Hey all

 

I usually just set my air con to auto but have the actual AC button switched off. With all this hot weather recently, I've noticed a strange smell when switching from ac to non ac. I'm unsure if my set up might actually be a catalyst to this issue as the actual ac is switched on when I get too hot only for a limited time, if that makes sense.

 

The funky smell is only temporary but definetly noticeable and certainly not pleasant. I take it there's damp/mould gathering somewhere?

 

I've got one of those spray can things from ECP and them magic tree fresheners. A bit of research directs me to apparently spraying it into the vents with ac on set to recirculate, then leave for a bit.

 

Thing is (daft question perhaps), do I expel the whole can? How does this differ from an air b##b or are they one in the same?

 

I am thinking this is the way to do it prior to, if necessary at all to go to a specialist and get the ac system cleaned or re gassed.

 

Incidentally, carbon activated bosch pollen filter. Changed about 6 months ago.

 

What's your thoughts chaps?

Edited 31 May, 20179 yr by LordRaiden84

I used to get a foostie smell on previous cars , but that was when I only used the ac/cc when I thought I needed it. 

 

Now I leave it on all the time the only occasion I notice a smell is when it is approaching its annual  service. 

 

I cannot recall what the Skoda recommended servicing period is for ac, but I get it serviced every 12 months. 

 

The plus point  with the service is it should highlight any issues before they get expensive. Having the receipts for annual ac servicing MAY prove beneficial when asking Škoda for a 'goodwill' gesture if the system should fail. 

I have had the same issue on a previous car. Bought one of those air bombs from Halfords, other suppliers are available! You turn the engine and air con on, putting the air con on cold and switch to recirc. Had to put the bomb in the back passenger footwell and press the plunger. Then the instructions said to leave engine and air con running for a certain time with the doors closed, can't remember how long now. I know some people take the pollen filter out while the bomb is doing it's thing, but the instructions did not state that, so I didn't. No more smell.

Any authority monitoring my emails, please ignore the numerous times I said "bomb", it's all innocent, honestly!

The thing to note with these ac b##bs, is they are primarily designed to sanitise the system. They do not replace any lost refrigerant. 

Thanks for the replies chaps. Tbh, in over 2 years of the cars ownership and with it being 2nd hand, I don't know when it was last serviced. I will ring around some specialists near me and see what prices I get. I suppose it can't hurt the car to have the system checker or topped up, if it needs it.

8 hours ago, LordRaiden84 said:

Hey all

 

I usually just set my air con to auto but have the actual AC button switched off. With all this hot weather recently, I've noticed a strange smell when switching from ac to non ac. I'm unsure if my set up might actually be a catalyst to this issue as the actual ac is switched on when I get too hot only for a limited time, if that makes sense.

 

The funky smell is only temporary but definetly noticeable and certainly not pleasant. I take it there's damp/mould gathering somewhere?

 

I've got one of those spray can things from ECP and them magic tree fresheners. A bit of research directs me to apparently spraying it into the vents with ac on set to recirculate, then leave for a bit.

 

Thing is (daft question perhaps), do I expel the whole can? How does this differ from an air b##b or are they one in the same?

 

I am thinking this is the way to do it prior to, if necessary at all to go to a specialist and get the ac system cleaned or re gassed.

 

Incidentally, carbon activated bosch pollen filter. Changed about 6 months ago.

 

What's your thoughts chaps?

Mainly do not forget to replace the cabin filter once every year. 

Prefer the carbon activated rather than the simple which is only for dust..

The smell is a result of using the air con without dying the system before turning off air con and engine and so it gathers humidity and dust which in turn becomes mould..

If this stays in the air vents days by days then by switching from ac to simple air flow is that point when the smell is coming of and if course most times is strong!

There is a trick:    when you reach your destination and have been working the a.c. , just turn off ac and turn the temp control into great and let it flow air for 2-3 minutes. This will dry all the humidity gathered/remained in vents, evaporator and in the cells.

So you may not then be able to smell again this or if so it'll be slight....

Of course the sanitation is good to be done at least once per year  (or dependant on the a.c. working intense).

The appropriate sani spray is a good enough solution which is done with engine running, air flowing in medium or hotter, and recirculation enabled.

Doors/Windows all closed.

Let it run for 10-15 mins and you're done.