Smell A C in Volvo

[Joyce]

The odor smells like garbage and only happens when I first turn it on. The cabin air filter has been changed. Any ideas about what is happening. Of course when I bring it to my service guy the odor is gone.

 

[siesta]

Mold or debris in the evaporator most likely. Take to a mechanic, they will flush it.

 

[Passepartout]

Seems to me I heard something like this on 'Click 'n' Clack' a few years ago. Not necessarily limited to Volvo, but most cars a/c condenser has drains that allow condensate water to exit. Sometimes these clog and the water gets stuff growing in it (you don't wanna know). You- or your service guy can detach the drain and run something through the tube to clean it out. Then they said there is some chemical that would kill the stuff growing in there. You might even try running the a/c- I know, it's Winter- or defrost, and spray a quantity of Lysol (or similar germ killer) into the air intake- the grille outside, in front of the windshield. Keep the doors, or at least the windows open to vent out the fumes until they dissipate.

Could be worth a try anyway.

Good luck with it. A stinky car is no fun, and might be unhealthy.

Jim Ricks