Smell

[conington]

Just wondering if any of you have experienced this and, if so, what you did to resolve it.

My 52 plate S500 produces a very bad smell when I start it up after having been left for a day in the sun (I mention the sun as it only happens when it has been left for a day in warm conditions) - it appears to come from the vents (climate control is turned on) and only lasts for prbably less than 1 minute after first start up. The smell is like that of urine and is very strong, I am guessing it may be stagnent water in the air con system somewhere but am dreading the cost of having a Dealer look at it.


Many Thanks

 

[BlackC55]

Try repacing your dust filter (behind glove box) first.
Then get some anti-bacterial spray for a/c systems and spray it on the evaporator. (under passenger side foot well remove the charcoal filter and srpay in there)

Follow the instructions on the sprays tin.

 

[BlackC55]

Hope that makes sense.

Just thought..... The charcoal filter is designed to remove light smells and if it has not been replaced ever it may be an idea to.

 

[conington]

Thanks

Thnaks for that, I'll try and locate the filters etc. this weekend.

 

[Blobcat]

As per BlackC55 it will most likely be a build up of bacteria in the heating/ventilation system

 

[dava]

Check for water leaks in your heater rad. Antifreeze has a very strange smell when it lies in the vains of the rad.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Its bacteria in the aircon system. You need one of those anti-bacterial bombs that are sold in car shops, such as Halfords.

 

[MOB]

I have same proble with my car can anyone tell me where the evaporator is on a W203?

 

[BlackC55]

Yes I can.

Remove the under dash panel pon the passenger side and remove the covers on the ducting (it is obvious). The evap is in there on the right side towards the centre console.

 

[jp williams]

Try turning your heater controls up to maximum for 5 minutes before you finish your journeys---that will dry out the system and reduce or eliminate your unwelcome odour.It works for me.Good luck.

 

[sims]

I get this smell problem as well, especially if i lay in the sun after having 10 pints and a curry the night before, epecially from the main vent.

 

[whitenemesis]

The aircon on my previous car used to go into a "self clean" mode every so often. It would cycle air flow at maximum through each vent in turn.
Does the Merc system do the same? Mine does give extra airflow just after start-up on damp mornings. I presumed this was to dry-out the system.

 

[itass]

I have also had the same problem
have had pollen filter changed, sytem re-gasses and have used the coma can type anti-bacterial spay- but did not get rid of the urine type smell you get for the first min or so

I have now put an freshiner on the centre vent to disguise the smell and this does do the job.

Someone mentioned their is also a charcole filter somewhere - if so do they mean the pollen filter and if not casn anyone tell me where it is so I can try replacing it

Thx

 

[conington]

Air Con Bombs

Parrot of Doom - These "cleaning bombs" look good for £10 in Halfords - would you know if they are easy to use (My knowledge of cars stops at tyre pressure and checking the oil level !!!)



Thanks

 

[BlackC55]

I have also had the same problem
have had pollen filter changed, sytem re-gasses and have used the coma can type anti-bacterial spay- but did not get rid of the urine type smell you get for the first min or so

I have now put an freshiner on the centre vent to disguise the smell and this does do the job.

Someone mentioned their is also a charcole filter somewhere - if so do they mean the pollen filter and if not casn anyone tell me where it is so I can try replacing it

Thx

I don't mean pollen/dust filter. There is a charcoal filter located under the cover in the passenger footwell. They are quite expensive to replace.

 

[eric242340]

I don't mean pollen/dust filter. There is a charcoal filter located under the cover in the passenger footwell. They are quite expensive to replace.

The pollen paper filter only removes dust and airborn contaminants, The charcoal filter is designed to remove smells. So do as BlackC55 suggests and change it.

The one question I have; When the Air Conditioning is running, do you have water dripping freely from the area (rear of the Engine) under the car?

 

[MOB]

Did as Black55 said and removed cover at passenger footwell, see attached photograph.
Where is the evaporator??? (I need a sign saying " its under here"!!!!)
How do I get to it?
Any recommendations for anti bacteria spray?

 

[whitenemesis]

The aircon on my previous car used to go into a "self clean" mode every so often. It would cycle air flow at maximum through each vent in turn.
Does the Merc system do the same? Mine does give extra airflow just after start-up on damp mornings. I presumed this was to dry-out the system.

Any comments?

 

[eric242340]

Did as Black55 said and removed cover at passenger footwell, see attached photograph.
Where is the evaporator??? (I need a sign saying " its under here"!!!!)
How do I get to it?
Any recommendations for anti bacteria spray?

If you look to the right of your picture, you will see a plasic cover which has been extruded in the shape of boxes. Remove this cover and you will see the evaporator. ps, you may find it a little akward to remove.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Parrot of Doom - These "cleaning bombs" look good for £10 in Halfords - would you know if they are easy to use (My knowledge of cars stops at tyre pressure and checking the oil level !!!)



Thanks

I've never had to use one, they're common knowledge though and smelly aircon is nearly always has a bacterial source.

You just need something thats deadly enough.