Air Conditioner Odour

[smithie Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close smithie]

I have a late model 2012 GXL Diesel. Recently I have noticed an unpleasant odour from the air conditioning system when operating. Similar to a body odour smell. Has anyone experienced similar problem and has a solution. Regards

[Beach Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Beach]

Its usually mould growing inside, created by leaving it on cold, then turning it off with the engine. Moisture builds up and mould grows.

Run the fan for a few minutes with AC off to get rid of the moisture before turning it off.

To get rid of the mould open the outside vent (turn recirc off) turn the fan on high and spray a cleaner like exit mould, spray and wipe, white vinegar or anything that kills mould into the external vent under the windscreen. It might take a few goes. I had the same problem and sorted it this way. Just remember not to let moisture build up and sit overnight.

[Kev7762 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kev7762]

Its usually mould growing inside, created by leaving it on cold, then turning it off with the engine. Moisture builds up and mould grows.

Run the fan for a few minutes with AC off to get rid of the moisture before turning it off.

To get rid of the mould open the outside vent (turn recirc off) turn the fan on high and spray a cleaner like exit mould, spray and wipe, white vinegar or anything that kills mould into the external vent under the windscreen. It might take a few goes. I had the same problem and sorted it this way. Just remember not to let moisture build up and sit overnight.

Rather than do this, the filter is relatively easy to remove, pretty sure it's explained in the owners manual, basically just need to empty the glovebox, pull the pins that the box pivots on and the filter sits behind it, remove and replace or clean.

[fido666 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close fido666]

basically just need to empty the glovebox, pull the pins that the box pivots on and the filter sits behind it, remove and replace or clean.

Just remember to disconnect the strut on the side of the glovebox before trying to remove it, it's pretty easy to pop it off the pin it connects to. If you don't it will probably come off the mount inside the glovebox surround which is a pain to fix.

[Beach Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Beach]

Rather than do this, the filter is relatively easy to remove, pretty sure it's explained in the owners manual, basically just need to empty the glovebox, pull the pins that the box pivots on and the filter sits behind it, remove and replace or clean.

What about the models that don't have a filter in the glove box?

Then theres the mould further inside the ducts?

[Kev7762 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kev7762]

What about the models that don't have a filter in the glove box?

Then theres the mould further inside the ducts?

Valid point, although being a 150 thread, they all have a filter. just relating my experience though, generally any foul odours are because of the things growing on the filter or as in my case because the wife left a takeaway pizza and garlic bread wrapper in the passenger footwell while we looked for a bin Bd as the intake for the recirculated air is under there it just contaminated the filter with the garlic odour, - very unpleasant.

[Beach Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Beach]

Valid point, although being a 150 thread, they all have a filter. just relating my experience though, generally any foul odours are because of the things growing on the filter or as in my case because the wife left a takeaway pizza and garlic bread wrapper in the passenger footwell while we looked for a bin Bd as the intake for the recirculated air is under there it just contaminated the filter with the garlic odour, - very unpleasant.

Thats sounds a bit like the unopened oyster, left under the back seat, after a coastal (scorching) summer holiday.

"Interesting" aromas that no one could track down for a couple of weeks...