classic A\C smell

[MLI33D]

Hi All,

I've got that classic AC pungent smell coming through in my car whenever the AC is turned on - rather surprised as I've only had it for just over a year and its done just 17k....... my focus had done nearly 50k before that happened!

Anyway, I had the pollen filter changed as part of the service but the smell is still there - so I got an AC disinfectant spray which says to "spray into the Condensate tray".......... anyone know where that, or the equivalent on the b8, is?

Thanks in advance,

[Guest 2]

The aircon started smelling of rotten eggs in my A6 must be 2 years ago now, I had a full flush/clean/regas by Audi and its been fine ever since.

Every service they also use a nice smelly spray in the vents which is good.

[eob]

I don't run with my A/C on as a rule, but I used it during our Summer there at the weekend and when I switched it off, I noticed the familiar waft.
This is on an 8 month old car.
I read advice somewhere that you should switch your A/C off a few miles from your destination to allow the condenser to dry out.
I guess there are that many nooks and crannies that some trapped water is inevitable.
It's not too bad, as I say, its only when the A/C is switched off and then only for a short while.

[size12]

Have you tried an aircon bomb? Comma make one that I used in our b7 that sorted out the nasty niffs.

[MLI33D]

I don't like to use the AC unless necessary either - and when I do I usually switch it off a few miles from my destination to save on fuel consumption!

From what I can tell what I've got is essentially the same thing as the comma product - but I'm trying to find where this "Condensate Tray" I'm told to spray it into is?

[size12]

The comma one you set A/C to recirculate with engine running set the can spraying with all doors and windows closed ( you out of the car obviously)
The cabin will fill with the gas and make it all smell lovely again.

[theskyfox]

Yes I get this too. Oddly it's only ever after I've turned the air-con off, turning it back on seems to make it stop. This used to happen in my old A4 as well. Air con bombs tend to help, but the smell comes back again after a few months. Additionally, when going back to the car after a period of rest (e.g. overnight), have noticed that the vents can sometimes dump a load of humid wet air over the inside of the windscreen fogging it up.

-Andrew

[EssexGonzo]

Apart from the smell, not using the aircon regularly will possibly cause issues with other components such as seals.

I can't see what you wouldn't leave it on auto. It makes a negligent impact on fuel consumption and stops the windows fogging in winter. It constantly amazes me how many modern cars you see with fogged up windows and someone wiping their hand across a wet surface when you know they have a/c.

[MLI33D]

My thinking was the exact opposite in that using it all the time would cause it to "wear" down? it was only a thought based on my approach with my Focus which lasted 13 years and over 80k miles without needing any servicing apart from dealing with the smell thing we're discussing here!

I read somewhere on this forum that someone had determined the AC had an effect of around 2-3mpg on their fuel consumption - but don't know how scientific their approach was............

[theskyfox]

I agree it does need to be used fairly often to keep it healthy. I believe the AC pump is also lubricated by the refrigerant (verification needed). A quick google shows that using your air-con all the time can increase your fuel usage by up to 8%, especially when driving at low speeds (Source: auto-express), so I'd say there is a reasonable argument for not using it all the time. It's one of those things you have to strike a balance with, using it sensibly. Every time you use it, you do lose a small amount of refrigerant which is why you have to get it topped up/regassed every 2 years.

-Andrew