A/C - Musty Odors From Vents

87 06 03

August 28, 2006

2010146

Supersedes Technical Bulletin Group 87 number 05-01 dated Jan. 7, 2005 and Technical Bulletin Group 87 number 05-02 dated Jan. 7, 2005 due to updated information.

Condition

Unpleasant "musty" odor from Heating and Ventilation system. Odor mainly occurs after vehicle has been sitting (unused) at least 5 hours and within 20 to 60 seconds after vehicle is first started.





Affected Vehicles

Technical Background

Condensate is a normal condition in all A/C systems. If odor is noticeable without engine started, this may be due to mold and mildew in the passenger compartment, not from the A/C system. All other possible sources of unpleasant odor must be addressed before performing this Technical Service Bulletin. Consider the following conditions before proceeding:

^ Evaporator housing drain must be open and free of debris.

^ Cabin must be sealed with no water ingress into the passenger compartment.

^ Plenum drains must be clear and free of debris.

^ Pollen filter must be clean and free of moisture.

Contaminants are effectively neutralized using the Aircomatic(R) II Ultrasonic Climate System Cleaner (VAS 6189A) and Airco-Clean(R) Ultrasonic Air Conditioning Treatment (VAS 6189/1). All other cleaning methods are no longer permitted.

Production Solution

Not applicable.

Service

If the vehicle is equipped with a pollen filter that is located inside the cabin such as in the A3, A6 and Audi Q7 then the pollen filter element will need to be removed and its cover reinstalled before performing this procedure.





Start engine. Set climate control temperature to its lowest setting. Set fan speed to its lowest setting. Set airflow direction to the dash vents only. Activate recirculation and ECON modes.





Thoroughly shake a 100 ml bottle of treatment and empty the bottle into the filling chamber. Connect the outlet tube.





Place the cleaning unit into the passenger footwell, making certain that the unit is as level as possible. Connect the power cord and route it through a slightly opened window. The remaining windows and sunroof should be completely closed.

Switch unit on and position the outlet tube such that the vapor is drawn into the recirculation air intake, generally in the passenger footwell area. Refer to the appropriate repair information for exact location. Close all doors. The atomized cleaning fluid will begin coming out of the vents. After about 15-20 minutes the treatment stops automatically.





If the vehicle is an Audi Q7 with 4 zone climate control the rear A/C unit is to be treated as well. Repeat the procedure for the rear A/C unit. Use the same A/C settings as was used for the front A/C unit. Position the outlet tube toward the vent on the left of the rear compartment.

Air out the vehicle after the procedure for about 10 minutes.

Instructions for unit maintenance after each use can be found in the Aircomatic(R) manual.





Warranty





Required Parts and Tools

All part and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Dept. and service manuals for the latest information.