Musty smelling air con

[Lisa]

I'm sure this is quite common...

My air con has recently starting blowing a musty smell into the car. Apparently I too now smell musty (!).

After a run of bad experiences with Halfords (muppets) I really don't want to take my pride and joy there.

So, what's the best way to restore the inside of my XK8 to the usual lovely leather / polish smell? I am guessing that a filter needs replacing or cleaining. Should I take it to my local independent garage or is it something simple to attempt myself?

It's a 2002 4.0l XK8.

Thanks very much,
Lisa

[daveji]

Nip down to your friendly neighbourhood accessories shop (or even Halfords!) and ask them for a conditioning aerosol for your air-con.
I can't remember the brand name but mine comes in a blue can.
Follow the instructions carefully and it will disinfect your aircon system and leave a nice fresh smell afterwards.
If it has not been done for years a second treatment might just be necessary,so buy two.....it will always keep till next year.
I do my car once a year,routinely.

[Lisa]

Thanks Dave.

Have done a bit of internet searching & there look to be two main brands: Forte Air Conditioning Treatmen and one by Wynn's. Both sprays that one aims into the air vents. For around a tenner.

I shall give it a try!

Cheers,
Lisa

[daveji]

Hmmm.......The one I used is not sprayed directly into anything.
You start up the car....turn the aircon on "recirculate"---full cold-----fan to full boost,open up all the vents, let off the aerosol(the button locks down) and close the doors and windows to let the aircon draw the disinfectant around the system.
Works well in my experience.
Personally I dont like the idea of spraying liquid direct into the vents.
Up to you of course !

[MarkyM]

Kwik Fit did my air-con clean and recharge for £40 (see seperate post) which involved them letting a gas canister off in the car with the air-con on re-circ as per DaveJi's post.

There's actually very little they can do wrong in this operation.

As for the leather smell I'd recommend a good vacuum, wipe with a damp cloth and then clean with Gliptone liquid leather and finish off with their conditioner (I bought both for £10 at last spares day). This will restore the leather smell.

Then if you really want a strong leather smell then get one of their leather air fresheners either direct or off ebay. I think if you order directly they have a 3 for 2 offer on.

Regards

Mark

[daveji]

Lisa
The product I have used for years now in several cars is "COMMA" Aircon Cleaner from Halfords for just under £12 a can.
I have just bought one for the Jag's annual springclean.
Recommended

Regards

David

[Lisa]

Hi Dave,

I went to Halfords and bought some "Comma" (it was the only air con refresher they had). For anyone who hasn't heard of this before, you just set the aerosol off & leave it for 10 mins with the engine running & air con on full. The air con sucks the aerosol into the vents, kills the bacteria off & Bob's your uncle! Really easy to use - just don't leave your P&J unattended (unlocked, sitting on the driveway, purring away with the keys in the ignition!)

I used "Comma" last Monday. It left a lemony scent, a bit overpowering the first couple of days but now it has faded to just a pleasant trace. Musty smell all gone now.

It has worked a treat and I'm really pleased. Many thanks for your advice.

Lisa