which is the ost effective in your experience?
They also said that either I remove the dash or there are products with tubes that go down the outlets since the inlets are hidden (?)
W204 2011 btw

any hints on the best and how to do it?
thanks

Out of interest, why have you not used it since last summer?

Are you aware that as well as providing cooled air it also, and just as importantly, dehumidifies the cabin air helping to prevent misting in the cool and damp months. Plus, as others have said, not running it can cause expensive problems with seals etc drying out because the special lubricant that the seals and compressor need to operate correctly isn't being moved around the system.

 

[davymead]

With the vast majority of vehicles having air con these days, how often do you still see people driving about with badly misted up windows.

 

[sceh]

Out of interest, why have you not used it since last summer?

Are you aware that as well as providing cooled air it also, and just as importantly, dehumidifies the cabin air helping to prevent misting in the cool and damp months. Plus, as others have said, not running it can cause expensive problems with seals etc drying out because the special lubricant that the seals and compressor need to operate correctly isn't being moved around the system.

I tend to use it when it is hot and will sometimes give it a blast in the winter to get rid of humidity but I have learnt my lesson..

 

[Gbrowncls55]

i leave mine on all the time as recommended

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Also, change the cabin air filter. They can be a source of unpleasant odours and if damp can have mould growth on them.

Have a garage change that for you.