AC smell
06-12-2018, 09:24 PM
#26
Senior Member
let me know how that goes, I’m over my wear and tear warranty, unless just getting a new filter fixed the issue which I don’t wanna do just yet haha. If it’s covered I’ll head over too
06-12-2018, 09:41 PM
#27
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TBD
06-16-2018, 01:20 AM
#28
Senior Member
06-16-2018, 01:22 PM
#29
Junior Member
I would echo several of the earlier posts in this thread. First, turn up the heat as high as it will go and run the system for 5-10 minutes. Second, turn off the AC and let just the fan run for the last 5 minutes or so of your trip. There are also sprays, available at your local Advance Auto, O'Reilly, NAPA, etc. that are designed specifically to help with this problem. Once it starts, I don't know if you can totally get rid of the problem but any or all of the above suggestions will help reduce it.
06-17-2018, 02:57 AM
#30
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1986 Light Ivory R107 560SL, 2020 Lunar Blue W205 C300 AMG-line
I don’t know if someone already mentioned this, but there is a lawsuit against Mercedes for the horrible smell coming from the AC. It obviously has to do with mold as others mentioned.
06-24-2018, 07:43 AM
#31
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C300
Hi,
My statement below is making an assumption since I cannot find a picture of the air flow for the HVAC system:
Spraying Lysol in directly in the fresh air intake (inside engine compartment) will not be completely effective unless you first remove the inside cabin air filter. With filter still in place, it will trap most of the Lysol.
Congo
My statement below is making an assumption since I cannot find a picture of the air flow for the HVAC system:
Spraying Lysol in directly in the fresh air intake (inside engine compartment) will not be completely effective unless you first remove the inside cabin air filter. With filter still in place, it will trap most of the Lysol.
Congo
06-24-2018, 11:35 AM
#32
Super Member
Hi,
My statement below is making an assumption since I cannot find a picture of the air flow for the HVAC system:
Spraying Lysol in directly in the fresh air intake (inside engine compartment) will not be completely effective unless you first remove the inside cabin air filter. With filter still in place, it will trap most of the Lysol.
Congo
My statement below is making an assumption since I cannot find a picture of the air flow for the HVAC system:
Spraying Lysol in directly in the fresh air intake (inside engine compartment) will not be completely effective unless you first remove the inside cabin air filter. With filter still in place, it will trap most of the Lysol.
Congo
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...breeze-scent)/
06-24-2018, 04:14 PM
#34
Member
Can't say for sure that the A/C smell situation is an MB engineering fault or not, many who got ATS's had a similar situation. Car would smell moldy, but would eventually get "aired" out after a few minutes of A/C. In the beginning when first being reported with these new models, Cadillac tried all the things (under warranty I might add) mentioned here (filter, sprays, etc.,) all temporary solutions and to no avail. Problem was finally found to be that the receiving end of the condensate drain tube was above the bottom of the pan catching the condensate, thus always leaving water where it shouldn't be and allowing for mold to build up. Solution (under warranty) was to lower the drain to the bottom of the pan. This was a big job that entailed taking a lot of parts out to get to the drain...but Caddy did it at no extra costs...good for them as I had to have this done on my ATS.
EDIT: Only drove my new coupe a 100 miles so far, but yesterday after detailing it, I started to notice a funky smell. Hope it doesn't last. But if it does, and seeing others having the same situation, it could very well be that MB made an engineering/design mistake with their A/C and either they don't own up to it, or haven't found the real cause???
EDIT: Only drove my new coupe a 100 miles so far, but yesterday after detailing it, I started to notice a funky smell. Hope it doesn't last. But if it does, and seeing others having the same situation, it could very well be that MB made an engineering/design mistake with their A/C and either they don't own up to it, or haven't found the real cause???
I got to fix this. The smell is killing me. I hate blue cheese and smelly feet and this is all I get when I turn on the AC.
06-29-2018, 06:34 PM
#35
I’m also having this damn problem, replaced both dust filter and cabin filter and it got slightly better. After a week or two smell came back. Tried Lysol in the intake (removed both filters) and that didn’t work, smells awful!!!
Anyone have a fix? I’ve called dealers trying to get a evaporator cleaning under warranty but they all say it’s $300+.
i think I’m going to go to a dealer tomorrow and speak to a service manager.
Anyone have a fix? I’ve called dealers trying to get a evaporator cleaning under warranty but they all say it’s $300+.
i think I’m going to go to a dealer tomorrow and speak to a service manager.
11-19-2018, 01:25 AM
#36
Junior Member
I’m also having this damn problem, replaced both dust filter and cabin filter and it got slightly better. After a week or two smell came back. Tried Lysol in the intake (removed both filters) and that didn’t work, smells awful!!!
Anyone have a fix? I’ve called dealers trying to get a evaporator cleaning under warranty but they all say it’s $300+.
i think I’m going to go to a dealer tomorrow and speak to a service manager.
Anyone have a fix? I’ve called dealers trying to get a evaporator cleaning under warranty but they all say it’s $300+.
i think I’m going to go to a dealer tomorrow and speak to a service manager.
11-19-2018, 02:25 AM
#37
Did you ever have any luck with this? I have 2018 glc and I've been dealing with this problem for 6 mo out of the 8 mo that I've had it. It's such a shame to be paying a pretty penny for mold exposure! Has anyone ever forgotten any food or drinks in the car? I have 2 kids so this happens often, anything food or drink we forget gets crazy mold insanely fast because of this problem! Its sick.
Terrible terrible design INFACT there is a class action lawsuit for it in the states. Google "Mercedes AC Mold Lawsuit" and you'll see a LONG list of vehicles included in the lawsuit. I myself have a lung condition and i imagine this is doing damage to my lungs. I spoke with corporate about it and they said nothing they can do and I should talk to a local dealer. Trading in this piece of junk as soon as practically possible.
11-20-2018, 12:14 AM
#38
MBWorld Fanatic!
The "bake-it-out" method works best - full heat on - recirculation mode if you have it - 30 minutes until it bakes/kills.
It usually comes up worst when manually setting Climate continuous low - which frosts up the evaporator - that then when vehcile is turned off frost melts and leaves system sitting damp...
It usually comes up worst when manually setting Climate continuous low - which frosts up the evaporator - that then when vehcile is turned off frost melts and leaves system sitting damp...
11-22-2018, 06:21 AM
#39
Junior Member
First post and I haven't picked up my 2015 C200 yet so not familiar with the exact operation of the climate control so this is more of a general reply. I should have picked up the car this week but the salesperson reversed the car out and into a lamp post so need to wait until they fix the bumper and replace the rear light!
Incoming air normally goes through a filter first and then into the aircon evaporator (the refrigerant evaporates and turns into a gas and cools) and then through the heater. During the winter it is common in a lot of cars (my previous Audi A3 for example) for the aircon to stay on so that incoming air is dehumidified and then after going through the heater you have very dry air which quickly demists windows etc... This also helps to keep the compressor lubricated with the oil which is included in the refrigerant.
The C200 looks to have just an aircon on/off button so you would turn it on in the winter manually I assume. (my A3 has an 'economy' button to turn it off if you wanted)
The smell is caused by mould which loves a warm moist environment. During the summer it is not normally an issue as the unit stays cold while you are driving and if your journeys are long enough it tends to kill the mould as it accumulates.
A few tips and notes :-
* Don't remove the aircon filter without replacing it straight away. It keeps dirt out of the evaporator enclosure which if present becomes a breeding surface for mould.
* If the evaporative enclosure becomes dirty the drain can become blocked which keeps it wet inside and makes the mould issue even worse.
* Sprays and other methods to kill the mould are only a temporary solution in a lot of cases. It it comes back it is likely because of a blocked drain or dirt inside so needs a proper clean.
* Try turning off the aircon for the last few minutes of a drive so the evaporative enclosure dries out.
* During the winter have the aircon turned on for at least a few minutes every month to stop the compressor seal from drying out and potentially leaking.
* It is worth getting an aircon unit regassed every 5 or so years even if it is still working fine. Think of it as an oil change for the aircon system.
Incoming air normally goes through a filter first and then into the aircon evaporator (the refrigerant evaporates and turns into a gas and cools) and then through the heater. During the winter it is common in a lot of cars (my previous Audi A3 for example) for the aircon to stay on so that incoming air is dehumidified and then after going through the heater you have very dry air which quickly demists windows etc... This also helps to keep the compressor lubricated with the oil which is included in the refrigerant.
The C200 looks to have just an aircon on/off button so you would turn it on in the winter manually I assume. (my A3 has an 'economy' button to turn it off if you wanted)
The smell is caused by mould which loves a warm moist environment. During the summer it is not normally an issue as the unit stays cold while you are driving and if your journeys are long enough it tends to kill the mould as it accumulates.
A few tips and notes :-
* Don't remove the aircon filter without replacing it straight away. It keeps dirt out of the evaporator enclosure which if present becomes a breeding surface for mould.
* If the evaporative enclosure becomes dirty the drain can become blocked which keeps it wet inside and makes the mould issue even worse.
* Sprays and other methods to kill the mould are only a temporary solution in a lot of cases. It it comes back it is likely because of a blocked drain or dirt inside so needs a proper clean.
* Try turning off the aircon for the last few minutes of a drive so the evaporative enclosure dries out.
* During the winter have the aircon turned on for at least a few minutes every month to stop the compressor seal from drying out and potentially leaking.
* It is worth getting an aircon unit regassed every 5 or so years even if it is still working fine. Think of it as an oil change for the aircon system.
11-22-2018, 09:38 PM
#40
First post and I haven't picked up my 2015 C200 yet so not familiar with the exact operation of the climate control so this is more of a general reply. I should have picked up the car this week but the salesperson reversed the car out and into a lamp post so need to wait until they fix the bumper and replace the rear light!
Incoming air normally goes through a filter first and then into the aircon evaporator (the refrigerant evaporates and turns into a gas and cools) and then through the heater. During the winter it is common in a lot of cars (my previous Audi A3 for example) for the aircon to stay on so that incoming air is dehumidified and then after going through the heater you have very dry air which quickly demists windows etc... This also helps to keep the compressor lubricated with the oil which is included in the refrigerant.
The C200 looks to have just an aircon on/off button so you would turn it on in the winter manually I assume. (my A3 has an 'economy' button to turn it off if you wanted)
The smell is caused by mould which loves a warm moist environment. During the summer it is not normally an issue as the unit stays cold while you are driving and if your journeys are long enough it tends to kill the mould as it accumulates.
A few tips and notes :-
* Don't remove the aircon filter without replacing it straight away. It keeps dirt out of the evaporator enclosure which if present becomes a breeding surface for mould.
* If the evaporative enclosure becomes dirty the drain can become blocked which keeps it wet inside and makes the mould issue even worse.
* Sprays and other methods to kill the mould are only a temporary solution in a lot of cases. It it comes back it is likely because of a blocked drain or dirt inside so needs a proper clean.
* Try turning off the aircon for the last few minutes of a drive so the evaporative enclosure dries out.
* During the winter have the aircon turned on for at least a few minutes every month to stop the compressor seal from drying out and potentially leaking.
* It is worth getting an aircon unit regassed every 5 or so years even if it is still working fine. Think of it as an oil change for the aircon system.
Incoming air normally goes through a filter first and then into the aircon evaporator (the refrigerant evaporates and turns into a gas and cools) and then through the heater. During the winter it is common in a lot of cars (my previous Audi A3 for example) for the aircon to stay on so that incoming air is dehumidified and then after going through the heater you have very dry air which quickly demists windows etc... This also helps to keep the compressor lubricated with the oil which is included in the refrigerant.
The C200 looks to have just an aircon on/off button so you would turn it on in the winter manually I assume. (my A3 has an 'economy' button to turn it off if you wanted)
The smell is caused by mould which loves a warm moist environment. During the summer it is not normally an issue as the unit stays cold while you are driving and if your journeys are long enough it tends to kill the mould as it accumulates.
A few tips and notes :-
* Don't remove the aircon filter without replacing it straight away. It keeps dirt out of the evaporator enclosure which if present becomes a breeding surface for mould.
* If the evaporative enclosure becomes dirty the drain can become blocked which keeps it wet inside and makes the mould issue even worse.
* Sprays and other methods to kill the mould are only a temporary solution in a lot of cases. It it comes back it is likely because of a blocked drain or dirt inside so needs a proper clean.
* Try turning off the aircon for the last few minutes of a drive so the evaporative enclosure dries out.
* During the winter have the aircon turned on for at least a few minutes every month to stop the compressor seal from drying out and potentially leaking.
* It is worth getting an aircon unit regassed every 5 or so years even if it is still working fine. Think of it as an oil change for the aircon system.
11-23-2018, 04:15 AM
#41
Junior Member
I got them to give me a free courtesy car so it probably saved me about £50 in all and saved the worry the car might suddenly stop working.
12-20-2019, 11:46 PM
#43
Senior Member
Great news ! Mercedes will fix or reimburse for prior out of warranty repairs.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/ho...rcedes-Benz-AC
https://www.businesswire.com/news/ho...rcedes-Benz-AC
12-21-2019, 11:49 PM
#44
Junior Member
Great news ! Mercedes will fix or reimburse for prior out of warranty repairs.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/ho...rcedes-Benz-AC
https://www.businesswire.com/news/ho...rcedes-Benz-AC
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08-28-2020, 01:24 AM
#45
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Mercedes 2014 C63 AMG 507 Edition
Mercedes HVAC Lawsuit
My wife seems to drive the car with the AC off from time to time in her C300.
Recently I have found that when I turn on the AC I get for the first few minutes a strong vinegary odor which is horrible. Then it seems to mostly go away.
Took it to dealer today and they are saying they need to change the air filter which apparently wasn't included in the Service B we did last month. In addition they want to clean the evaporative system.
They are quoting $380 for this. That seems ridiculous given the filter is a $50 part.
Any thoughts on what I should do?
Recently I have found that when I turn on the AC I get for the first few minutes a strong vinegary odor which is horrible. Then it seems to mostly go away.
Took it to dealer today and they are saying they need to change the air filter which apparently wasn't included in the Service B we did last month. In addition they want to clean the evaporative system.
They are quoting $380 for this. That seems ridiculous given the filter is a $50 part.
Any thoughts on what I should do?
https://www.mercedeshvacsettlement.com/
Check your car VIN if you'll be covered for repair.
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GLO (02-16-2022)
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diamondsilver16 (08-28-2020)
08-30-2020, 03:10 PM
#48
Junior Member
My wife seems to drive the car with the AC off from time to time in her C300.
Recently I have found that when I turn on the AC I get for the first few minutes a strong vinegary odor which is horrible. Then it seems to mostly go away.
Took it to dealer today and they are saying they need to change the air filter which apparently wasn't included in the Service B we did last month. In addition they want to clean the evaporative system.
They are quoting $380 for this. That seems ridiculous given the filter is a $50 part.
Any thoughts on what I should do?
Recently I have found that when I turn on the AC I get for the first few minutes a strong vinegary odor which is horrible. Then it seems to mostly go away.
Took it to dealer today and they are saying they need to change the air filter which apparently wasn't included in the Service B we did last month. In addition they want to clean the evaporative system.
They are quoting $380 for this. That seems ridiculous given the filter is a $50 part.
Any thoughts on what I should do?
08-30-2020, 04:33 PM
#49
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NailsByHoney (09-02-2020)
