Foul Smell

[h5kcd]

hi, ive got a 2001 mk2 2.3 manual galaxy,when you put the heater on you get a foul smell like a curry/antifreeze odour the car does not use water and carpets are dry any one know or had this problem cheers

[gregers]

when was the last time the pollen filter was changed?

[h5kcd]

when was the last time the pollen filter was changed?

hi good point will check

[seatkid]

Could also be bacterial growth in the heater/ac matrix due to blocked drains and not being allowed to dry out (i.e. constant a/c use). The cure is to clear/unblock the drain pipe(s) and use one of those a/c antibacterial treatments (involves filling the car with toxic gas I believe) A cheaper less drastic solution maybe to use Dettol antibac air spray and spray into the heater (turn on recirc mode and spray liberally into passenger footwell upwards) - though you still need top make sure those drains are clear.

[SPIKEYJIMBO]

I had a rank smell coming through my heater when ever id squirted the windscreen, I drained the screen wash resevoir and flushed through with hot water, re filled with fresh screen wash now theres no smell. Mush have been bacteria or something

[alanfp]

check for leaks - it might be antifreeze that you're smelling.

 

Sorry if this is a double-post - poota playing up a bit tonite.

[mikej]

As above i have the same issue and i know mine is due to a small water leak from engine bay coolant pipes :lol:

[daddyfixit]

does it happen to stink when you have just sprayed the screenwash by any chance??

screenwash does go "off" i use loads of different types, this time peppermint smelling? it was when i put it in before xmas but it smells horrible now! i usually pull the motor out of the screenwash bottle to fully empty it out, then refill with only a bit of screenwash (about 2 egg-cups? )

also had the bacteria smell; changed pollen filter and bought those "bombs" that you set off in the car when its on re-circ, takes about 20 minutes to leave a real nice fresh lemon smell in the car.