Vito w447 smell in cab on start up

[Scanny1]

I’ve just recently purchased a vito w447 2.1 2019i
I Have noticed if the van is left several days and start it up there is a smell in the cab , for about 5 minutes then clears up .after that it’s fine and if i start it up the next day theres no smell ,don’t think its exhaust as I’m sure be there all the time , I’ve put a pollen filter in and still the same , any ideas what it could be

 

[davidsl500]

Does it have aircon? It may need an aircon "bomb" to kill the bacteria etc.

 

[SL63 Mark]

Can you describe the smell ? Does it smell of rotten eggs ?

 

[Scanny1]

Hi not 100% it’s not all the time it’s just when it’s sat for over a day or two and then there’s a smell but goes after about 5 minutes ,I did think it could be the dpf but to be fair drives fine , what do you think it could be thanks

 

[Scanny1]

It doesn’t have air con .its almost like fumes smell but clears up after 5 minutes, if I use it regularly I don’t notice it , but if I leave the van for a few days then start it up it smells in the cab ,

 

[mioba]

What smell?

 

[Scanny1]

It’s hard to be 100% what it is , I’m sure its a fume smell , but if the exhaust was leaking it would be all the time , and can’t see any leaks to suggest diesel or oil , I can’t see how to eliminate what it is , I fitted a pollen filter as it was missing , someone did say it’s euro 6 engine they do that leave a smell ,I’ve never heard of that !

 

[Scanny1]

The van doesn’t have aircon either , I did think that first thanks

 

[alexanderfoti]

Have you stood outside it during a cold start?

We had one in with the same customer complaint. Could smell it after 5 mins or so on cold start, but outside the van it stunk of diesel from a bad injector

 

[Scanny1]

No haven’t tried that I’ll try it tomorrow thanks

 

[Scanny1]

Have started it up today didn’t really smell strong of diesel , is it the case of removing the injector see if any of them do let by (drip) thanks

 

[oscarham]

We used to have a Vito with chronic injector seal problems. As the engine is tucked right up under the dash, the diesel smell would be both inside and outside the van. Quite a laborious repair due to access issues.

 

[Scanny1]

Ok so if it is a seal issue is it possible to actually see that( leaking diesel ) what’s involved to see that thanks for replying

 

[Scanny1]

I think it’s exhaust fumes but find it odd it’s only when it’s left a couple of days it smells in the cab

 

[alexanderfoti]

I think it’s exhaust fumes but find it odd it’s only when it’s left a couple of days it smells in the cab

Yes it will be exhaust fumes not raw diesel. You need a mirror and some fluid (water, or soaopy water) Sprayed into the injector bores and start it., a leak will show as bubbling.

 

[Scanny1]

Ok thanks , the smell is unusual though and goes after a bit it’s hard to describe it but like a sweet smell , wondered if it was dpf filter

 

[oscarham]

In my opinion, the best thing you can do with a DPF is remove it, hollow it out and refit. as long as it's not visible that it's been.... modified.

 

[M80]

Ok thanks , the smell is unusual though and goes after a bit it’s hard to describe it but like a sweet smell , wondered if it was dpf filter

Sweet smell is more likely coolant.
Do you have white smoke from the exhaust at these times?

Exhaust fumes after the cat might smell of almonds. So there would be a leaky exhaust for that.

 

[M80]

In my opinion, the best thing you can do with a DPF is remove it, hollow it out and refit. as long as it's not visible that it's been.... modified.

That's unlikely to be a popular opinion round here.
Ignoring the legalities, many remaps to remove the recognition of the sensors involved have caused other issues.

I know one personally who did this to an Audi. 5 re visits to address issues, don't think it was ever right. He did enjoy his extra power though, but that was nowt to do with DPF removal.

 

[Scanny1]

Not loosing coolant or oil , and exhaust is clear of any smoke white smoke etc , just strange why it only happens when the van has been sitting there several days thanks for the reply’s though