stinky A/C

**ChronoVII** · 09-16-2009 08:18 PM

So a couple days weeks ago my A/C started smelling really bad, it was like a rotting banana smell. anyways, i took it to the dealership and they discovered that the cabin filter was really dirty and wet. The flushed my a/c system and replaced the filter and it is no longer smelling, but how on earth do you guys think it happened? i mean, i bought the car brand new, i don't understand why the filter would have been so dirty.

any theories?

**B_Boy** · 09-16-2009 08:31 PM

you know what my a/c smells bad when i first turn the car on in the morning, and then it goes away after a minute or so but sometimes it makes me want to throw up. Does you smell bad constantly or just when u turn it on (like me)??

**macuser** · 09-16-2009 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by B_Boy

you know what my a/c smells bad when i first turn the car on in the morning, and then it goes away after a minute or so but sometimes it makes me want to throw up. Does you smell bad constantly or just when u turn it on (like me)??

i had the same problem. i brought the car in and when i got the car back, the a/c smelled like an air freshener.

**B_Boy** · 09-16-2009 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by macuser

i had the same problem. i brought the car in and when i got the car back, the a/c smelled like an air freshener.

the dealer did that?? Fuck man i would be pissed i hate car air freshners. I love the new car & leather smell. My car is almost a year old and still smells like it came from the factory! now im scared to take it to the dealer...

**jsantiago17** · 09-16-2009 08:41 PM

Take a look at this thread fellas....http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=311350

Not sure if your A/C is "smelly" after it rains, but nonetheless, you should look into getting 1Z Klima Cleaner (suggested by Old Guy)....I ordered it this week and should have by tomorrow....supposed to kill/clean any mold buildup within in your A/C vents....hope this helps!

**macuser** · 09-16-2009 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by ChronoVII

So a couple days weeks ago my A/C started smelling really bad, it was like a rotting banana smell. anyways, i took it to the dealership and they discovered that the cabin filter was really dirty and wet. The flushed my a/c system and replaced the filter and it is no longer smelling, but how on earth do you guys think it happened? i mean, i bought the car brand new, i don't understand why the filter would have been so dirty.

any theories?

how long have you had the car for? when was the build date? your car could have been sitting outside on the lot for a couple months before you bought it. wind might have blown dirt/sand/rain into the filter?

**macuser** · 09-16-2009 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by B_Boy

the dealer did that?? Fuck man i would be pissed i hate car air freshners. I love the new car & leather smell. My car is almost a year old and still smells like it came from the factory! now im scared to take it to the dealer...

yes they did. some kind of ionization process?

some say the new car smell is not good for you.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/01/31/toxic_cars/

**ChronoVII** · 09-16-2009 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by B_Boy

you know what my a/c smells bad when i first turn the car on in the morning, and then it goes away after a minute or so but sometimes it makes me want to throw up. Does you smell bad constantly or just when u turn it on (like me)??

yeah it was like when i first turned it on. then in dissipated really quickly. after the dealership cleaned it though, i now have no smell at all anymore :)

**jsantiago17** · 09-16-2009 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by jsantiago17

Take a look at this thread fellas....http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=311350

Not sure if your A/C is "smelly" after it rains, but nonetheless, you should look into getting 1Z Klima Cleaner (suggested by Old Guy)....I ordered it this week and should have by tomorrow....supposed to kill/clean any mold buildup within in your A/C vents....hope this helps!

I edited my post above...I hadn't included the thread I was talking about....it's now included....

**Nght&Day-B8** · 09-16-2009 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by ChronoVII

yeah it was like when i first turned it on. then in dissipated really quickly. after the dealership cleaned it though, i now have no smell at all anymore :)

Mines exactly the same.. whenever i turn it on after sitting for awhile the first air it blows out smells like moldy ass, but after it goes away

**MiracleWhips** · 09-16-2009 09:26 PM

Totally rad!

I am glad to hear this is happening with our cars. This was a chronic problem in my VW Touareg. I was happy to leave this behind, but it sounds like it may pop up again in the new car.

**FlashA4** · 09-24-2009 04:16 PM

Its not your cars fault. The warmer and more humid the area you live in the more likely you are to have your AC at full blast. once you finally park at your destination, the condensation sits in your vents. in very humid areas, the condensation doesn't dry quickly and turns to mold and mildew. I live in central florida. Usually i will spray the vents with lysol every 2 to 3 months. Works like a charm with no issues.

**L0U** · 09-24-2009 04:19 PM

You guys have teenagers using your car for a hotel room? Smeels like teen spirit

**Granz** · 09-24-2009 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by L0U

You guys have teenagers using your car for a hotel room? Smeels like teen spirit

Oh man that's just wrong! LOL!

**Toecutter** · 09-24-2009 04:26 PM

VAGinitis?

**B_Boy** · 09-24-2009 05:52 PM

i replace my a/c filter today and the smell has gone away!

**audi til I die** · 09-24-2009 06:00 PM

My parents had the same problem in their new vehicle and I just switched the cab filter and it was fine. Either that's your problem or there's dead shit in your car. Hiding dead hookers in the vents a bit? lol

**joung300** · 09-24-2009 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by audi til I die

My parents had the same problem in their new vehicle and I just switched the cab filter and it was fine. Either that's your problem or there's dead shit in your car. Hiding dead hookers in the vents a bit? lol

haha

dead hookers FTW

**CLEAR** · 09-24-2009 06:41 PM

I have the same problem too, bought the car 3 weeks ago. Started smelling like a week and a half ago. Specially bad in the morning when first start the car.

**joung300** · 09-24-2009 07:07 PM

is anybody using a carbon cab air filter?

I heard it does a better job with keeping the stank at bay when you first turn on the a/c

**B_Boy** · 09-24-2009 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by joung300

is anybody using a carbon cab air filter?

I heard it does a better job with keeping the stank at bay when you first turn on the a/c

the b8 comes stock with it. When i replaced mine i replaced it with the carbon filter aka "comfort" filter.

**ThePiombino** · 09-25-2009 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by B_Boy

you know what my a/c smells bad when i first turn the car on in the morning, and then it goes away after a minute or so but sometimes it makes me want to throw up. Does you smell bad constantly or just when u turn it on (like me)??

I have the same exact issue! So annoying.

**iaonbb** · 09-25-2009 06:51 AM

I've always heard you should turn off the a/c but leave the fan blowing a few minutes before you're going to park it for awhile. That way it has time to dry out the system and leaves is open while the car is sitting, encouraging airflow. Don't know how much truth there is to that but I try and do it whenver I remember and have no smells (yet).

**audib8nyc** · 09-26-2009 09:45 PM

yo stop complaining my a/c smelled like fish for 3 weeks !!! lmao it was disgusting you dont know what I did to get rid of it let me name some - coffee beans, I bought air freshener after air freshener , and ran the ac without being in the car , you wanna know what got rid of the smell ? I smoked the first cigar in my car and it went away but i left my windows open that night lol plus i lost the leather smell =(

**mfresh2k2** · 09-26-2009 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by iaonbb

I've always heard you should turn off the a/c but leave the fan blowing a few minutes before you're going to park it for awhile. That way it has time to dry out the system and leaves is open while the car is sitting, encouraging airflow. Don't know how much truth there is to that but I try and do it whenver I remember and have no smells (yet).

^ ^ that seems like it may work too
I was told to only use the 'auto' feature only. If the a/c is set on 'lo' but the fan speed is set really low, there is a higher potential for condensation to build up- I let the auto setting regulate and just adj the temp when I need to. no smells yet- 60k

**Blake P** · 10-01-2009 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by B_Boy

the b8 comes stock with it. When i replaced mine i replaced it with the carbon filter aka "comfort" filter.

Marcus, do you mind posting a nifty DIY with pictures, part #'s, and instructions like you did for the K&N? I will rep you accordingly...

**B_Boy** · 10-02-2009 09:58 AM

Per your request, Cabin A/C Filter Install
A/C Cabin Filter - Carbon "Comfort"
Part #: 8K0819439A
The part is manufactured by MANN Filters.
I recommend replacing the cabin filter every 5,000 miles.
I got mine from the dealer for $38.69.

Install Instructions

1. Audi A4/S4 B8
2. Audi A5/S5 B8

3-4. unscrew 3 plastic wing type nuts (take your time it is a cramped space)

5. remove foam panel by sliding forward and down. Be patient its well fitted in there.
6. Slide the white door to the right and down.

7. Pull filter out (be sure to have something on the floor in case its really dusty). Also note which side of the filter has the notch and replace accordingly. The filter will bend a bit when removing/installing. If the filter is hard to slide in you inserted it incorrectly, remove and flip it over.
8. Replace white cover, foam panel, and plastic wing nuts. All done! Enjoy fresh clean air!

**Blake P** · 10-02-2009 10:02 AM

Very nice... how about a part #?

**B_Boy** · 10-02-2009 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Blake P

Very nice... how about a part #?

its there i updated it!

**Blake P** · 10-02-2009 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by B_Boy

its there i updated it!

Thank you so much, you have been repped!

I just ordered 2 filters from genuinevwaudiparts.com for $64.66 delivered.

**CLEAR** · 10-02-2009 10:34 AM

thanks B_Boy!!! I'm going to try to get the dealer to replace mine with this "carbon" replacement. I just got my got my A4 a month ago and already smelling like rubber sandal everytime I turn on the a/c

**HobbesA5** · 10-02-2009 12:48 PM

Too bad the filter is so damn expensive.

**B_Boy** · 10-02-2009 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by CLEAR

thanks B_Boy!!! I'm going to try to get the dealer to replace mine with this "carbon" replacement. I just got my got my A4 a month ago and already smelling like rubber sandal everytime I turn on the a/c

actually the b8's come standard with the carbon aka "comfort" cabin filter....at least mine did

(i checked the part numbers during the swap)

**B8_Jim** · 10-03-2009 01:02 PM

My car has the "sweet" smell that I think others have mentioned -- thanks to Marcus for the writeup -- I removed my cabin filter and was able to verify that it is the source of the smell. Mine is not that bad -- I'm wondering if new filters all smell this way?

Mine is not wet or obviously extremely dirty -- Marcus -- did your new filters smell a bit "chemical sweet"? Did they look totally white? I'm thinking the bit of gray I'm seeing is the charcoal since front/back were close to the same color -- see attached pics... Thanks!

Jim

**B_Boy** · 10-03-2009 11:14 PM

the carbon "comfort" filter comes in a grey color it looks dirty but its not. before i changed the filter it did have a sweet smell from the vents kinda like weird hennessy type sweetness. im not sure if the new filter has a slight chemical sweet smell but once installed u cannot smell any sweetness from the vents the air should jus smell clean and fresh with no type of odor. OH, If anything that i have said has helped you please rep me so i can rep u bak!

**naemcivic** · 04-10-2010 09:24 PM

I am going to change the cabin filter and purchase one of this http://www.detailersdomain.com/1zein...iacleaner.aspx tomorrow.

**a4manny** · 05-26-2012 01:56 AM

Thanks now i will change mine

**A4 Joe** · 05-26-2012 04:11 PM

My 6 day old car smells sometime and I wonder if this is the problem. Car may have sat in another dealer for 3-4 months.

Sorry for being dense but I can't tell where photos 3-4 are. Are they under the dash? Thinking I will change mine but this should be covered under Audi Care...right?

**maga4** · 05-26-2012 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by A4 Joe

My 6 day old car smells sometime and I wonder if this is the problem. Car may have sat in another dealer for 3-4 months.

Sorry for being dense but I can't tell where photos 3-4 are. Are they under the dash? Thinking I will change mine but this should be covered under Audi Care...right?

The scheduled service interval changes are covered, but not others. I couldn't tell either, but check out this post; looks like there is a video too http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post7620565

**equinox** · 05-28-2012 07:49 AM

I have noticed a weird smell after I turn the AC off in my 2011 B8 A4. I wonder if this is the same issue.

Thread: stinky A/C

Thread Tools

Display

stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Re: stinky A/C

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions