Can't get rid of interior odor
 

Well, this is the third set of problems I've had since becoming a new 996 owner.

First, my car got egged and the paint chipped off. Secondly, my battery drained for apparently not driving it enough. Thirdly, now my car smells like fish! What else could go wrong sigh...

Last Sat I jumped my car and drove it for a couple hours straight to recharge the battery. Used it on and off throughout the day then as usual put my car cover on and tucked it away.

Tues evening I decided to grab my iPod from the vehicle to only notice a reeking smell of what I can only describe as a smell of fish. Didn't think too much of it thinking I'll air it out in the morning in which I did and the smell remains. Took it out for an hour drive last night with all windows down and air blasting to hopefully get the stench out. Still there. Cleaned interior with Armor All last night thinking maybe something got on the seats, etc. even though I've never eaten in the car. No luck and the smell remains. Doesn't smell like its coming from the vents nor the floor mats. I really have no clue as to what is causing the smell and why I simply can't get rid of it.

Do you live in the country or backwoods? Have you checked for decaying mouse or other small creatures? They like to invade cars with warm environments such as engine compartments and anywhere else they can get into

Is the smell stuck on some interior piece or is it getting blown in from the hvac vents?

Definitely try to track down the source. There may have been a moisture issue prior to you buying it. Hopefully it wasn't a flood car. I would start with the cabin filter as a minimum. Look around real good and vacuum any old decaying leaves out. Make sure the carpets are all dry. You may want to pull the carpet back some and take a peek to see if you see any mold and such.

The best product that I have found for odor removal is: http://www.autogeek.net/so2pure-air-purifier.html

I use this on all of my professional details. Dead simple to use. Clean all surfaces thoroughly then spray the So2Pure on. Leave the doors open as UV light activates the product. Use it on the headliner, carpets, etc.

Doesn't seem like its coming from the vents or stuck at anyone place. Going to take it in tomorrow to have it lifted to see if there are any critters in any unwanted places.


And thanks Porsche Pilot. Will have to check that product out

baking soda...sprinkle it on the carpet, leave it for a day then vacumn...

check under the seat and behind it

replace the cabin filter

Your battery is leaking!

hmmmm what year is your car?

2002

I cleaned the cabin air filter and it seems to have done the job. Am going to replace it with a new one and then I'll know if this is the source. Just weird that this filter would cause such a stench.

Do 199-2001's also have a cabin air filter? If so, does anyone have instructions on how to replace? Thanks.

Pop the boot hood. Right side, passenger side. You have to remove plastic cover, around the battery area to get to it.

I often leave my car for more than 5 days. I know this time because the door has to be opened by key, the car shuts down into a sleep mode.. Anyways your battery should hold a charge for longer than 5 days. I have heard that this was an issue for cars that sit. The age of the battery might have something to do with it's performance. Make sure your alternator is charging properly.

Pay the extra $ and get the carbon activated one for fresher air.

I replaced the cabin air filter and the engine air filter for the first time. I got instructions for the engine air filter replacement from Renntech.org. Both are nice DIY projects for which the dealer would most likely have charged me an hour of labor combined. Plus, I bought the parts at a discount from a Porsche dealer by phone.

I changed my engine air filter and cleaned the MAF sensor recently. I immediately noticed a big improvement in throttle response. I'm not sure how much was due to the new filter and how much was due to the MAF, but both are very easy DIY. Some have suggested cleaning the MAF every time you change the engine air filter. I will be following that protocol going forward.

The cabin air filter is next on my agenda.