Bad smell when first turn on AC

[mavin]

Hi guys,

I am having an issue with a bad smell that comes from my AC for the first few minutes when I turn on the AC. Google tells me this is a pretty common problem. I tried running the heat for 10 minutes which seemed to work for a day but the smell is back. I just put a new cabin air filter in last month.

Any experience? Thanks!

 

[otruba_843]

Is it a BMW? I know mine doesn't smell bad, but right when I turn the AC on there is a different smell for about 2 seconds then it goes away. Its weird that yours last 10 minutes. Do you have water somewhere in your system that had algae grow or something?

 

[4ord]

Have you tried "flushing" your ac system with some type of odor eliminator/ bacteria killer?

 

[mavin]

Is it a BMW? I know mine doesn't smell bad, but right when I turn the AC on there is a different smell for about 2 seconds then it goes away. Its weird that yours last 10 minutes. Do you have water somewhere in your system that had algae grow or something?

It's an Audi, lasts around 1-2 minutes.

It seems like I must have had water somewhere, as the heater trick worked temporarily.

 

[mavin]

Have you tried "flushing" your ac system with some type of odor eliminator/ bacteria killer?

I have not, where would I shoot that in? I dont want it to get sucked into the engine.

 

[4ord]

I have not, where would I shoot that in? I dont want it to get sucked into the engine.

You'd have to find your fresh air intake for your AC. Most of my vehicles (fords) suck in fresh air from the hood cowl. You could also spray it in the recirculating air intake (usually somewhere in the passenger footwells)

If you spray air in the fresh air intake, you have to make sure your fan is on full blast, and the ac not set to recirculating (AKA max ac)

If you spray air in the recirculating air intake, your fan has to be on full blast and your ac has to be set to recirculating.

Nothing will get sucked into the engine, because the air intake for the engine and the AC system should be different. Unless Audi has some crazy intake system...

 

[mavin]

Cool thanks, I think Ill pick up some of this and give it a shot:

Zep Odor Control Concentrate:

The ZEP 128 oz. Fresh Odor Control Concentrate helps to clean. It deodorize and disinfect a variety of household surfaces. The antibacterial solution helps kill odor-causing germs and leaves a fresh scent.

Deodorizes, cleans and disinfects many household surfaces
Removes ugly mildew stains and helps eliminate pet odors
Excellent for floors and fire restoration
Liquid concentrate makes up to 25 gal.
Fresh scent
Antibacterial solution helps kill odor-causing germs

 

[dad07]

go to walmart and get some OZIUM...about 4 bucks........a quick spritz in the vents.......let sit for 30 min. then crank up the ac and let it run for lil bit and done......

 

[mavin]

cool thanks will try that as well.

 

[Harry Da Hamster]

More details please about your car. A/C odor can be something as simple as mildew or a clogged A/C Evaporator drain or something as serious as a Evaporator leaking refrigerant.

 

[mavin]

More details please about your car. A/C odor can be something as simple as mildew or a clogged A/C Evaporator drain or something as serious as a Evaporator leaking refrigerant.

2008 B7 Audi A4