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Home >> Audi >> 2017 >> A3 Premium, 2D Convertible >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different variant/trim >> Section 9 (General, Technical Data (HVAC) -- (A3 Sedan)) >> 00 General, Technical Data >> General Information >> Odors In Vehicles With A/C System

Odors In Vehicles With A/C System

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Odors from the A/C system can come from various sources. Only a portion of these odors come from the A/C unit evaporator and can be corrected by cleaning the evaporator.

Odor Type Possible Causes and Solution
Smells like burnt oil
  • Mostly forms in the engine compartment due to leaks on the engine or transmission
-- Eliminate the leaks on the engine or transmission
Sulphurous smell similar to exhaust
  • Leak in the exhaust system
  • Exhaust fumes, which get into the passenger compartment, for example, when driving in reverse through an exhaust gas cloud
-- Eliminate the leaks in the exhaust system
Fishy smell like coolant
  • Leak in the cooling system of engine or of A/C system heater core.
-- If the fishy odor is detected also in recirculated air mode as well as in fresh air mode, check the A/C system heater core for proper seal.
Smells like a burned clutch
  • Coupling plates are worn or there is an operating error
-- Check the coupling
Evaporation
  • Floor mats, retroactively installed decorative seat covers, etc.
-- Check the floor mats or decorative seat covers. Replace or clean.
Rotten, mildewy, moldy or musty smell from the front of the vehicle
  • If the plenum chamber cover is damaged or incorrectly installed, water can enter the fresh air intake via the water channel where applicable.
-- Check the fresh air intake for the A/C unit. Refer to FRESH AIR INTAKE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
  • Contaminants, such as leaves, pine needles, etc. collecting in the plenum chamber
-- Check the plenum chamber for contaminants. Refer to PLENUM CHAMBER WATER DRAIN, CHECKING .
  • Water that cannot drain out of the plenum chamber
-- Check the water drains. Refer to PLENUM CHAMBER WATER DRAIN, CHECKING .
Smell from the A/C unit
  • Too much condensation water in A/C unit
-- Check the condensation water drain. Refer to CONDENSATION DRAIN HOSE, CHECKING .
  • Old or heavily contaminated dust and pollen filter.
-- Check the dust and pollen filter. Refer to DUST AND POLLEN FILTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
  • Deposits on evaporator fins
-- Clean the evaporator. Refer to EVAPORATOR, CLEANING .
NOTE:

Only if the odor originates in the evaporator can it be eliminated by cleaning with the :VAS6189B  or with a :VAG1538  .

Numerous procedures varying in their application and effect are available on the market for cleaning the evaporator. At this time Audi has tested and approved cleaning the evaporator using the :VAS6189B  or a :VAG1538  , for example.

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