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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: mola mola on 29 May 2012, 21:08

Title: Smelly Air Con
Post by: mola mola on 29 May 2012, 21:08

Hi my 56 reg GTI has smelly air con is this a simple fix by changing the pollen filters. Or will i be better off getting a service done.
Thanks
Harry

Title: Re: Smelly Air Con
Post by: 2007GTI on 30 May 2012, 08:29

you need to get an air con b0mb, new pollen filter wont make much difference.

Title: Re: Smelly Air Con
Post by: tcyjohnny on 30 May 2012, 13:05

hi, new guy here.
funny enough I was thinking of the same thing this morning, I am going to try some of these? http://www.eurocarparts.com/air-con-cleaner
Possibly the one shot one, let us know how you get on with them.

Title: Re: Smelly Air Con
Post by: Saint Steve on 30 May 2012, 20:10

You'll need a complete Refresh of the system.Drain of the old refridgerant and re fill. Has the car had an air con recharge before? should be replaced every 2 years.

Had mine changed last weekend . Aircon temp on the coldest was 16 degree's, now it was regesturing 10 degree's even on a day which was 28 Degree's outside.

Title: Re: Smelly Air Con
Post by: Bandit127 on 30 May 2012, 20:28

Changing the refrigerant will not get rid of the smell. Your refrigerant is on the wrong side of your aircon system to the cabin where your problem is.

Given your car is worth a lot more than mine - I might consider leaving this to the professionals.

However, if you are on a tight budget like me - your enemy is fungus and bacteria in your aircon and heating vents. Your weapons are anti bacteria agents that can be airborne (i.e. an atomised spray). I did this on my previous car to good effect - and it is all out anti bacterial warfare.

I used a car bomb like tcyjohnny linked to. I paid £20 for mine from Halfords though - sadly... Follow the instructions to the letter.

Next, I sprayed a disinfecting spray directly in to the vents. This is the one I used and I used about 1/3 of the can in all.
http://www.dettol.co.uk/disinfecting-spray (http://www.dettol.co.uk/disinfecting-spray)
I also sprayed it on any signs of mould in the car (as mine was caused by a previous owner letting it get damp inside).

Be prepared to repeat this process until all the bacteria/fungus in the system is dead. Then you will have killed the source of the smell.

It worked for me and I wish you luck with yours.

Edit - I also changed the pollen filter. It was in the cabin on that car and well gunked up.

Title: Re: Smelly Air Con
Post by: craigus on 30 May 2012, 21:42

Mines same on my golf had air con service and refresh last year at dealers as it was on offer and now it still smells..... Might have to try cleaning it out again

Title: Re: Smelly Air Con
Post by: 2007GTI on 01 June 2012, 10:58

just had air con service, which included discharging and re-charging the system and then a sonic clean, their name for air con b0mb.

and they matched kwik crap, did it for £49.

Title: Re: Smelly Air Con
Post by: Saint Steve on 01 June 2012, 21:41

Quote from: 2007GTI on 01 June 2012, 10:58

just had air con service, which included discharging and re-charging the system and then a sonic clean, their name for air con b0mb.

and they matched kwik crap, did it for £49.

£35 for me at jkm rolling road! Looks like I got a bargain then!

Title: Re: Smelly Air Con
Post by: Viking on 09 June 2012, 11:28

If you're gonna change the pollen filter and disinfect the system, I take the old pollen filter out and then disinfect, then refit a new pollen filter. No point disinfecting the old pollen filter, and no point disinfecting the new one either.

Title: Re: Smelly Air Con
Post by: Wayne on 09 June 2012, 14:17

Get the system drained / vac'd down and then regassed as required.