My 997 was at the shop for about 3 weeks while getting some work done. I got her back yesterday, but the A/C now has a nasty odor -- like wet dog. It's a strong enough odor that I can't run the A/C without holding back a hurl.

Does anyone have experience with what may be causing this?

Many thanks.

 

You need to change the pollen filter?, probably got wet at the shop with the trunk open?? You can order through Suncoast (here on the board) and change yourself, easy.

 

Thanks 2muchtime -- makes sense -- I'll stop by the dealer & get a new pollen filter. I'll update thread when/if this works so others can pick this up in a "search".

 

Should be it, when I changed mine I really wiped the box with a cleaner before inserting the filter. GL report back when you have time.

 

The "wet dog" smell is actually caused by a bacteria or mold build up in your AC system. The cooling of air creates moisture, most of the moisture is discharged, however some of it will stay on the condenser and will eventually dry and the bacteria is formed. When you turn on the system, the odor is sent in to the passenger compartment.

One way to avoid this problem is when you are coming close to the end of your trip turn the HVAC system to Economy mode, and let the fans blow the moisture off the system so that there is no moisture on the components (only takes about 1-2 minutes).

Here is a more detailed description

http://www.autosolutionsproducts.com...inator-Service

Now that you have the problem in the system it is best to use an odor eliminator product that will remove the bacteria from the system, such as this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Green-Earth-Te.../dp/B0016LG2F4

 

Thanks all for the tips.

It was indeed the pollen filter and subsequent moisture built up in the system. My car sat for about 3 weeks which is what did it in.

Had the filter changed -- made sure the box was cleaned, and they sprayed Lysol into the ducts and let that run for a while.

The odor is about 95% eliminated. I'll try that other product if it does not go away fully by tomorrow.

Thanks again.

 

This is great info for me to bookmark.

 

I see you have it done but thought i mention it anyway. where I live, auto detail shops sell an aerosol based bacteria odor eliminator that will take care of the problem and keep it that way for quite a while. If your area doesn't sell that, use a small humidifier and make sure there is no water in it, fill 1 cup of Frebreze, put near the foot rest of the car, turn on AC with recirculating air, close windows and let it run for 8-10mins. I would stand outside the car when doing this. (other house hold freshners will take care of the problem temporarily but if its not bacteria degrading agent, the smell will most likely come back)