Recently I've noticed some distinctive smell from the AC vents right after the car is started, probably from the freon or whatever they use now a day. Usually in the other car the smell is foul, but in Cayenne it smells like paint or old contact cement glue. I don't really mind the smell as it lasts only a few seconds, but I'm worried about the fume being toxic, and also if it's an indication of some AC issue?

 

Had the same issue with mine. Had the dealer change the air filter and flush the a/c system and everything went away.

 

Had a heater core leak on my 996 with not only caused a smell but ultimately fogged up the windows. Fixed it my self with a new core.

 

I had something similar where I would start the car and it smelled like vinegar. It was strong and happened with either a/c or heat. It comes and goes. I wish I knew what the hell it is.

 

Mold...

 

1Z Einszett Klima Cleaner (http://www.1z-usa.com/products/klima...fessional.html) works wonders.

You can also buy it here:
http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einszett-...freshener.html
http://www.detailedimage.com/Einszet...476/250-ml-S1/

 

+1 change the cabin filter. I had a 2001 BMW 740IL Sport that wreaked like a crayola crayon box inside the car. For about a year I couldn’t figure out what the smell was & where it was coming from. As soon as I changed that filter, the smell let up. After a week or so the smell wasn’t as strong. It was still soaked into the upholstery, but the potency was gone.

 

Had this issue before. Got the dealer to change ac filter & problem solved.

 

Thanks for the help. I usually expect this kind of problem from a vehicle many years old. Happened after 1 year!

 

I recently had this issue fixed by the dealer during the 20K service.When I brought it up they seemed quite familiar and mentioned it's part of the 20K service which includes the filter change,they also spray something into the vents to kill the bacteria or mold that is causing it.

 

Mileage is more relevant than time but regardless, it's very strange that it happened after just 1 year. Cabin air filter is the first thing to check.

 

Yes mileage. It is at 18K now. Thanks for the advice.

 

Does anybody know where the cabin air filter is at? Is it still under the glove compartment like the previous model?

 

Procrastinated on getting to the dealer for the vinegar smell. Now it smells more musty than vinegar when I run the A/C. Have to get going on this one

 

Steph280-
I found a posting that might answer your question:
http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic...in-air-filter/

Scroll down to wwilliams88. He has a description.