Sour Smell From Vent Ducts
06-12-2008, 03:54 PM
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I have been noticing a sour smell comming from the vent ducts when the A/C is first turned on. I also notice it when the fan is on low speed. Any idea what it could be? Is there something I can put in the ducts to get rid of the smell? Thanks
06-12-2008, 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by nonames123' post='601564' date='Jun 12 2008, 06:54 PM
... Is there something I can put in the ducts to get rid of the smell? ...
Just kiddingSeriously, BMWs are known for a mustly AC smell, especially if you live in a hot humid area. I always leave my recirc. button in the "auto" mode and it seems to minimize the odor.
Occasionally, if it starts smellin', I'll run the fan on max with the AC compressor off to dry everything out. Seems to help.
Good luck.
06-12-2008, 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by TXPearl' post='601565' date='Jun 12 2008, 08:02 PM
Try a pair of dirty socks! Just kidding
Seriously, BMWs are known for a mustly AC smell, especially if you live in a hot humid area. I always leave my recirc. button in the "auto" mode and it seems to minimize the odor.
Occasionally, if it starts smellin', I'll run the fan on max with the AC compressor off to dry everything out. Seems to help.
Good luck.
Just kiddingSeriously, BMWs are known for a mustly AC smell, especially if you live in a hot humid area. I always leave my recirc. button in the "auto" mode and it seems to minimize the odor.
Occasionally, if it starts smellin', I'll run the fan on max with the AC compressor off to dry everything out. Seems to help.
Good luck.
06-12-2008, 04:50 PM
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It's called mold
Run your heater full blast for a while.
Also don't turn off your car with the A/C still going, shortly before you get home turn the a/c off , this will help let the condensation drain out.
It happens on every Audi me and my parents have owned (think we are on 5 or 6th a4 variant) both mine and my dads VWR32's, My bros Subaru sti, and even my older E30 back in the day. It's not new, if you take it in to the dealer they will spay some thing on the condenser to get rid of the mold, but the best thing to do is what I stated above.
If you turn off the car with the a/c still going, some of the water will not drain out of the a/c and eventually mold will grow in there.
Run your heater full blast for a while.
Also don't turn off your car with the A/C still going, shortly before you get home turn the a/c off , this will help let the condensation drain out.
It happens on every Audi me and my parents have owned (think we are on 5 or 6th a4 variant) both mine and my dads VWR32's, My bros Subaru sti, and even my older E30 back in the day. It's not new, if you take it in to the dealer they will spay some thing on the condenser to get rid of the mold, but the best thing to do is what I stated above.
If you turn off the car with the a/c still going, some of the water will not drain out of the a/c and eventually mold will grow in there.
06-12-2008, 05:37 PM
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My Ride: 08 550 Carbon Sport Almost everything factory, but no sound upgrades.
Thanks for the tip BBBull.
I have noticed the odor but never thought it to be too serious.
I will try to make a habit of shutting down the A/C.
I have noticed the odor but never thought it to be too serious.
I will try to make a habit of shutting down the A/C.
06-12-2008, 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by bigbadbull' post='601587' date='Jun 12 2008, 08:50 PM
It's called mold
Run your heater full blast for a while.
Also don't turn off your car with the A/C still going, shortly before you get home turn the a/c off , this will help let the condensation drain out.
It happens on every Audi me and my parents have owned (think we are on 5 or 6th a4 variant) both mine and my dads VWR32's, My bros Subaru sti, and even my older E30 back in the day. It's not new, if you take it in to the dealer they will spay some thing on the condenser to get rid of the mold, but the best thing to do is what I stated above.
If you turn off the car with the a/c still going, some of the water will not drain out of the a/c and eventually mold will grow in there.
Run your heater full blast for a while.
Also don't turn off your car with the A/C still going, shortly before you get home turn the a/c off , this will help let the condensation drain out.
It happens on every Audi me and my parents have owned (think we are on 5 or 6th a4 variant) both mine and my dads VWR32's, My bros Subaru sti, and even my older E30 back in the day. It's not new, if you take it in to the dealer they will spay some thing on the condenser to get rid of the mold, but the best thing to do is what I stated above.
If you turn off the car with the a/c still going, some of the water will not drain out of the a/c and eventually mold will grow in there.
06-12-2008, 05:42 PM
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Check your HVAC Micro filters and under hood air intakes. Frequently debris, leaves, etc will collect and create a place for mold and mildew to form. There are sprays that can reduce or mask odors. But the source should be located and eliminated.
06-12-2008, 06:09 PM
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Mold maybe.... Depending on where you park etc., it very well could be a dead or even cooked mouse! They have a way of getting into the duct work. It can be a pretty damned awful mess and very difficult to remove and mitigate the smell.
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06-12-2008, 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by bigbadbull' post='601587' date='Jun 12 2008, 07:50 PM
It's called mold
Run your heater full blast for a while.
Also don't turn off your car with the A/C still going, shortly before you get home turn the a/c off , this will help let the condensation drain out.
It happens on every Audi me and my parents have owned (think we are on 5 or 6th a4 variant) both mine and my dads VWR32's, My bros Subaru sti, and even my older E30 back in the day. It's not new, if you take it in to the dealer they will spay some thing on the condenser to get rid of the mold, but the best thing to do is what I stated above.
If you turn off the car with the a/c still going, some of the water will not drain out of the a/c and eventually mold will grow in there.
Run your heater full blast for a while.
Also don't turn off your car with the A/C still going, shortly before you get home turn the a/c off , this will help let the condensation drain out.
It happens on every Audi me and my parents have owned (think we are on 5 or 6th a4 variant) both mine and my dads VWR32's, My bros Subaru sti, and even my older E30 back in the day. It's not new, if you take it in to the dealer they will spay some thing on the condenser to get rid of the mold, but the best thing to do is what I stated above.
If you turn off the car with the a/c still going, some of the water will not drain out of the a/c and eventually mold will grow in there.
