ever since i got the car.. i've set the temperature controls to auto. Today, it was kind of hot so i decided to open up the windows and turn off the auto control. I turned the **** 1/3 up to give me just a light breeze. Then i start smelling this nasty smell. I thought it was just the vacinity but it kept going for another mile or so. So I turned it back to auto and switched to AC. Smell is gone. ANyone experience that smell?? Any idea's on what it is??

 

I've had that smell, happens every so often. Kinda like a sour acrid smell.

Brandon

 

I get it too. Almost every day, even with the AC on.
Mine smells like horse sh*t somedays and like cat p*ss other days. It only happens when the control is set to incoming air, if its set to recirculate it goes away.
I've tried to live with it but I've had it.
Dealer here I come.

 

I had the same smell too with my AC. I have to turn the AC off and shut off the fresh air unit, then the smell gone. It's only happen after i used the AC. If I don't use the AC for several days I don't have that problem.

 

It's condensation build up that gets mildewy. Stinky huh? I know VW dealers have some stuff they can run through the system to eliminate the smell; you may want to check with your dealer. To aviod this I always turn the AC off like 5 minutes before I stop and shut off the car and I try not to use the AC unless I need it. If the weather is nice and cool outside I will use just the fan if possible. If it is hot then I have to use AC. Try that, it should help.

 

You can try to find where the air intake is under the hood, then spray lysol in while the AC is running (not recirculating). That will sometimes kill it. You don't necessarily have to have the expensive stuff.

 

Are you guys driving without your shoes on?

 

LOL

the smell won't go away though. Either the fans are off.. or the AC is on. When i turn the AC off.. smell keeps coming back. Also noticed a puddle of water under my car in the garage... i guess its from the AC