Car Aircon

[bonsaimax]

The a/c ducts used to emit a musty smell especially when the compressor was switched off, but would go away after a few seconds. This time around, as soon as the a/c is switched on, a very overpowering smell of a rotting acidic fruit like oranges or grapes, and it does not go away.

I already took the glove compartment off to check on the air filter, but nothing there. I reckon something must be wedged in the air ducts. Where else should I look into?

Cheers.

[BigSnake]

Most likely cause dead Rat/mice/bat in the air ducts, call your local AC service man, bet 10 minutes or less after his arrival your problem will be solve. Color, me been there done that.

[junkofdavid2]

The origin of the smell is caused by fungus, bacteria and other microbes growing inside the evaporator core. The moisture-laden environment is very conducive to the growth of these organisms.

More here:

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/heatingac/a/aa071601a.htm

[hakku]

So what you need to do is to clean out all the cold airducts. Most airco repair shops will have a special solution for just this.

[bonsaimax]

Cheers all for your replies. JOD, thanks for the link. Taking the car to the service centre was my last option. I was hoping to be able to access the airducts by myself thinking that a fruit might have found its way there and has rotten.

[hakku]

But you can, like the airconshops, its just a spray can with fungus killing refresher, but since you got to buy the can anyway, you might as well have them spray it in there.