Smelly air-con? - Why does my E-class smell of sweaty feet

[SJMaxson]

Have just purchased a 1994 E220 auto estate, with air-con.  All seems fine, and the air con is working (and the car and air-con passed the RAC inspection).  However, every time I use the air-con with the blower, there is a smell of "sweaty feet" (for want of a better expression).  And no, they're not mine!

Any suggestions?

 

[Koolvin]

Smelly air-con?

pollen filter needs replacing and u need a fungi killer spray also!!

 

[SJMaxson]

Smelly air-con?

Many thanks for that.  I posted a similar message on the alt.mercedes newsgroup, and got the following replies.

Do they look right?  Is this a job I could do, or does it need a trip to my local Merc independent?

Is the product required something like Fabreze, or is there a specialist auto product?

Many thanks,

SJMaxson


There are antibacterial products in aerosol form that are marketed to freshen sweaty clothes, armpits etc, after a long day at the office, or if stale clothes have to be worn for a second day. Sorry I do not have a brand name but it should be available at any 'Superdrug' type
store.

With the blower running at full speed and all internal vents open but with the aircon switched off, spray the antibacterial into the external blower air intake, located at the base of the windscreen usually, for about 20 seconds. Switch off and let it do its work for an hour or so.

This is a common problem due to bacteria colonising the very moist parts of the system. You may need to repeat treatment once or twice over a week or so to eliminate the smell for a good while and with luck permanently.

IN A LATER POST, HE ADDED:

Good one. I forgot about the possibility of an air filter being fitted.

If one is fitted in the lorry's car then it should be removed before spraying the antibacterial to allow the chemical aerosol to reach all parts, if he chooses to do so, and the area around it cleaned with a damp cloth as far as possible. Also replace the cover before spraying. After treatment replace with a new filter.

 

[Koolvin]

Smelly air-con?

I gave you the right awnser - just short and simple

 

[Anonymous]

Smelly air-con?

There is one important thing ID like to mention here...
I have seen this problem before in older ford granada's with air con... The cure is indeed replace pollen filter and spray antibacterial solution into fan intake and run the air con flat out for a few seconds with the interior vents open.... But becarefull , Make sure the Antibacterial solution has no bleaching agents in it.......One of the young lads at the ford dealer ship cost us loads of money trying to fix just this problem... He sprayed a Antibacterial solution into the intake and did indead cure the problem........But a couple of days later we had an irate owner back at the dealer ship ..... The antibacterial spray had contained bleach and had bleached the front cloth seats in a very unatractive random speckled paturn......Either Use a solution with No bleaching agents or cover the interior vents with an absorbant cloth........
We Had to replace the Seats and door pannels.....

Nuf said

 

[SJMaxson]

Smelly air-con?

Thanks for all that - I'll get onto it.

 

[DougE280]

Smelly air-con?

On a previous car (a Honda Accord) with similar sounding smell!!!
I was given this tip by a dealer and it worked for me:

Run the AC on full cold for ten minutes in recirc mode then full hot for another ten minutes  -  yes I know it will be uncomfortable but the bacteria/mould causing the smell will be distroyed....exterminate....exterminate!!!

Seriously though, it worked for me but needed redoing every six months or so.

Hope it works for you!

 

[SJMaxson]

Smelly air-con?

Many thanks for that - I'll give it a go today!