Funny smell in my Passat

[darren74]

And no its not from me or the mrs.

Its at what best could be described as a 'sweaty sock' smell and has just become apparent in the last few days. Could it be linked to the climate control? Does it need to be bled or summat?

I've checked the carpets for dampness and there is nowt there so its got me beat as to what it may be.

Its getting stronger aswell

Also, when the car has been used and is switched off, a small squeal can be heard from the engine bay area, this normally lasts for 5-10 seconds.

cheers

darren

[Sam]

Pollen filter is my first guess.

[Huweth]

The squeal may be caused by the fans spooling down after the engine is shut off.
I agree with the other two posts. The easiest thing to do is changed the pollen filter. My dads car had the 'sweaty sock' smell and a change of pollen filter fixed it immediately for 5 minutes work and a few quid.
If that doesn't work, then you can do as Andy said, or you can buy anti-bacterial sprays with you put down the cabin air intake with the fans on. It gets pulled through and quickly kills any bacteria making the smell.
Try a new filter first as it's easier, cheaper and probably the most likely fix.
Good luck.

[darren74]

Cheers lads.

I went and done it backwards, I tried the spray first and it worked. For 5 minutes. So a pollen filter is going to be put in. And soon.

Getting the bugger put into an Independent VW garage this week for an inspection and minor works to be done (hopefully under warranty). Just the temp sensor, the squeal (to be on safe side), a slight knock under the car (though it hasn't been heard for 2 days now) and a general fitness check. Fingers crossed it'll be fine.

[PTEK]

Darren
Have you checked for dampness to the footwell carpets, high up on the left and right side of center console as well as the floor? Try pressing into the firewall as well. It may be not your problem on this occassion, but I had a similar sort of smell which was caused by the heater matrix having failed. If there is any sensation of an 'oily' residue in / on the carpet, check-out your coolant levels. If you are having to top-up every so often you may have a bigger fault than you think. My problems were not confined to just the heater matrix though - a failed head gasket played its part as well I believe.
Paul.