Damp smell

[SunGodRA]

Everytime I turn my aircon on there is a damp smell for the first 5 mins or so, then it subsides - any ideas??

[H5]

First, make sure the drainage hole isn't blocked.

 

Next, having it repressured / cleaned out may get rid of any stale water kicking about in the system.

[M13KYF]

you my have bacteria build up on the aircon which is common if you don't use it often

try this and it will sort it out. You can get it off the net or halfords

 

http://www.commaoil.com/News/newsairconcleanhtm.htm

[James350z]

This has just started happening on mine aswell. The smell is really bad for a few minutes.

 

Will the Stealers clean it out?

[M13KYF]

see above

 

Comma Air Conditioning Cleaner

 

Cladosporium, Penicillium viridicatum and Aspergillus - just some of the hard to pronounce fungal spores that might be co-habiting in your car's air conditioning unit and increasing your chances of suffering from "Sick Car Syndrome".

 

Scientists have discovered that motorists are susceptible to headaches, flu-like symptoms and even asthma attacks as a result of the micro-organisms quietly multiplying in the moist atmosphere of a vehicle's cooling system. And, if that wasn't bad enough, the fungi deliver a rather nasty, and lingering, smell in the process.

 

In response, car care manufacturer, Comma, has launched an innovative, cost-effective solution, Air Conditioning Cleaner.

 

Developed to sanitise and deodorise the cooling system, each canister contains a unique biocide, tested to meet European BS EN 13697 standards, to kill all common bacteria, fungi, mould and even viruses like e-coli.

[Digsy]

This has just started happening on mine aswell. The smell is really bad for a few minutes.

 

Will the Stealers clean it out?

 

At a price. Not a warranty issue AFAIK.

[SunGodRA]

any idea where the drainage hole is??

[H5]

In the engine bay just behind the engine IIRC. There's a tube from the air con unit to drop the fluid on the ground. Is the car leaving a wet patch after use (Jay, Louis - behave!! )?

[nixy]

I agree with the aircon comment. You need to run your aircon regularly all year round to keep it in good working order and stop it ponging. You sometimes notice when you've had it running and then switch it off that there's a slight change in smell.

[M13KYF]

run mine all the time. also helps prevent pump from seizing up

[nixy]

just out of interest - does it really affect fuel consumption that much? My cabin is nice and comfy if I put both dials on auto with aircon on and set the desired temp but invariably I end up blasting myself with icy cold air then turning it off because mentally I think I'm burning up more fuel.

[M13KYF]

it will factor but I havent worked out if it's cheaper to keep it on or pay for a new aircon pump. I don't intend to work it out either.

[H5]

just out of interest - does it really affect fuel consumption that much? My cabin is nice and comfy if I put both dials on auto with aircon on and set the desired temp but invariably I end up blasting myself with icy cold air then turning it off because mentally I think I'm burning up more fuel.

 

On new S40 we had it made a 6mpg difference, consistently. I don't think the Zed is that bad, but then what's the point in having it if you're not going to use it...... Plus, as Mike says, a new pump would more than take up any savings!

[sl114]

i always used to have mine on, i dont like getting hot when i drive.

[Zedrush]

In the engine bay just behind the engine IIRC. There's a tube from the air con unit to drop the fluid on the ground. Is the car leaving a wet patch after use (Jay, Louis - behave!! )?

 

you know me too well

 

My last Z had the same problem, it smells like an old man kind of smell

 

Got the stale water changed and was fine

[jim]

I can vouch for the Comma cleaning product - it works well.

[Beavis]

I can vouch for the Comma cleaning product - it works well.

 

Must get this done soon as mine is beginning to smell a little as well.

[GC350z]

Mine too but new z arrives in 23 days so screw it. Dealers problem now.

[SunGodRA]

Just to let you know - I bought some Comma @£11.99 and it worked a treat. Apart from the initial disinfectant smell which lasted about a day, the damp smell has completely gone! - thanks for the great advise!

[M13KYF]

no probs