bad smell inside my car

[ROLANDRAE1972]

hello there ive just got my self a 55 plate w203 merc estate and its a belter, it only has one problem it smells musty inside and the heater/aircon stinks , like a stagnent smell etc, what could this be and whats the best thing to do,also the aircon system works well and is freezing cold just stinks, regards Roland.

 

[grober]

Smell usually caused by bad bacterial growth in parts of the aircon unit. Can happen due to blocked drain channels or simply from not being used. There are numerous chemical treatments to cure this by killing the bacteria that cause the smells. Any good aircon specialist will be able to advise you.

 

[G.O'Rilla]

Probably not in this case, but I also had a car where the washer bottle fluid deteriorated and the whole car smelt - emptying and re-filling didn't cure it. It took a bit of working out what the problem was (surprisingly it was not obvious) and was resolved by draining the washer bottle and rinsing the whole system several times with some water purifer that I occasionally dose the motorhome FW tank with. As above, a good aircon speciliast will sort it.

 

[Matt45]

Friend of mine had similar problem this week with his Audi. Was indeed the washer fluid bottle full of bad water. Audi Cleaned it all out and refilled and the problem has gone. I'd do this first as it's cheaper then if no cure try the AC.

 

[Smatt]

Problem in my C-coupe is a little different- it smells musty when the a/c is off. The a/c works v well btw.
Any ideas, please?

 

[Stratman]

When the a/c is in use, water condenses on the evaporator and drips onto a tray. This tray has a drain tube which takes the water away. It's why there is sometimes a mysterious puddle of water under the car. If the drain tube gets blocked, with mud for example, the water cannot drain away and it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which is what you are smelling. Sprays, potions and lotions will get rid of the smell but until the drain tube is unblocked it will only be a temporary fix.

 

[ewans]

has the same thing in a C class, same kind of smell when the AC was started, lasted for a min or two then dissapeared. Took to an indy got it recharged and the "air freshener" they add to the AC gas replaced (not sure about that one but thats what they said) and all was good.

If you have the smell even when the AC / normal fan is off then maybe the water bottle should be the first thing to check

 

[Satch]

Took to an indy got it recharged and the "air freshener" they add to the AC gas replaced (not sure about that one but thats what they said) and all was good.

Ah yes, clearly a genius at work there!

More likely something like this:

Comma Aircon Cleaner from Halfords Price £11.73

Clear the drains, change fiilter, deploy the cleaner per instructions and in majority of cases all will be well.

 

[Smatt]

I understand the explanations, but why in my case does it only smell when vents are on with a/c off ?

 

[Sp!ke]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the pollen filter?

 

[Satch]

I understand the explanations, but why in my case does it only smell when vents are on with a/c off ?

Maybe because you have a bug infested, warm & slightly damp heat exchanger that starts to pong more?

 

[Deleted member 6183]

Maybe it's not the car.

 

[gaz6148]

maybe it's not the car.

:d

 

[ROLANDRAE1972]

how do you locate the drain pipe to the ac, ive changed pollen filter and , went to halfords and got the treatment, did as it said and a week later a hell of a lot better, but i would just like to check the drain pipe , thanks ROLAND.

 

[Stratman]

It'll be an open, downwards pointing tube (or tubes) underneath the car, roughly in line with centre of the fascia. Look under parked W203s for a puddle of water. That's where the drain tube is.