Every time I switched on the aircon, a stinky smell will will the cabin for about 10 seconds, before disappearing.

The same thing happens when i just open levers for outside air...

Have I got a "air filter" problem?

Thanks.

has it been a while since you used it? can be all sorts of bacterias building up in there if not regularly used

ultrageek said:

Every time I switched on the aircon, a stinky smell will will the cabin for about 10 seconds, before disappearing.
Thanks.

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This is a common problem if you tend either not to use the aircon very often, or if you use it all the time and choose to travel "cool". In my Alfa, in which I have climate control on all the time, this "smelly socks" pong drove me nuts, until I found the cure. Which is: leave the car running for 20 minutes or so with outside vents closed and the heat on maximum. This kills the fungal spores which are causing the smell. I find I have to do this every year. People who like the car warm rarely get the problem, but I like my cars chilled year round (to keep me awake!).
B.

As i live in a hot & humid environment, i.e. Malaysia (average temp is 33C/92F); the aircon is used all the time! Hence, the stinking urine smell!

Guess i'll try that trick, altho it's a big waste on petrol $$$ to have the panda running! Have you ever tried to send it for servicing? Just wondering...

ultrageek said:

As i live in a hot & humid environment, i.e. Malaysia (average temp is 33C/92F); the aircon is used all the time! Hence, the stinking urine smell!

Guess i'll try that trick, altho it's a big waste on petrol $$$ to have the panda running! Have you ever tried to send it for servicing? Just wondering...

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I have the climate control serviced as per Alfa service schedule: including special treaments to deodourise/sanitise the thing, both DIY and once at an aircon specialist. These work, but only briefly and involve hazardous chemicals. You also have to run the engine for a few mins to get them through the system. They also cost more than the petrol you will burn leaving the engine on idle for 20 minutes - and once a year is IME ample to keep it clear (although that's in the UK). I've been to Kuala Lumpur: any stint in a KL traffic jam would surely cost you more fuel than 20 minutes on idle

You can get cans of antibacterial 'stuff' you spray into the outside intake which should get drawn through the system and neutralise the nasties. Never tried it though as I've never had the problem.

Most climate systems I've come across use a variable compressor which usually just ticks over so doesn't create the amount of moisture basic aircon does which is either on or off. Don't know if the Fiat one is less sophisticated though.

Ooh, you beat me to it

lidl were doing cans of A/C conditioner spray last i was in

good idia to get the bacteria kiled asap if you start to smell that as they can cause liegonaires desise wich can kill you

There is usually a drain in the plenum chamber, worth checking its clear. I try to run the car with the air on and heater on max for 10 minutes or so once a month to dry the system out. I usually turn it on about 5 or 6 miles from home to do this. But in Malaysia it's so humid and warm that it's going to be difficult.

Thanks for all of the replies mates. KL nowadays is heading towards 34C. And the idea of turning on the thermostat appeals to me a lot. Mayb I'll try that out later...

Anybody wanna try using dettol?

What about the Pollen Filter? Could it be the cause of problems too?

you can get air con bombs from air con service places you swich it on warmish and on recycle and then just set one off in your car then open the doors in 10 minuites and let the stuff clear they work very well i'm told

Got my mechanic to take a peek @ the Pollen Filter. Gosh, it had stuff growing on it!!! Anyway, have place an order for a new one. At the same time, he de-ozone'd the car(is that what you call it???) and also bought a can of Dettol Disinfectant!

hi everyone....can anyone point me to where the pollen filter is in our pandas?

thanks

It's actually right under the dashboard, drivers side, next to where you "rest" your left leg.
You'll have to unscrew the cover to take it out.

Anybody know what is the part # of it?