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Aircon Smell[ALL/1998] posted by Peter Lim on
Friday, 26 September 1997, at 9:17 a.m.
I own a 1993 850 GLT 2.0 model. It's engine designation is B5204FS (20 Valves).
A few months ago I'd replaced the evaporator unit. Since then there's strong
offensive odour emitted from the aircon vents. The concentrated smell fills the car cabin in short bursts. When this happens I just flick off the aircon button (but leaving the fan blowing) and the smell disappears.
The problem is an elusive one though. The smell does not come on in any regular
fashion, ie everytime when the car starts. However, I observed that whenever I
accelerate the car from several start-stop situations (as in between several signalized traffic junctions) the smell starts to burst out from the aircon vents.
I've got the mechanic to check the air circulation flap and was found to be in working order, ie it responds to the air circulation button when flick on/off.
The under carriage of the car was checked too but no exhaust leakage was
found.
Several mechanics have tried unsuccessfully to solve this problem.
Today, I drive sometimes without the aircon but the heat of the sun is almost
unbearable for any long drives in the car.
I'm posting this message in the hope that someone may have an answer.
Many thanks.
Re: Aircon Smell[ALL/1998] posted by Stoney on
Friday, 26 September 1997, at 4:46 p.m.
Peter-Describe the smell, no joke intended here the type of smell can help isolate the source. Sulpher Rotten Egg smell? Onion/Garlic smell? Musty Mouldy smell?
There is an aerosol spray that Volvo and some other US carmakers use to spray into the vent system to kill various odors caused by mold spores and the like. Ask the Volvo dealer to check his factory bulletins for this info.
Abe/Robert/Mark any idea of TSR Bulletin number or solution?
Also please check the AC Evaporator filter unit for mold/cleanliness-as well as any other passenger compartment external air filters - it could start there.
In a tropical climate-High Humidity + High Temps Mold, etc can grow at an alarming rate!
Re: Aircon Smell[ALL/1998] posted by Abe Crombie on
Friday, 26 September 1997, at 8:50 p.m.
If your odor can be best described as that of freshly wetted concrete, then that is the odor of a treatment applied to the evap. by the supplier to prevent
molds and other organisms from growing on the evap. Unfortunately it does stink, but it usually fades with use. This odor is not harmful, the molds that can grow are allergens for many people, so the chemical is the lesser of two evils.
It can be smelled during acceleration due to your engine computer shutting off a/c compressor for 12 seconds for improved performance. If it some other type of odor, then you will have to describe it for anyone to give you advice.
Re: Aircon Smell/see I told ya abe would know![ALL/1998] posted by Stoney on
Friday, 26 September 1997, at 10:02 p.m.
Abe, Thanks for confirming my unspoken thoughts..