Quote:
Originally Posted by callisto9
I just had that done at the mechanic's last week. Made some difference, but I just have a feeling most of the smell will come back.
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Yes it will. Debris at the filter can contribute to the problem but the real culprit is the moisture in the evaporator case. All air conditioners produce moisture - its the dehumidifying part of the conditioning process and is what produces the water drip under the car. The stink is coming from mold and mildew growing inside the evap case. Mold and mildew requires a dark, damp, warm place to reproduce. When you shut off the engine and A/C together, it produces these perfect conditions for mold and mildew. You gotta remove one of those factors to keep the mold and mildew from producing. Moisture is the only one you can control. To remove the moisture from the evaporator case, perform the following steps about a mile or two from your stopping point:
1. Turn recirculation switch to "outside air" position
2. Turn off A/C compressor
3. Turn fan on HIGH
If you don't want to start the process a mile or 2 from your stopping point you could do it just before shutting off the engine. But just make sure to run the fan (step 3) for about 5 minutes before shutting your engine off.
All cars with A/C are susceptible to the "stink." Some more than others. The Beetle, I have found, is
VERY susceptible.
If you still have the "stink" then you need to start the process earlier (try 3 miles before stopping) or run the fan longer than 5 minutes.
I guarantee this process will eliminate the problem. Been doing it for years.