AC stinks but only with recirc on

[Coondog]

Weigh in on this - my AC stinks like feet when I turn it off after running it for a while (I usually do this at the end of drives to dry out the system before shutting off), but it will only stink if it's been on air recirculation. Otherwise, if I run the AC without air recirc there's no smell.

What's up with that? How do I fix it? Thanks!

 

[Tone1]

Only with recirc in? Maybe wash your feet?




In all seriousness, not sure about that, good luck.

 

[Coondog]

Only with recirc in? Maybe wash your feet?

Haha someone at work made the same joke. I wish it was that simple...

It happens after turning off the recirc function. Like there's some moldy funky stuff in the line, but only when switching between recirc and non recirc. The smell fades in a few minutes after that

 

[defcon5]

My MK5 had that. Pulled the cabin filter and tossed it in the bin, never to use one again. No more did my car smell like a dirty whore from the west side

 

[DV52]

Coondog: Check whether you are getting water underneath the car with the AC switched-on (should happen if the AC is OK). If you see water dripping , then it's probably bacteria growing on the AC ducts and/or condenser coil. If you don't see water dripping under the car, you could have a blocked drain tube

Don

 

[greypanter]

Coondog: Check whether you are getting water underneath the car with the AC switched-on (should happen if the AC is OK). If you see water dripping , then it's probably bacteria growing on the AC ducts and/or condenser coil. If you don't see water dripping under the car, you could have a blocked drain tube

Don

I have a similar problem, but only when I 1st start the AC, the smell goes away after 30 seconds or so. I never had any water dripping underneath the car. Pulled the the evaporator drain hose and it looks like it has never seen and water looks brand new with no sign of h2o. Went to my local dealer and they told me it's normal for some cars to not drip any water. I live in Utah temp is usually in the high 90 and humidity is usually around 30% which isn't too bad

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[greypanter]

@Op; have you already replaced the cabin air filter? If not that might be your issue, start there

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[Coondog]

Thanks everyone. I did see some condensation dripping last night when it was a little more humid. Colorado's pretty dry so I don't see that often, but it rules out the drain hose. I bought some Klima cleaner and I'll pull the air filter and take a look when I clean everything out. I'll let you all know if it helps.

It's still funny to me that it really only stinks when turning the recirc on/off and actually seems independent of the AC. Gotta love the complicated mysteries of cars - these are the types of problems dealers will never fix

 

[The Fed]

Change the filter. You won't see visual evidence of mold. And make sure you use a carbon impregnated one.

 

[Coondog]

Sounds good. Can someone post a link to a recommended cabin filter? I can also just buy one from the dealer I guess.

 

[greypanter]

Sounds good. Can someone post a link to a recommended cabin filter? I can also just buy one from the dealer I guess.

Am getting this one

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[Coondog]

Was just about to post that. Let me know if anyone has another recommendation, otherwise I'm ordering that one. Thanks!

 

[The Fed]

Mann might make it too. Both are VW suppliers. Doesn't mean they're identical to filters bought from a dealer. I think dealer charges $20? BTW, many dealers give a 10% discount to vets.