Volkswagen Golf Service & Repair Manual: Is the smell coming from evaporator or the heat exchanger?

Volkswagen Golf Service & Repair Manual / Air conditioning system with refrigerant R134a / Complaints / Smells from heater and air conditioner unit / Is the smell coming from evaporator or the heat exchanger?

Fishy smell

–	Due to leak in engine's cooling system or in heat exchanger of heater and air conditioner unit.

Note

If the fishy smell is weaker when the temperature is set to “cold” or stronger when the temperature is set to “warm”, check the heat exchanger for leaks.

Smell of a burnt clutch

Vapours from foot mats, retrospectively installed seat covers etc.

Putrid, mouldy smell

–	Due to accumulation of leaves, pine needles etc. in plenum chamber.

Note

Clean plenum chamber.

–	Use water so that it cannot flow out of plenum chamber.

Note

Check water runoff points in plenum chamber.

Smell from heater and air conditioner unit

Note

Smells that can originate in heater and air conditioner unit can be detected in fresh air mode and in recirculation mode.

–	Due to too much condensation water in heater and air conditioner unit

Note

Check the runoff points of condensation water → Rep. gr.87 as indicated in the vehicle-specific repair manual.

–	Due to an old or very dirty dust and pollen filter

Note

Check the dust and pollen filter → Rep. gr.80 as indicated in the vehicle-specific repair manual.

–	Due to deposits on the fins of the evaporator

Note

Clean the evaporator, using the ultrasonic air conditioner cleaning unit -VAS 6189A- → Chapter or the suction feed spray-gun -V.A.G 1538- and corresponding spray lance → Chapter.

Smells from heater and air conditioner unit

...

Ultrasonic air conditioner cleaning unit -VAS 6189A

The ultrasonic air conditioner cleaning unit -VAS 6189A- must be placed in the front-passenger footwell and sprays the agent Aero-Clean. Aero-Clean neutralises microb ...

Other materials:

Removing and installing anti-theft alarm sensor -G578-, version with 4 bolts
Special tools and workshop equipment required Removal wedge -3409- Removing Caution Danger of damage to compo ...

Removing and installing rear wheel housing liner
Special tools and workshop equipment required Torque wrench -V.A.G 1783- Note Removal and installation are descr ...

Connecting brake pedal to brake servo
Hold ball head of plunger rod in front of mounting and push brake pedal in direction of brake servo, so that the ball head clicks into place. – Check engagement by pulling briefly on brake pedal. ...