Odor a/c

[AudiA4Style]

Everytime I turn on my a/c is strange odor comes in the air. Do I just need a new air filter or there's something else to look for?

Also where else would I be able to purchase oem air filters other than from the dealer?

Thanks in advance!

[s4Rye]

Condensation build up in the vents which is leading to mold growing inside. You should switch to outside air when you're about to turn your car off. Plus, don't use the recycle constantly, that just makes it even worse.

Do a search for this, it's been discussed before....in greater length.

[Peon]

Happens to my truck all the time. Just imagine a plastic water bottle that just sits there forever.

Turn it on so that you're getting fresh incoming air, get a can of lysol (preferably a scented one) and shoot it into your vents from the outside. It'll suck it right up and kill some of the bacteria that's growing in there. Repeat as needed.

[AudiA4Style]

Thanks for the help, I just finished sprayin anti-bacterial in my a/c vent and let it run for about 10-15 min. After I turned my car off I noticed a large water puddle under my car, is that normal?

[Wilafur]

assuming it is condensation from your a/c unit unit, then yes.

[pkancel]

I had this problem starting at almost two months from when it was new. Took it to Newport Audi because CommonWealth was dragging their ass at getting me an appt. Newport Audi said they could do it under warranty one time, but it was due to condensation and then molding. Told me that each time I finish running the air, to switch off A/C and run the heater for a few seconds to dry things out. That pretty much pissed me off. I asked them if I also needed to stand on one leg, pat myself on the head with my right hand and hold the heater switch with my left. What kind of crazy work around is that!

I also told them that I will expect this to be done over and over again under warranty if it keeps happending since it is obviously a flaw with the car.

It happened again after about 30 days, but because of other problems with Newport Audi service, scratching my car, leaving oil plug lose, etc etc. I went back to Commonwealth. They did the complete service by cleaning, drying and used some odorizer. They told me to not run the recirculation and then it should be fine.

After one year of having the car, 6 months since Commonwealth handled it, the odor is completely gone.

[SilverA4]

yeah ive had the same problem for prob about 6 months now, i figured it was just cuz im in the NW and theres a lot of mold up here....i wouldnt think that people in cali would have that problem....i was hoping when i moved to AZ this summer that it would go away cuz its so hot there, but we'll see

(the dealership told me to fix the prob just run ac on econ one or two days a week...still hasnt fixed it)

[canadian_driver]

maybe its cause u need to take a shower once in awile?

[pkancel]

Shower could be his problem but if not the shower, dont pay attention to those work arounds the dealers tell you. Trust me, none of them work.

The warmer the climate, the worse it gets. During the winter it went away completely because I didnt need the air and cool air was running through the vents from outside.

Its really about running the A/C and then later when the vent is turned on, it smells bad. It smells the worst when its hot out and warm air is pushing the mold through your vents.

Mine never got to the point of smelling while the A/C was on, but they told me that is the next step of it getting worse.

There is a whole process to get it fixed and chances are it wont happen on the first try. They clean, dry and then deoderize., but better to not wait because mold creaps further into your system each time. Plus you might find it hard to get a second date after a drive in you car smelling like that.

[JMG]

I used to have this problem with all of my cars because I LOVE A/C. I'm and A/C whore. Well, turns out the cause of this is recirculation. I stopped using it and all the odors went away. I NEVER turn it on anymore and the wet towel smell is a thing of the past.

Now... if you already have it a cheap fix that works probably 65% of the time is to run your heat on full blast for a few days. Don't use A/C at all. I was desperate and did this in winter once and it got rid of the smell in my other car.

[s4Rye]

Originally posted by pkancel
I had this problem starting at almost two months from when it was new. Took it to Newport Audi because CommonWealth was dragging their ass at getting me an appt. Newport Audi said they could do it under warranty one time, but it was due to condensation and then molding. Told me that each time I finish running the air, to switch off A/C and run the heater for a few seconds to dry things out. That pretty much pissed me off. I asked them if I also needed to stand on one leg, pat myself on the head with my right hand and hold the heater switch with my left. What kind of crazy work around is that!

I also told them that I will expect this to be done over and over again under warranty if it keeps happending since it is obviously a flaw with the car.

It happened again after about 30 days, but because of other problems with Newport Audi service, scratching my car, leaving oil plug lose, etc etc. I went back to Commonwealth. They did the complete service by cleaning, drying and used some odorizer. They told me to not run the recirculation and then it should be fine.

After one year of having the car, 6 months since Commonwealth handled it, the odor is completely gone.

Every car that has A/C will have this problem...it's not just an Audi thing. It is NOT a flaw with the car...if that were the case, every single car with A/C would be a flaw.

[pkancel]

S4Rye, is that comment from personal experience? and is your current car your first car. My comment comes from a lot of experience with many different cars and none have had this problem until I bought this Audi. Audi even admitted it being a chronic problem

AudiA4Style, just take it to the dealer and hav them fix it, assuming you are under warranty still. All of the other things that are described will work but only temporarily unless you want to run the heat for a few days as Something either has to burn the mold out or it must be cleaned.

You can try spraying things in the air ducts also, but that will only make it worse. I tried that too and it made the odor stronger. Like everyone says, once you get it cleared up, dont use recirculation.