Smelly A/C

msoon · **March 11, 2015, 21:46:13**

Hi guys.

I've got an i30 SR that's about 9 months old and I'm getting this odour from the ac vents during ac start up.

The smell is musky like an armpit (but I swear it ain't mine) and it only started appearing a few weeks ago. The smell disappears after about a minute each time I run the AC unit - then it disappears.

I've tried the AC spray where you spray the vents under the wipers from outside the car. Helped a little but the smell is still there.

Just wondering if any of you have the same issue?

Mark.

cruiserfied · **Reply #1: March 11, 2015, 23:11:19**

Any signs of mice/rats under bonnet.

Lorian · **Reply #2: March 11, 2015, 23:18:51**

see

Problem with mouldy smell from the aircon I need help

msoon · **Reply #3: March 11, 2015, 23:23:12**

No rats or critters

msoon · **Reply #4: March 11, 2015, 23:26:10**

The linked thread wasn't very helpful unfortunately. Is there a way to access the condensation tray without taking the car back to the workshop?

Asterix · **Reply #5: March 12, 2015, 17:49:06**

Will it also do it if you have it set to recirculation...

That way you might be able to find out if it's from inside or outside.

msoon · **Reply #6: March 12, 2015, 21:35:56**

It's definitely not from the outside. It happens regardless of where I am

Phil №❶ · **Reply #7: March 12, 2015, 21:44:11**

Your car is very young to have this problem.

Have you checked that the Condenser drain pipe is not blocked and drips condensate on the ground when the AC is running in humid weather.
Has your car ever been flooded with dirty water due to rain or creek overflow.

It sounds as though there is some build up of material that is degenerating and causing this smell.
If you use the AC, you should turn the AC off for a few minutes before stopping to allow the air to dry the condenser fins, this may help.

Check under your carpets for any evidence of moisture, this can cause a smell, too. Sometimes the leak can be from a faulty door seal which allows rain to enter low down.

msoon · **Reply #8: March 12, 2015, 21:49:38**

How do I check the condenser drain pipe? It's definitely not the carpet. I'll do the turning off A/C thing in the future, I'm sure something is blocking the drain pipe which causes the musty smell. Just need to know if there is a way to access the condensation tray?

Phil №❶ · **Reply #9: March 12, 2015, 21:57:05**

The drain pipe outlet exits the interior through the firewall of the engine bay just right of centre, from memory. There should be a black open ended tube pointing down. I would poke flexible plastic up there to see if mud etc. is blocking. Don't use a screwdriver as you may bend a fin.

If the tray needs dismantling, it's probably best left to a professional.

Gruntus · **Reply #10: March 14, 2015, 07:33:59**

the pollen filter may be another thing to check

msoon · **Reply #11: March 15, 2015, 00:00:27**

Can I access the pollen filter without going to the service centre?

Gruntus · **Reply #12: March 15, 2015, 20:31:41**

It's usually located behind the glove box. I'm not sure what the accessibility is like with the new models though. Generally they're pretty easy to get to.

eye30 · **Reply #13: March 15, 2015, 20:40:40**

Quote from: Gruntus on March 15, 2015, 20:31:41

It's usually located behind the glove box. I'm not sure what the accessibility is like with the new models though. Generally they're pretty easy to get to.

Lot easier to access with the gd.

The glovebox is "dropped" by removing twist plug rather than one which requires you to "force" out with flat head screwy

msoon · **Reply #14: March 15, 2015, 21:55:39**

Thanks guys. I'll try

Dogsbody · **Reply #15: March 27, 2015, 10:40:05**

I had the same problem with our VX Berlina. It was a bacteria problem caused by moisture on the heat exchanger fins. It is more common these days due to the compact size of the units, they tend to stay wet for a long time after they thaw out (vehicle stopped). I was told to use pure teatree oil and spray it into the ac air intake. It worked reasonably well. Killed off the smell for about 12 months. If possible, turn off the ac 5 minutes from stopping. That helps dry out the heat exchanger with fresh air. HTH.

msoon · **Reply #16: March 27, 2015, 10:44:09**

Thanks for that teatree oil tip. How much did you spray in?

Dogsbody · **Reply #17: March 27, 2015, 11:06:11**

I used a 10 ml bottle of Thursday Island Tea Tree Oil. Dispensed it from an old Brut aftershave spray bottle (very fine mist). Turn the fan on to maximum speed with the ac off and the heat exchanger dry. The interior will smell a bit for a while, just leave the doors open to air out. Not an unpleasant smell though. Buy the oil from a chemist shop, it needs to be the 100% purestuff. Let us know how it goes.

msoon · **Reply #18: March 27, 2015, 11:23:37**

Thanks!

Phil №❶ · **Reply #19: March 27, 2015, 23:25:13**

The oil is a natural antiseptic. However, remember that it IS an oil and should any come in contact with the fins, it will adhere itself and reduce the cooling efficiency a little, so don't use too much.