Bad smell from A/C

[123D-M]

Anyone else noticed that occasionally there is a bad smell from the air conditioning in the car? I always leave my AC on auto but occasionally there is a very unpleasant chemical smell. I'm 99% sure it is coming from the AC. Car has 12000kms now so it is not just the 'new car smell'.

[Double Nick]

Who normally rides in the car besides yourself? Most of the time the foul odor is caused by bacteria build up/mold in the vent "pipes". There are a lot of smart/experienced folks on the forum. It will be interesting to read the suggestions.

What I have done over the yrs with my AC is turn it off shortly before I get to the house. I then let the fan run w/o AC to kind of "dry out" the accumulated condensation. I live in Florida so AC is on a lot. I have not had issues with AC odor--and I have had AC cars since the early 80's. There are probably a lot better ideas than that. I look forward to reading others cures for the issue. Nick

[123D-M]

I've never had problems with smell from air con before either and I used to live in Australia where it gets to 45 degrees celsius.

Unfortunately this smell is intermittent which means I'll never be able to demonstrate it to the dealer...

[jeremyc74]

I used my A/C for the first time a few days ago, and had an awful stench come out of the vents for a couple of minutes, but it went away and I haven't smelled it since. The bacteria probably built up over the winter and cuased it. Hopefully it doesn't come back.

How long did you run it after you had the smell? It may be that it needs some use to clear it out.

[123D-M]

I never turn my AC off. I just leave it on auto the whole time. So this can't be the cause.

[wrongprotocol]

I have recently been having the same issue. When I turn the A/C on, the first minute or so is a terrible smell, then it goes away. This started happening around 15,500 miles.

I can't quite describe the smell - musky, moldy? dead bugs? either way, I can't figure it out.

[Lester]

Mold. You will need some disinfectant/mold killer spray. Spray the intake vents under the hood, and let it sit for awhile before driving it.

[Spartyshaun]

I think it smells like Band-Aids. I get it once in awhile.

[Quik135]

I get this smell off and on. It smells like curing silicone to me. Good luck reproducing it for your SA!

[Si-M240i]

You should have the aircon serviced every 2 years and they disinfect it then too. Had mine done last week.

[123D-M]

The smell disappeared from my aircon a while back. It hasn't returned thankfully.

It was gone after I got the car back from the dealer where it was having a warranty repair. So it seems that the solution to the bad smell from the aircon is to have your gearbox replaced.

Go and tell your dealer that.